Wings for Life: Running Towards a Cure
Ah, summer 2003—when flip-flops ruled the world and Hannes Kinigadner took a tumble that would change many lives. A motocross accident left the lad paralyzed from the shoulders down at just 19! Not exactly the golden youth experience, is it? But from the ashes of tragedy, our hero’s father, two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner, decided enough was enough. Instead of taking up a new hobby like knitting or collecting stamps, he turned to his mate Dietrich Mateschitz, the mastermind behind Red Bull!
Now, tell me, what do you get when you mix a former motocross champ, a billionaire energy drink mogul, and a cause as noble as curing paralysis? A non-profit with a mission so big it could only be named Wings for Life. Sounds like the setup for the best buddy film of the year, doesn’t it? They pooled their resources, gathered a crack team of scientists, and set off on a noble quest that makes Hercules look like he was out for a casual jog!
Running with Purpose
Fast forward two decades and the Wings for Life World Run is charging ahead like a caffeinated rhinoceros. Every year, thousands of people lace up their running shoes and hit the streets—not for a new personal best, but to support spinal cord research. And get this: every cent raised goes straight to “life-changing research projects and clinical studies.” That’s right, while Red Bull keeps the lights on, your entry fees are channeled into scientific advancements that could help folks who can’t feel their legs.
Now, if you think running through Munich is a good excuse to burn off last night’s schnitzel, you’d be right! But wait, there’s more! The event is set to take place simultaneously in various stunning locales—from Poznań to Vienna, and even efforts on your couch courtesy of their nifty app! Yes, folks, you can sit there, snack on your crisps, and still claim you participated! The only condition? You must send a sweaty selfie to your friends for proof. Always a catch.
Fortifying the Cause
This year, they raised an eyebrow-raising 8,104,499 euros. And who did I see dropping in to lend their famous faces for the cause? None other than Olympian legends and sports icons like Neymar Jr., Lindsey Vonn, and a smattering of German celebrities who, let’s face it, are probably just in it for the post-run beer! But hey, if they get people to join the cause, I’m all for it. Who wouldn’t want to jog alongside legends instead of your friend who always brings the pace down to a leisurely stroll?
Save the Date
Mark your calendars, folks: May 4th, 2025, is the day we once again lace up for a good cause! And if you think you can just saunter in at the last minute, think again! The event is so popular, you could end up on a waiting list longer than my last visit to the dentist. Seriously, it’s sold out in Poland six months in advance! Who knew running for charity would be hotter than a disco ball?
Get Involved!
If you’re feeling inspired (or maybe just guilty for skipping that gym session), register for the event now! It’s a chance to do something amazing—a chance to not only raise funds but also bring awareness and community into the forefront. Because when it comes to spinal cord injury research, every step you take, every penny you donate, is a step closer to changing lives.
| Editorial team
| 10.11.2024
In July 2003, a tragic accident changed the life of Hannes Kinigadner, the son of two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner. While participating in a charity race at the tender age of 19, Hannes suffered a catastrophic fall that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, marking the beginning of a long and challenging journey. Fast forward two decades, his story serves as a profound source of motivation for tens of thousands of runners across Germany, who unite to raise funds and awareness for crucial spinal cord research.
In the wake of his son’s devastating accident, Heinz Kinigadner turned to his close friend Dietrich Mateschitz, the visionary founder of Red Bull, seeking support and solutions. Together, they orchestrated a gathering of leading scientists specializing in spinal cord research in Salzburg, Austria, with a shared vision for progress. As a result of their collaboration, Kinigadner and Mateschitz established the non-profit, state-recognized foundation, Wings for Life, two decades ago, with the ambitious aim of finding a cure for paraplegia.
To ensure maximum impact, 100 percent of the donations collected through various initiatives go directly to pioneering research projects and clinical studies. Remarkably, the administrative expenses of the foundation are fully covered by Red Bull, allowing all contributions to focus entirely on life-changing discoveries.
German Flagship Run again in Munich
The Wings for Life World Run not only mobilizes thousands of participants but also dedicates all complete entry fees towards the foundation’s mission. This annual sporting event galvanizes supporters from around the globe, taking place in key cities like Poznań in Poland, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Vienna in Austria, Zug in Switzerland, Breda in the Netherlands, Zadar in Croatia, and, most prominently, in Munich, Germany, where flagship runs attract runners of all skill levels.
If traveling to these vibrant locations isn’t an option, the charity run remains accessible to everyone. Through the event’s official app, professional athletes, amateur runners, and wheelchair users can participate from their own neighborhoods, choosing their own routes. Moreover, nationwide app-run events complement the flagship runs, fostering a collective spirit; in 2025, cities such as Münster, Paderborn, and Rostock will join this exciting initiative.
This year more than 8 million euros were raised
“The funds raised in the 2024 edition are already flowing into groundbreaking research projects and clinical trials worldwide,” explains Anita Gerhardter, CEO of the Wings for Life Foundation. “Our team of experts is diligently reviewing the next potential projects and we are eager about the advancements in innovative research methods. This progress is made possible by the generous contributions from the Wings for Life World Run. Every registration counts and contributes to meaningful change!”
Last May in Munich at the German Flagship Run (Image: Marc Müller)
During this year’s event, an impressive total of 8,104,499 euros was raised, with over 12,000 participants crowding the streets for the Flagship Run in Munich. When including the app runners, more than 30,000 spirited individuals across the nation took part in the last Wings for Life Run, showcasing the overwhelming support for this noble cause.
Support from Vogel, Neymar and Plum
Mark your calendars: the twelfth Wings for Life World Run is scheduled for Sunday, May 4th, 2025, in Munich. If you’re eager to secure a spot in the Flagship Run, make sure to register online in the second phase. Don’t delay; the event in Poland sold out six months in advance, highlighting the surge of interest.
In Germany, the Wings for Life World Run enjoys the backing of notable figures such as Kristina Vogel, Kai Pflaume, Victoria Swarovski, Andreas Wellinger, and Moritz Brückner. On the international stage, renowned athletes like Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr., South African rugby icon Siya Kolisi, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, world record hurdle champion Karsten Warholm from Norway, and pole vault Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, who also represents both the USA and Sweden, lend their voices as passionate ambassadors for this impactful cause.
**Interview with Anita Gerhardter, CEO of Wings for Life Foundation**
**Editor:** Welcome, Anita! It’s great to have you with us. The Wings for Life World Run has become a phenomenon over the years. Can you share how it all began?
**Anita Gerhardter:** Thank you for having me! The journey started back in 2003, after Hannes Kinigadner’s tragic accident. His father, Heinz, and Dietrich Mateschitz of Red Bull were determined to make a difference. They envisioned a world where spinal cord injuries could be cured, and that’s when Wings for Life was born.
**Editor:** It’s inspiring to see how a tragedy turned into such a powerful movement. Over two decades, how has the organization’s approach changed?
**Anita Gerhardter:** Our mission remains focused on funding cutting-edge research, but we’ve become more innovative in our outreach. We now leverage technology with our app, allowing participants to run from anywhere in the world. It’s not just about racing; it’s about building a community rallying behind a common cause.
**Editor:** Speaking of the community, the recent Wings for Life World Run raised over 8 million euros! How do you ensure that these funds make a real impact?
**Anita Gerhardter:** Absolutely! We are proud that 100% of donations go directly to research and clinical trials. Red Bull covers all administrative costs, which means donors can be sure their contributions are truly making a difference in the quest for cures.
**Editor:** That’s incredible! And it seems like everyone is excited for the next edition in May 2025. What can participants expect this time around?
**Anita Gerhardter:** We’re expecting even more enthusiasm and more locations, which means a wider reach and greater participation. It’s not just about running; we’re fostering awareness and community spirit. Plus, athletes and celebrities will join us, which always helps draw attention to the cause.
**Editor:** With the event growing in popularity, what advice would you give to new participants?
**Anita Gerhardter:** I’d say, just jump in! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, every step counts. And don’t forget to share your journey! It’s all about community support and raising awareness together.
**Editor:** Thank you, Anita. Your passion for this cause is truly motivating, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Wings for Life.
**Anita Gerhardter:** Thank you for having me, and I encourage everyone to lace up their shoes and join us on this important journey!
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**Editor’s Note:** Mark your calendars for May 4th, 2025, and register for the Wings for Life World Run! Every step you take brings us closer to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.