UAE’s Presence Is Tangible in the 12th Edition of the Wings for Life World Run More Than 2,000 Participants Run for a Good Cause at Expo City Dubai
For yet another year, the UAE showed up for a profound cause, solidifying its leadership on the worldwide stage in supporting humanitarian initiatives, while also taking part in major sporting events. This year, more than 2,000 residents participated in the 12th edition of the Wings for Life World Run, held on Sunday, May 4 at Expo City Dubai. They ran, walked, or rolled in solidarity with those who can’t and in support of research into spinal cord injury treatments.
In partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, Expo City Dubai, Adidas, Emirates Hospitals, Al Jalila Foundation, Masafi Water, Dulsco Group, Kibsons, The Cycle Hub, and Enhance Fitness, the run began at 3:00 PM UAE time, simultaneously with runs taking place around the world. As always, a Catcher Car served as a moving finish line, chasing runners and gradually eliminating participants as it overtook them.
Egyptian national Anwar Matar, a Dubai resident, won for the second year in a row, covering an impressive 40 kilometers before the Catcher Car got to him. Among the women, Australian Dubai resident Karis Brown took the title with a distance of 24 kilometers.
Globally, Japan’s Tomoya Watanabe claimed the top spot after running 70.09 kilometers in Fukuoka, while Poland’s Dominika Stelmach ran 55.02 kilometers in the flagship race in Poznań, earning her the international women’s title.
(OFFICIAL’S NAME), a Dubai Sports Council spokesperson, said: “We are proud to, once again, be among the key supporters and participants in the Wings for Life World Run, in line with the UAE’s commitment to backing humanitarian causes locally and globally.” He praised the event as one that combines sport with social impact and encourages residents to get moving while contributing to a good cause. “Through initiatives like this, the Council continues to foster excellence, creativity, and innovation in the UAE’s sports sector,” he said.
(NAME), a representative from Expo City Dubai added: “As major cities around the world open their arms to the Wings for Life World Run, it’s only natural for Expo City Dubai to play its part in building a better future. Our mission is to drive positive change across social, environmental, and technological landscapes, making Expo City an intrinsic host for such an event.”
Already the world’s largest event of its kind, the Wings for Life World Run continues to grow in scale and popularity. This year saw record-breaking participation, with thousands of people running, walking, or using wheelchairs, either at official run locations or via the Wings for Life app. All participants aimed to stay ahead of the Catcher Car, whether in real life or virtually.
The 2025 edition truly surpassed expectations, raising a new record of over €8.1 million, with 100% of proceeds from entry fees and donations going directly to fund spinal cord research.
For the past 12 years, the event has raised tens of millions of euros and funded hundreds of handpicked research projects, with hundreds of thousands of runners covering millions of kilometers since the inaugural race in 2014.
The 13th edition of the Wings for Life World Run will take place in May 2026, and registration is already open via (LINK)
For the latest updates, visit https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/live/en/participate
