The Wings for Life World Run 2026 united participants from 192 nationalities, with over 346,527 runners from around the world, including thousands in Bulgaria. The event, held on May 10, 2026, raised an impressive €9.2 million for spinal cord injury research.

In Bulgaria, 1,295 participants joined the run, with over 700 competing in Sofia’s Southern Park. Additional events took place in Plovdiv and Plovdiv, showcasing the event’s global reach and dedication to its cause.

The Bulgarian contingent included strong performances. Julian Lilianov was the most resilient male runner, covering 35 kilometers before the virtual car caught up with him. Aлина Boyanova, the top female runner, managed to cover nearly 26 kilometers.

An inspiring story came from Plevens, where Marina Tomева covered 15 kilometers with one of her three children in a stroller. She aimed to inspire young parents to appreciate their physical abilities and find time for exercise.

Popular Bulgarian personalities such as Vesel Ovcharev, Nikolay Tzolov, Tervel Zamfir, and Naum Shopov supported the event, lending their voices to the cause and encouraging more participants.

Wings for Life World Run continues to be a unique event without a fixed finish line. Participants run until they are “caught” by a virtual car, making each participation a personal achievement. The event funds scientific research aimed at finding treatments for spinal cord injuries, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to research.

To date, the foundation has funded over 340 studies and provides direct assistance to those affected by spinal cord injuries through clinical trials, rehabilitation centers, and support organizations.

This year’s event demonstrated that when people unite for a cause, the results can be significant. Every step counts in bringing us closer to a day when a cure will be found.