Chicago

What is the Wings for Life World Run?

The Wings for Life World Run is a truly unique and global race for both runners and wheelchair participants. Instead of a finish line, competitors race side by side to keep ahead of the Virtual Catcher Car. Now in its eleventh year, on 4 mai 2025 Wings for Life World Run participants in United States can also run together in Chicago. Meet up with your friends, download the Wings for Life World Run App and join all the other people running until the Virtual Catcher Car catches you of course. The race starts at exactly 06:00:00. The Virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start at 14 km/h and steadily increases its speed until the last athletes have been caught. 100% of all donations and the entry fees go directly into spinal cord research projects.

Track

Come run with the Chicagoland community! We will meet in Lincoln Park South (near the soccer/softball fields at the North Ave pedestrian bridge), at 6am CT we will start our run as we head over the North Ave. bridge towards the lakefront path, heading south at the path. Run as far as you can, a quick u-turn at any point will send you right back towards our starting point!

Wheelchair participants

On 4 mai 2025 wheelchair participants and runners start side by side at this track. The only requirement: wheelchair participants have to start in everyday wheelchairs.

Refreshment station and local set up

Yes, this track has a refreshment station! You will find the following on site: We will have Red Bull and Water available at the start/finish location. Additionally we will supplement the public water fountains on the lakefront path with an aid station along the course.

Timing and race number

You will receive your personal race number via email and it’s also available next to your starting number on the website a couple of days before the race. The Wings for Life World Run App is your time tracking tool. The Virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start and as soon as it overtakes you, you will get clear signals via the App. Please make sure to have a fully charged phone on race day.

Your contribution to help find a cure

In order to join this App Run Event, please download the Wings for Life World Run App for Android or iPhone and sign up for race day in the App. To be part of the Wings for Life World Run on 4 mai 2025 a registration fee will be charged; 100% of your fee go to spinal cord research. After you completed your registration for race day, you can join this App Run Event.