A total of 346,527 runners worldwide took part today in the run for those who cannot run. In Slovenia, 4,658 runners registered for the official race in Ljubljana, while an additional 750 participants ran at other locations using the app. This year’s event raised €9.2 million globally, bringing the total amount raised for charity across all editions to €69.7 million.
In Slovenia, runners were welcomed today by pleasant yet rather warm conditions for running. Amid an outstanding atmosphere—the hallmark of this event—they started from Congress Square in Ljubljana at 1:00 PM. As the race takes place simultaneously around the world, runners in Florida set off at 7:00 AM, while participants in Melbourne, Australia, began at 9:00 PM local time.
It soon became clear that Swiss runner Franziska Huwyler and Slovenian runner Domen Hafner would lead the Slovenian course this year. After just one hour of running, both had already built a substantial lead over the rest of the field and the Catcher Car. They were not caught by any runner—only by the Catcher Car itself.
Huwyler at 45.86 km and Hafner at 64.98 km.
Domen, who won in Ljubljana two years ago and last year in Switzerland, improved his personal record at this event today by more than four kilometres.
Domen Hafner commented on his run:
“The race was extremely demanding, especially the first 20 kilometres, when it was simply too hot. Later on, I struggled with cramps again, but my determination was stronger this time. Everyone knows who this race is for, which made the motivation especially strong. With fewer issues, I could probably have added another three kilometres. The Slovenian course suits me better, as it is flatter than the Swiss one, so I’m glad I chose it this year.”
The Swiss runner, who also delighted spectators with a constant, sincere smile throughout the race, said afterward:
“I truly enjoyed running in Slovenia. Until now, I had only run on the Swiss course. Here, the views during the race are incredible and the atmosphere is fantastic. I didn’t miss anything. People ask me if I always smile. Yes—I do. If I stop smiling, I stop running.”
Second and third place in Slovenia were also claimed by locals Simon Navodnik (54.94 km) and Jure Dolinšek (51.9 km). In the women’s race, Vesna Dolenc finished second (43.29 km), followed by German runner Julija Bruhn in third (42.23 km).
Another highlight of the event was mountain runner Luka Kovačič, who once again set himself the goal of completing a marathon distance. For someone accustomed to uphill running, this is quite a challenge—but he succeeded again. And not only that: after reaching 42 kilometres, he stopped running and then walked another two kilometres until the Catcher Car finally caught him.
Result: 44.03 kilometres in under three hours.
After the race, he said:
“It’s hard to say that I enjoy flat running, but for this purpose it’s worth it—even though I get bored during the run and every small incline makes things more interesting, like near the Technology Park or the Zoo, haha. In the end, I still had to stop at 42 kilometres; I just couldn’t go on any further. Then I walked for quite a while until the car caught me. Hats off to everyone who runs much farther like this—my respects.”
On the global leaderboard, Japanese runner Jo Fukuda once again delivered the top performance, winning worldwide for the fourth time. In Fukuoka, Japan, he ran 78.95 kilometres, setting a new record. In the women’s race, the top performance came from home favourite Mikky Keetels in Breda, the Netherlands, with a distance of 62.24 kilometres.
In the overall global standings, the Slovenian winners achieved an excellent 6th place (Domen Hafner) and 235th place (Franziska Huwyler).
At the Wings for Life World Run, the Finish Line Chases the Runners
Runners around the world start at the same time, and 30 minutes after the start, the Catcher Cars begin following them in perfectly synchronised formation. These vehicles are equipped with state‑of‑the‑art satellite technology and remain in constant contact with a control centre in Austria. Their speed gradually increases throughout the race: they start very slowly, reach 20 km/h after two hours, accelerate further, and after four hours travel at 34 km/h. They maintain this speed until the last runner on their course is caught.
Once a runner is caught by the Catcher Car, their race is over, and the distance covered becomes their official result.
And What Does Domen Prevc, Driver of the Slovenian Catcher Car, Say?
“You all kept warning me how difficult it would be to drive so slowly, and I actually started to believe it—but in the end, it all passed in the blink of an eye. We had a great time. It’s wonderful to be part of an event that has one core mission from the very beginning—to push boundaries. At every level, from the runners themselves to spinal cord injury research and the search for solutions. Respect to everyone who took part today, regardless of their result.”
