Runners in St. Johann set an example for those who cannot run!

Runners in St. Johann set an example for those who cannot run!

On May 4, 2025, the “Wings for Life World Run” took place in St. Johann, an event that not only promotes top sporting performance, but also serves a great cause. Over 450 runners came to run for people who can no longer run due to spinal cord injuries. The route led along the Salzach around the Urreiting power plant, providing a picturesque backdrop for the participants.

The event was enriched by the passionate participation of many athletes, including a large group from the Bischofshofen Sports Middle School. A special Kids Run was organized for the youngest participants to include them too. Caritas was also represented and supported the campaign with its “Moving Encounters” project.

Donations for research

The proceeds from the “Wings for Life World Run” benefit the Wings for Life Foundation, which has been funding research projects worldwide to cure spinal cord injuries since it was founded in 2004 by Dietrich Mateschitz and Heinz Kinigadner. A total of 11,500 euros were collected that day in St. Johann, which will help accelerate progress in healing research. To date, the foundation has collected 38.3 million euros in donations, all of which have been invested in research.

Wings for Life promotes, among other things, promising research approaches such as vagus nerve stimulation to restore hand movements or electrical stimulation to improve walking ability in paraplegic people. Every year, scientists meet at the Scientific Meeting in Salzburg to discuss the latest advances and studies. During the Corona pandemic, these meetings took place virtually, which ensured international exchange even in difficult times.

Prospects and future

The organizers of the “Wings for Life World Run” were very positive due to the high level of enthusiasm and participation. The next App Run in St. Johann is already planned for May 2026, and the global Wings for Life Run will then take place worldwide again. Participants can look forward to a shared run that will raise awareness of the need for spinal cord research support.

The progress in research is evident, even if there is no concrete time frame for a complete cure for paraplegia. But the Wings for Life World Run remains an important part of mobilizing resources for science and raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with paraplegia. The commitment of participants to run for those who cannot do it themselves is the key to future breakthroughs in medicine.

For further details about the event and the foundation, please visit meinkreis.at and wingsforlifeworldrun.com.