Excitement at the Wings for Life World Run in Vienna, Austria, May 2024, as runners engage with the iconic Catcher Car
© Philipp Greindl for Wings for Life World Run
Fitness Training
Wings for Life World Run is the ultimate race through cities and nature
Red Bull Wings for Life World Run is a global charity race where runners worldwide start together, racing against a moving finish line. Find the best places to run this year right here.
By Emily Rooney
3 min readPublished on
The Wings for Life World Run isn't just a race, it's a movement. With a unique format where runners worldwide start simultaneously and race against a Catcher Car instead of a finish line, it brings together athletes and amateurs, abled and wheelchair participants in the name of one cause - spinal-cord research.
Ahead of this year's Wings for Life World Run on May 4, we've brought together the most stunning, unique and exciting locations where participants can join the action - whether at an official flagship race or via the Wings For Life World Run app. From historic cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, here's a look at some of the most iconic routes featured in this one-of-a-kind global race.
01

Vienna, Austria - the flagship race

Thousands of participants at the 2024 Wings for Life World Run in Vienna, Austria run to raise funds for spinal cord research, embodying Red Bull’s spirit of determination and global solidarity
Runners gather for Wings for Life World Run in Vienna© Philipp Greindl for Wings for Life World Run
The Austrian capital serves as the flagship event for the Wings for Life World Run. Imagine running through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, past architectural marvels like Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera, all while thousands cheer you on.
02

Dubai, UAE - race between city and desert

Participants bring excitement to the 2024 Wings for Life World Run at Expo Village in Dubai, running under the iconic dome structure
Wings for Life World Run heads through Expo Village Dubai© Naim Chidiac for Wings for Life World Run
Dubai's futuristic skyline and desert backdrop create a surreal running experience. Participants start in the glitzy city, dashing past skyscrapers, before heading towards the endless dunes that make it one of the most visually striking urban runs in the world
03

New York City, USA - running past iconic landmarks

David Kilgore running during the 8th edition of the wings for life world run - app run
Running through Times Square © Laura Barisonzi for Wings for Life World Run
New York has long been a dream for marathoners and if Wings for Life World Run entrants participate in the app run here, they'll weave through legendary spots like Central Park, Times Square and over the Brooklyn Bridge. The buzzing streets and enthusiastic spectators make it a bucket-list race.
04

Cape Town, South Africa - coastal cliffs and mountain views

Participants at the 2024 Wings for Life World Run App Run in Cape Town, South Africa, cheer enthusiastically under a vibrant arch, ready to start the iconic global event
The start at Wings for Life World Run 2024 in Cape Town© Craig Kolesky for Wings for Life World Run
Running along Cape Town’s rugged coastline, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Table Mountain on the other, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. The mix of ocean breeze and dramatic scenery makes this one of the most visually rewarding races.
05

Melbourne, Australia - unique wildlife

Runners with headlights on for the wings for life world run in Melbourne.
A night start for the Wings for Life World Run in Melbourne© Andy Green for Wings for Life World Run
Australia offers a mix of coastal and desert terrain, with some races passing through bushlands filled with kangaroos. Whether in Sydney or Melbourne, runners experience the wild beauty of Australia while being cheered on by enthusiastic locals. Don't let the 9pm start throw you off, with Australia's heat, the late-night run could be the perfect conditions.
06

Zug, Switzerland - lake views

Participants shine during the Wings for Life World Run in Zug, Switzerland on May 5, 2024, showcasing incredible camaraderie and determination against a scenic backdrop.
Runners take in the scenery at Wings for Life World Run in Zug© Romina Amato for Wings for Life World Run
With the picturesque backdrop of mountains and lush, green fields, Zug really gives a lot of other locations a run for their money. Although the course is tough, with a decent amount of turns and hills, the breathtaking alpine scenes make every step worth it.
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Wings for Life World Run

Wings for Life World Run – the world's largest running event – is back for 2025, where hundreds of thousands run for those who can't.

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