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Wings for Life World Run South Africa
Your ultimate guide to the Wings for Life World Run —how to sign up, where to run, and why it’s more than just a race
The Wings for Life World Run will return on May 10, 2026. To prepare you for another memorable experience, we've put together this guide.
01
What is Wings for Life World Run?
At the Wings for Life World Run, everyone starts at the same time, worldwide. Professional athletes, fun runners and total beginners are all in it together against the Catcher Car. The moving finish line, the Catcher Car begins its pursuit 30 minutes after the start, passing runners and wheelchair users one after the other until the race is over. The best bit? 100% of all entry fees and donations go directly to spinal cord research to find a cure for spinal cord injury.
Check out the Wings For Life 2025 Highlights
The official Wings for Life World Run website can be accessed here.
02
The Race Format
Wings for Life World Run exists as both an in-person race and as an app-run. This ensures that every runner around the world can participate in some way, whether that's in a large group on a planned route, or even as a take-it-as-it-comes solo adventure.
03
In-Person (App Run Events)
In 2025, we expect to see many participants join one of the App Run Events (formerly called Organised App Runs). Anyone can organize an App Run Event in their village/town/neighbourhood. As an organizer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe route for your participants. We feature your App Run on our website and App, and your participants can register via the App. So you just need to go out there and promote your run the best you can!
Visit the App Run Event portal to set one up.
Please note: Flagship runs, organised by Red Bull, are currently not scheduled to take place in 2025 and beyond. If things change we will of course make this known.
04
App Run
Visit the App Run page for more info.
05
Goal Calculator
Because there's no set finish line, you might well be able to run much further than you think! To find out what average speed you'll need to run at, at varying distances, before the catcher car reaches you, visit the Goal Calculator page.
06
Sharing is Caring
Anyone can become part of the mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury and help spread the word about this unique cause and race.
We have put together a folder of assets that anyone is welcome to post and share among friends, family and communities. Click here for all the latest goodies.
And of course, when posting, please make use of #runningforthosewhocant and #wingsforliferunworldrun, and please tag @wflworldrun and @redbullza.
Cape Town came out in droves
© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run
Team spirit ruled the day
© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run
Got App
© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run
Smiles
© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run
Whenever a lot of people join forces, great things happen.
