Today, when pro cycling team Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe line up for Paris-Roubaix, also known as the legendary ‘Queen of the Classics’, their riders will be wearing something a little different. Specially designed red helmets, emblazoned with the Wings for Life World Run logo, will signal their support for spinal cord research. The team will wear them again at the start of the Giro d’Italia, taking the message to another of the sport’s grandest stages.
Every year, more than 250,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury. It is a life-changing condition – but one that scientists increasingly hope may not always be permanent. 100% of registration fees raised from entry to the Wings for Life World Run will go directly towards funding the pioneering research that could one day help find a cure.
Damaged nerve cells, research suggests, may one day be able to regenerate, and Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe’s red helmets are a statement of intent to help make that happen."We’re wearing this helmet at Paris-Roubaix and at the Giro to raise awareness for a special cause – it’s really important to help fund research for spinal cord injuries,” explains Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe rider Jarrad Drizners.
The team’s red helmets are also a call to action. They’re an open invitation to join the hundreds of thousands of runners, walkers and teams setting off together for the Wings for Life World Run at 11:00 UTC on May 10 – pursued by the only finish line in the race, a real or virtual Catcher Car.
“We’re able to move, but some people can’t. Run for those who can’t.” – Laurence Pithie, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe
Join the global movement
Colleagues, running clubs, sports teams, groups of friends – anyone can take part, whether at a Flagship Run, a community App Run Event, running solo or as a team, using the app wherever they are in the world. Teams can even be formed across borders, with teammates in completely different parts of the world, and whatever your pace or ability, everyone belongs at the start line.
"I know for some people, the idea of a run can sound intimidating, or you may not think you're sporty enough to take part,” says Canadian Olympian swimmer Summer McIntosh. “But the Wings for Life World Run is different, because you're not chasing a finish line. The finish line moves and you stop when it catches you, so you can go for as long or as little as you'd like at any pace.”
This year’s global community of participants even includes the world of Formula 1. Oracle Red Bull Racing are opening their campus doors for the first time, while Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) are welcoming fans and the public to their factory in Faenza, Italy.
"For the first time ever, we’re opening the doors to the Oracle Red Bull Racing Campus to host the Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026,” states Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen. “Run, walk or roll in the world’s biggest race until the Catcher Car catches you. 100% of your entry fee funds spinal cord injury research. Let’s race!"
"It’s an honour to be part of that long list of over 450 App Run Events across the globe,” Peter Bayer, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) CEO adds.
“We look forward to welcoming our fans, our colleagues, the people of Faenza and Emilia-Romagna to an exciting day with lots of fun and plenty of purpose." - Peter Bayer, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) CEO
Get involved, wherever you are in the world
With 550 App Run Events and counting now live across 73 countries – and sign-ups running at twice last year’s pace – demand for 2026 is already breaking records. Warsaw, Santa Monica, Bratislava, Bragança Paulista and Kalety have sold out. Tokyo is at 94% capacity, with Taipei (87%), Hamburg (81%) and São Paulo filling fast.
Many recognisable faces will also be joining the start line on May 10, including tennis star Dominik Thiem in Vienna, Olympic swimming champion Summer McIntosh in the USA, and Wings for Life World Run Ambassador Marie-José Pérec in France.
“I’m involved with para-athletes in France – I know most of them and their stories. When you know how difficult everyday life is for them, you feel that you need to do something,” Marie-José explains. “What I love about this event is there’s no competition, no rival, no line to cross – no one is first. And all the money goes directly to research, which is very rare. We are all concerned by this. So come and have fun with us," she adds.
Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem, who will be running at the Flagship Run in Vienna on May 10, is equally keen to get people involved: "I’m personally motivated because I know people suffering from spinal cord injuries, and I’m always up for raising awareness for an important cause.” To anyone hesitating – please join. The energy at both App Run Events and Flagship Runs is unbelievable.”
Find your event and register now at wingsforlifeworldrun.com