“Run for those who can’t”: Almeria joins thousands around the world in Wings for Life World Run

Around the world, hundreds of thousands of people laced up their trainers at the weekend and set off in unison when the Wings for Life World Run celebrated its 13th edition. Each and every participant, whether running, walking or traversing the course by wheelchair, was racing towards a not so distant future where spinal cord recovery is possible.

What is Wings for Life World Run?

The Wings for Life World Run is a global force, consisting of seven flagship runs and over 600 smaller runs taking place across 173 countries. The Red Bull sponsored event has been growing in popularity but this year it reached its peak with 346,527 registered participants.  Separated by borders, they may not have been racing beside each other but all were united by one common goal.

Record turnout at Lunar Cable Park

Leading the charge in Spain was the Lunar Cable Park in Cuevas del Almanzora. In its three years of hosting, the water sports centre has become the second most popular Spanish venue. Hundreds of athletes, both amateur and professional, showed up on the day, all eager and excited to be supporting such an influential cause. Prominent figures from the world of wake-boarding and wake-skating travelled to take part, including Ben Leclair, Red Bulls global ambassador and Telma Cester, four-time wake-skate world champion.

Almeria’s race began at 1pm. Some ran, some walked, some roller-skated and some raced the route in a wheelchair. Thirty minutes later, the virtual chaser car was deployed. The Wings for Life race is unique in that there’s no finish line. Instead, racers must outpace a chaser car which sets off at 14 km/h and gradually picks up pace. Once a racer is overtaken, they’re out.

Millions raised for spinal chord recovery research

The Wings for Life World Run is most notable, however, for the fact that all registration fees go towards funding spinal cord injury research and running clinical trials Since its inception, the race has raised €69.7 million, with the 2026 edition contributing €9.2 million. So far, the event has funded 344 projects and counting.

How to register for 2027

Under the slogan “race for those who can’t” the Wings for Life World Run is a triumph of an event. For anyone interested, registration for the 2027 edition will open on November 4, with sign-up available through wingsforlifeworldrun.com.