At the Wings for Life World Run, all participants start at the same time around the world. It doesn't matter if you are a professional athlete, an amateur runner, or a beginner. There is no finish line. Thirty minutes after the start, the Catcher Car begins to move and gradually overtakes runners and wheelchair users. All entry fees and donations go 100% to spinal cord research, with the goal of curing paralysis. The next edition will take place on May 4, 2025: the main event will be held in Zug, but you can also join from anywhere using the app.

The Wings for Life World Run is the largest running event in the world and will take place for the twelfth time in Zug on May 4, 2025. In 2024, a total of 265,818 people from 169 countries took part. This year, 7,000 runners and wheelchair users will be at the starting line, including Swiss sports stars such as Marco Odermatt, Franjo von Allmen, Simon Ehammer and Daniela Ryf.

Unique running format

This unique format is unlike anything you'll find at other races. All runners and wheelchair users start simultaneously at locations around the world (at 1:00 PM CET, including in Zug) and are chased by a moving finish line – the “Catcher Car.” It begins the chase 30 minutes after the start and gradually catches up with the participants. Casual runners are overtaken around kilometer 5, while elite athletes may keep going until kilometer 60.

Run with the app – wherever you are

The Flagship Run in Zug is sold out. But with the app, you can still be part of the Wings for Life World Run – wherever you are. The app will keep you updated, entertained, and motivated on race day – and you'll be chased by a virtual Catcher Car. You can also use the app to prepare in advance and do training runs before the big day.

The foundation

Wings for Life is a non-profit foundation for spinal cord research, founded in Salzburg in 2004 by Heinz Kinigadner and officially recognized by the state. “For me, as a father, the world stood still for a moment,” recalls Heinz Kinigadner. A tragic day in July 2003 changed his son’s life – and his own – forever. Nineteen-year-old Hannes Kinigadner suffered a serious crash during a charity motocross race. He injured his fifth cervical vertebra, causing damage to his spinal cord. Doctors fought for weeks to save his life. As his condition slowly began to improve, it became clear that he would remain paralyzed for life. He is still one of millions of people who rely on a wheelchair.

The foundation’s main goal is to find a cure for paralysis. With the help of entry fees and donations, Wings for Life supports promising research projects and clinical studies around the world – including six in Switzerland.

Swiss athlete David Mzee has also been in a wheelchair since an accident. That hasn’t stopped the sports teacher and Wings for Life World Run participant from pursuing new adventures – today, he's out on the water riding a kitefoil board. The full article is available here.

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