Here’s how to team up with a sporting hero – like Jürgen Klopp! – for May 4

Who’s your dream running buddy? If you’ve ever wished you could team up with your favourite sporting star – maybe even an inspirational team captain – to work on a big goal together, now is your chance. Jürgen Klopp, Mondo Duplantis and Primož Roglič with the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe cycling team are just a few of the inspirational sporting greats who are assembling teams for the Wings for Life World Run 2025. And they’re looking for team members like you.

When it comes to running for those who can’t, joining forces with a team is a hugely popular option. And why not, when you can be inspired by someone like Jürgen Klopp?

“This is my first time participating in the Wings for Life World Run, and already I love it because it’s about people coming together to do something extraordinary. In this case, people are coming together from all over the world to help find a cure for spinal cord injury – it’s amazing!” says the German legend, who recently became Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer. “I’ve started a Wings for Life World Run team called Kloppo & Friends, and I hope lots of people will join us to share the spirit of this incredible event.”

When you join the team of one sporting hero, don’t be surprised if even more sporting greats are among your teammates. For example, rugby icon Siya Kolisi has already announced that he’s joining Kloppo & Friends. The South African superstar says, “Jürgen isn’t just an incredible leader and coach; he’s also a good friend. Being able to stand alongside him for such an impactful cause makes this even more special. I’m excited to be part of this journey with him and everyone joining the team.”

Other sporting standouts who are forming teams include not only Mondo Duplantis, the Swedish-American Olympic gold medallist in pole vaulting, and the entire Red Bull - BORA – hansgrohe pro cycling team spearheaded by team captain Primož Roglič of Slovenia. Tennis Grand Slam winner Dominic Thiem of Austria, Norwegian track-and-field star Karsten Warholm**, **medal-winning wheelchair tennis pro Cisco García of Spain, and not one, but two Swiss skiing stars – Marco Odermatt and Loïc Meillard – are team captains as well, along with so many more… Like German ultrarunner Florian Neuschwander, whose Run with the Flow crew has captured the best team result every year since 2016!

Ralph Denk, the CEO of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, says, “I run everywhere, whether I'm at home or traveling, because it's often the best way to stay fit. At the Wings for Life World Run, you are running for a good cause – that's one more reason to put on your running shoes. We at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe will also be running on May 4. Sign up for our team and let’s make a difference together!”

Get inspired and reach your goal!

No matter your fitness level, studies have shown that having one or more running buddies can increase your motivation, and your performance, too. With the Wings for Life World Run App, you can run together with your favourite team no matter where you are on race day. Dominic Thiem, for example, will be participating at the Flagship Run in Vienna, but he’ll be side-by-side with his team members virtually, regardless of their country or continent.

The former US Open winner says, “It’s special being in a team in the Wings for Life World Run, and so close to my heart. Everybody can join my team, and I will also bring fellow athletes in and fellow friends who are spreading good vibes, who are spreading positivity, which is so important to raising awareness and money, 100% of which is going to spinal cord research. Of course they cannot all come to Vienna, but we are still together in one team.”

How to find the right team for you – and sign up!

Again this year, there are already thousands of Wings for Life World Run teams, and even more will be formed in the lead-up to race day. (Thinking of starting one yourself? Click here.)

Of course, athletes aren’t the only team captains. Entertainment celebrities, running and university clubs, community-focused organizations and companies, and everyday individuals are just some of the others who form teams to share the joy of running for the good cause.

To find your dream team, the first thing to do is register. And then start exploring on the searchable Teams page! Sign up now and you can make the most of the inspiration you’ll feel as you train for race day along with your hero and all your amazing teammates. Needless to say, 100% of entry fees and donations goes to find a cure  for spinal cord injury!

Siya Kolisi – who captained South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins – knows a little something about motivation. Whether you decide to run with a team or on your own, he says: “The Wings for Life World Run platform is powerful because it allows each of us to contribute in a small, simple way – just by running – yet the impact is enormous. Let’s run with purpose and make every step count!”

Ready to find a team that will inspire you? Just head over to our Teams page.