Wings for Life World Run 2027
- Next event : Early May 2027
- Last event : Sun, May 10, 2026
The event in a few words
"We are the wooorld…" 🎶. If there's a song that perfectly represents the race you're about to run, it's this one by Michael Jackson. The Wings for Life World Run is a unique race that erases borders and brings together runners worldwide for a day 🌍. All together, united for a common goal: to advance spinal cord research. Come on, spread your wings and discover the concept of this race ✨.
We would have started by presenting the location of your next race, but here, there's no need‼️ Indeed, no matter where you are on our beautiful planet next May, you can participate in this connected race ⌚️. Do you feel like running by the sea? In the mountains? Abroad or close to home? That's your choice, you run the course you want, where you want! 😄
More precisely, you have the option to participate in this great charity race in two different ways 💪. Either you run alone, wherever you want, by downloading the race app to record your performance, or you join other runners who are taking on this great challenge to run together on the same course 🏃🏼♀️. You can then join "App runs", events available around the world and in France. Annecy, Bordeaux, Labastide-du-Temple, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nîmes, Orléans, Paris, Rennes, Saint-Cyr… 😲 These are all places where you can go to run with other Finishers. There must be one near you, right? Last option: you can participate in a "Flagship Run", organized in one of the following cities: Zug 🇨🇭, Munich 🇩🇪, Ljubljana 🇸🇮, Vienna 🇦🇹, Zadar 🇭🇷, Poznan 🇵🇱 or Izmir 🇹🇷.
Regarding the distances, again, it's your choice. You do have the king's choice 👑! Indeed, you might be surprised to learn that there is no finish line 😮. Once the starting signal is given, at the same time for all runners engaged in the race (at 11 AM UTC), everyone sets off from the four corners of the globe. Thirty minutes later, a catcher car 🚘 will set off after you: it serves as a mobile finish line. The principle? You run as far as you want (or can 🥵) until the car catches up with you. Once it passes you, your race is over, and you can celebrate it properly 🎉.
If you chose the connected format, a virtual catcher car will try to catch you. This is also the case if you participate in an App Run with other runners 🏃♂️➡️. But if you decide to attend a Flagship Run, a real car will set off after you. When it passes, keep your eyes open 👀: you might spot athletes or celebrities behind the wheel. 🤩
You've probably understood the concept; everyone sets the goal they desire based on their abilities 🙌🏼. This race is thus accessible to the greatest number: professionals, beginners, or wheelchair users, solo or in teams, all Finishers are welcome to run for those who cannot 💖.
Because yes, the essence of this race is its charitable aspect. By participating, all your registration fees will be donated to the Wings for Life charity, supported by the race 💐. This charity supports research projects and clinical studies, notably to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. 👩🏻⚕️
Since 2014, the Wings For Life World Run has included a total of 925,000 participants, raising just over 33 million euros 💰. So, ready to add your contribution to this beautiful endeavor?
4 reasons to join this race
The distance you'll all agree on
79 kmTOP
- Early May 2027
- 1 loopx79 km
A few more words
Rest assured, the 79 km mentioned actually corresponds to the maximum distance that can be achieved in this race. No need to be an ultra-trailer to come and challenge yourself at the Wings for Life World Run! 😅
As we explained to you, you cover the distance you want, based on your abilities and goals. As soon as the catcher car passes you, it's over! 🏁
As for your route, you can choose to go for a trail or a road race, with elevation changes or not. It's entirely up to you. 🤩
You can also choose to register for an App Run or a Flagship Run, in which case the course will be predefined and you can do it with other runners. You can check the organizer's website to know the planned routes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Runners around the world start this race at the same moment, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 1 PM French time.
For the Flagship Runs, you can register now, until 11:00 AM UTC (1:00 PM CEST) on May 7, 2026 (if there are still places available).
To run with the App, you can register until the day of the race, May 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM UTC (12:00 PM CEST).You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the race. However, participation conditions may vary by country.
For the following four countries only, the minimum age is 18 years: United States, Canada, Japan, and Croatia.
The race starts at 1 PM in France and 30 minutes later, the Catcher Car begins its pursuit. You run until the Catcher Car catches you.
To see how many kilometers you can make before it catches you, go to the following link: https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/fr/calculateur-dobjectif
Otherwise, here is its speed:
11 AM UTC (1 PM in France): start
11:30 AM UTC (1:30 PM in France): 14 km/h
12 PM UTC (2 PM in France): 15 km/h
12:30 PM UTC (2:30 PM in France): 16 km/h
1 PM UTC (3 PM in France): 17 km/h
1:30 PM UTC (3:30 PM in France): 18 km/h
2 PM UTC (4 PM in France): 22 km/h
2:30 PM UTC (4:30 PM in France): 26 km/h
3 PM UTC (5 PM in France): 30 km/h
3:30 PM UTC (5:30 PM in France): 34 km/h
Focus
A next-gen platform helping sports enthusiasts of all levels discover territories and heritage through races tailored to them.
Made in France, between Lyon and Nantes