On May 10, runners around the world will take part in the 13th annual Wings for Life World Run. The global event, put on by Red Bull, supports Wings for Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing spinal cord injury research.
The race, which has seen over 1.8 million participants in its first 12 years, follows a last-man-standing format, with a catch: Runners don't race each other, they race the Catcher Car. The car gives runners a 30 minute head start, then it takes off at 14/kph. Every 30 minutes, the car speeds up by 1/kph, chasing down the runners until there is only one left standing.
The Global Run is truly global—there are App Run Events all over the world, which give runners the chance to meet up with other locals to race the Catcher Car in person. Can't make an App Run Event? The race happens virtually, too, meaning you can race the Catcher Car from anywhere in the world.
To dive deeper into Wings of Life and the World Run, we caught up with Steph Aiello, an ambassador for Wings of Life. In 2010, Steph sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident. Since then, she has become a powerful voice in the SCI community as a model and makeup influencer.
What is the Wings for Life World Run? Why are you involved?
The Wings for Life World Run is a truly global running event where 100% of entry fees go directly to spinal cord injury research through the Wings for Life Foundation. What makes it special is that there’s no traditional finish line. Runners and wheelchair participants keep going until the Catcher Car passes them. I’m involved because it’s such a powerful way to combine community, movement, and purpose. Being part of something that actively funds life-changing research gives every step a deeper meaning.
How did Red Bull get involved?
The origin story is rooted in a very personal mission—after a life-changing spinal cord injury affected someone close to the Red Bull family, they committed to funding research to find a cure, and Wings for Life was born. The Wings for Life World Run became an ambitious annual event to bring people everywhere into that mission, turning people around the world into global movement.
What makes this running event unique? What does it mean to you personally?
The Catcher Car format is what really sets it apart. Instead of chasing a finish line, the finish line chases you. It flips the whole concept of racing on its head and makes it accessible to everyone, no matter your pace or ability. And the fact that 100% of the funds go to research, it’s not just symbolic, it’s impactful. Personally, it makes the experience feel bigger than a race. It’s about being part of progress.
Why was it important for it to be a global event? Is it tricky with time zones?
The global aspect is everything. You have hundreds of thousands of people all starting at the exact same moment around the world. That shared start time is powerful, even if it means some early alarms. I’ll be honest, that West Coast 4 a.m. start isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it knowing you’re running alongside people in over 150 countries at the same time.
This is the 13th edition. What’s given it longevity? Why do people keep coming back?
It’s the combination of purpose and experience. People come for the cause, but they stay for the community and the uniqueness of the event. Every year feels fresh, and there’s a real emotional connection knowing your participation directly contributes to research. That kind of impact keeps people coming back.
How can people get involved with the Wings for Life World Run?
It’s really simple… register, show up, and run. You can join an App Run Event, start a team, or rally your friends and community to participate together. It only costs $28 to register. It’s designed to be inclusive, so anyone can take part.
Tell us about the race day experience at an App Run Event location.
App Run Events bring people together in local communities while still being part of the global race. There’s an incredible energy including music, cheering, and that shared anticipation before the start. Once you’re running, the app keeps you connected to the global event, tracking the Catcher Car and sharing updates in real time.
Can people who aren’t near an App Run Event still get involved?
Absolutely. That’s one of the best parts! You can participate from anywhere. The app creates an incredible and inclusive experience with audio updates and stories from participants around the world, so even if you’re running solo, you still feel connected to something much bigger.
What do you hope people take away from Wings for Life?
I hope people walk away feeling inspired…whether they ran, supported, or are just learning about it. It’s a reminder that collective action matters. Every step contributes to something meaningful, and together, we’re pushing toward a future where spinal cord injuries are curable.
Sign up for the Global Run here: https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en
