For the first time ever, Botswana will join the globally celebrated Wings for Life World Run, taking place in Gaborone. This event marks a significant expansion of the event across Southern Africa, and local participants now have a chance to contribute to a global cause and help break a world record — all by running for those who can’t.
With just a few more registrations needed to surpass the current record of 265,818 participants, every entry counts toward making history. Even more inspiring, 100% of all entry fees and donations go directly to spinal cord research. Botswanans now have the opportunity to be part of this momentous world run by registering to run from wherever they may be located.
What makes the run special?
Unlike traditional races, the Wings for Life World Run has no fixed finish line. Instead, participants of all fitness levels are pursued by the event’s signature “Catcher Car” — a moving finish line that makes the race inclusive, fun, and completely unique. Whether you run, walk or roll, the goal is simply to stay ahead of the car for as long as you can.
Join global supporters such as Jürgen Klopp, Eileen Gu, Primož Roglič, and a host of other sporting legends as they take part in this one-of-a-kind event.
Now, Botswana joins the list of over 400 locations worldwide taking part in this massive show of solidarity, with already over 400 registered participants.
Why it matters
To date, over 1.55 million people from 195 nationalities have run in the Wings for Life World Run, collectively raising €51.93 million (approx. BWP 801 million). These funds have gone directly to 213 spinal cord research projects, including clinical trials where participants have regained use of their hands and even taken steps again after paralysis.
Just last year, the run’s 265,818 participants collectively covered 2,036,495 km and raised €8.1 million (approx. BWP 124.9 million) for spinal cord research. These efforts are helping individuals like Michel Roccati, who, after a life-altering accident, regained the ability to walk through a trial funded by the run.
“To stand up and walk again means liberty – independence in daily life,” Roccati shared. “The Wings for Life World Run gives hope, and it’s fun to participate in.”
Says passionate local ambassador for Wings for Life (SA): and motorcycle accident survivor, Sandile Mkhize: “Every stride I take in the Wings for Life World Run is not just for me, but for every life waiting to move freely again. As a South African – and proudly African, I run with hope, purpose, and the unshakable belief that together, we can cross the finish line for those who can’t.”
Be part of the movement
With Flagship Runs in cities like Munich, Vienna and Ljubljana filling up quickly, Botswana offers a unique opportunity to be part of a world record-setting movement from Southern Africa. Runners in Gaborone will be joining others from Tokyo, Sydney, London, Dubai, Cape Town and beyond, all taking off simultaneously around the world.
Whether you run solo or with friends using the Wings for Life World Run App or gather at the Township Rollers FC venue for the official event, you’ll be running for something bigger than yourself.
How to register
There’s still time to sign up and be part of this global moment. The Wings for Life World Run starts at 11:00am UTC (1PM Botswana Time) on Sunday, 4 May 2025, with registration open until one hour before the race begins.
Register now at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com and help bring the world closer to a cure for spinal cord injury.
Here’s what other participants around the world had to say!
Colin Jackson (GBR), Wings for Life World Run Global Sports Director and record-setting former hurdler: “You know, as I’ve watched the whole run develop as a movement – a real global movement, a global community – it excites me still. Every single year, I feel proud to be a part of this. And I just love to see it grow.”
Jan Schwab, MD, PhD, Scientific Director of the Wings for Life foundation: “I very much look forward to the Wings for Life World Run 2025 – participation is always something special for me. It’s big fun [and] it’s also great to see all the runners around the globe participating. Again, this year we will break a new record of runners, which will then allow us to find even more diverse projects in spinal cord injury research. Your support allows us to fund groundbreaking, front-runner research across the globe. Every step is hope, and we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you.”
Dawid Godziek (POL), BMX and MTB pro, Crankworx triple crown winner and Slopestyle World Champion 2024: I don’t remember how many times I’ve started in the Wings for Life World Run, but every year I am amazed at how many people start in Poznań and with the App. In this run, there’s always a relaxed atmosphere. There’s no “pressure.” Here it’s more about fun. I’m definitely running it again!
Nick Fellows, Wings for Life World Run broadcast commentator: “The Wings for Life World Run is about running at your own pace, speed, time – talking, walking, whatever you want to do. It is not about winning a race; it’s about running for those who can’t. And it’s about finding the cure for spinal cord injury.”
Aron Anderson (SWE), three-time Wings for Life World Run Men’s Global Champion, who uses a wheelchair due to spinal cord injury: “With the Wings for Life World Run and the Wings for Life foundation, the obvious dream is that we’re going to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. And for me personally, the dream is that one day I would be able to run this race. How amazing would that be?”
About the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Every step taken at the Wings for Life World Run is a step in the right direction because 100% of entry fees and donations goes to spinal cord injury research: www.wingsforlife.com.
About the Wings for Life World Run
Once a year, the Wings for Life World Run takes place around the globe. All participants start at the same time worldwide and run either individually with the Wings for Life World Run App or together in several Flagship Runs. The best part is that any form of the run is all about being there. It doesn’t matter how well, fast or far you run, whether you’re a professional athlete, hobby runner or an absolute beginner. It is all about having fun while running. For this reason, there is no traditional finish line. Instead, 30 minutes after the start, either a virtual or – in the case of the Flagship Runs – a real Catcher Car picks up the chase and overtakes one runner after another. Results aren’t measured in time but in distance achieved. Best of all: 100% of entry fees and donations go directly to spinal cord research. In the editions of the Wings for Life World Run that have been completed to date, a total of 1,559,534 registered participants from 195 nationalities ran, walked and rolled on all seven continents and together raised a total of €51.93 million to find a cure for spinal cord injury. www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
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