Wings for Life World Run in Welsberg
The global charity run in Monguelfo, in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites
About Wings for Life World Run Welsberg
A global race starting from Welsberg
The Wings for Life World Run in Welsberg is the South Tyrolean stage of one of the world's largest charity sporting events. Every year, at the exact same moment, thousands of people in dozens of countries set off with a common goal: to run for those who cannot. In the municipality of Monguelfo-Tesido/Welsberg-Taisten, in the province of Bolzano and the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, the race kicks off from the central Piazza Centrale (Hauptplatz), turning the Gsiesertal village into a festive gathering spot at the foot of the Dolomites.
How it works: the Catcher Car instead of a finish line
The Wings for Life World Run has no fixed finish line. All participants start simultaneously at every location worldwide, and thirty minutes after the start, the Catcher Car is activated—a virtual car managed via the official app that progressively increases its speed, catching runners one after another. When the Catcher Car passes you, your race is over: it's not about time, but distance covered. Casual runners are usually caught around the 5 km mark, while elite athletes can push up to 60 km. The format is open to everyone: you can run, walk, or participate in a wheelchair, each at your own pace.
An entire village in celebration
In Welsberg-Monguelfo, the event involves the whole community: the mayor, the local brass band, and volunteers support the start, while refreshment points are set up along the route. The evening before, a warm-up party is held with bib collection, a convivial moment that builds the atmosphere ahead of race day. The setting is the spectacular backdrop of the Gsiesertal and the Braies and Sesto Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Running for research
The feature that makes this event special is its purpose: 100% of registration fees and donations are donated to the Wings for Life Foundation for spinal cord injury research, with the goal of finding a cure for paralysis. Every kilometer covered in Welsberg adds to those of all other participants worldwide, in a collective race that combines sport, solidarity, and a sense of community.
- Where: Piazza Centrale, Welsberg/Monguelfo, Gsiesertal (BZ)
- Format: App Run with virtual Catcher Car
- For whom: runners, walkers, and wheelchair users of all levels
- Purpose: 100% in support of spinal cord research
Wings for Life World Run Welsberg — edition 2026
The 2026 South Tyrolean stage was held on Sunday, May 10, starting at 1:00 PM from the Piazza Centrale in Welsberg/Monguelfo, in the Gsiesertal. On Saturday afternoon, starting at 4:00 PM, the warm-up party and bib collection took place. Refreshment points were set up along the route. Local organization was managed by PAR6 golf and run, with the involvement of the municipality, the brass band, and volunteers. Across Italy, the edition set record numbers for App Runs, with participants running even in the rain to support spinal cord research.
Programme Wings for Life World Run Welsberg 2026
Saturday from 4:00 PM: warm-up party and bib collection. Sunday, May 10, 1:00 PM: simultaneous global start from Piazza Centrale. Thirty minutes after the start, the virtual Catcher Car begins. Refreshment points along the route.
Highlights Wings for Life World Run Welsberg 2026
- Start on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM
- Meeting point at Piazza Centrale in Welsberg/Monguelfo
- Virtual Catcher Car managed via app
- Warm-up party and bib collection on Saturday afternoon
- 100% of registration fees to spinal cord research
Prices Wings for Life World Run Welsberg 2026
Practical information — Wings for Life World Run Welsberg
How to get there
Welsberg/Monguelfo is located in the Puster Valley, in the province of Bolzano. By train: Puster Valley line 400, Monguelfo-Tesido station, a 5-10 minute walk from Piazza Centrale. By car: free parking at the station. By bus: lines 441 and 438.
Registration
Registration is available on the official website www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com or via the Wings for Life World Run app (iOS and Android). 100% of the fee goes to spinal cord research.
Tips
Bring sportswear, running shoes, and a smartphone with headphones to follow the Catcher Car via the app. Bib collection and the warm-up party take place on Saturday afternoon.
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Where does it take place — Wings for Life World Run Welsberg
Piazza Centrale / Hauptplatz Welsberg
Piazza Centrale 1, 39035 Monguelfo-Tesido/Welsberg-Taisten