At the start of the Wings for Life World Run in Pretoria.
Image: Mpumelelo Macu
The 2026 edition of the Wings for Life World Run made history as the biggest in the event’s history, with 346,527 participants across 173 countries running, walking, and rolling together to help find a cure for spinal cord injury. In South Africa, Pretoria hosted the country’s only organised App Run, drawing a sold-out field of 2,300 participants.
At 13:00 SAST, one global starting signal set the field in motion simultaneously. With no traditional finish line and a Catcher Car chasing from behind, runners, walkers and wheelchair users in every time zone moved together for one shared mission. Collectively, participants and supporters raised €9.2 million (more than R177 million) for spinal cord injury research.
Sipho Godwin Mqati with no chaser in sight during the Wings for Life World Run in Pretoria.
Image: Tyrone Bradley
Globally, records fell across the board. Jo Fukuda of Japan set an all-time event record by reaching 78.9km as the global men’s winner, while The Netherlands’ Mikky Keetels became the new global women’s champion with a world-record distance of 62.2km.
Nicky Booysens, one of the outstanding women participants in the Wings for Life World Run in Pretoria.
Image: Tyrone Bradley
In South Africa, standout performances came from Nicky Booysens and Sipho Godwin Mqati.
“Running just over 31km today was an incredible experience. What makes this initiative so special is that it reminds us not to take the ability to run for granted. The moment you’re injured and unable to run, you truly realise what a privilege it is. That’s why running for those who can’t is such a powerful and meaningful cause.” — Nicky Booysens
“Running 49km wasn’t just about the distance for me — it was about healing the world for those who can’t. This race is a beautiful initiative because we’re running for people in wheelchairs and for everyone facing challenges. Through races like this, I truly believe we are helping heal the world.” — Sipho Godwin Mqati
The organised App Runs in Cape Town and Gqeberha did not go ahead due to severe weather conditions, however, thousands of South Africans still took part virtually through the Wings for Life World Run app.