The tradition continues. Once again, while hundreds of thousands of people around the world ran at the same moment for those who cannot, I found myself in Zadar, documenting my small part of this global movement. For the 13th time, the streets and coastline of Zadar became part of the Wings for Life World Run on May 10, 2026.
This was my 13th Wings for Life World Run assignment, dating back to the very first edition held in Croatia. And yet, returning never feels repetitive. Perhaps it is because I know the purpose behind every step, every kilometre and every photograph. Some events are special because of what happens on the course. Others are special because of what they stand for. Wings for Life World Run is both.
More than 8,000 runners and wheelchair participants gathered on the Adriatic coast, joining hundreds of thousands of people across the globe in a race unlike any other. What makes the event special is the absence of a traditional finish line. Instead, participants run ahead of the moving Catcher Car, which gradually increases its speed and eliminates runners as it passes them.
Starting from Zadar’s waterfront, runners headed north along the stunning Dalmatian coastline, passing through picturesque seaside landscapes. Tomislav Salopek emerged as the strongest male runner in Zadar, reaching 55.69km before the Catcher Car ended his race, while twins Nataša Šustić and Nikolina Šustić Stanković shared the women’s victory after covering 46.56km.
After more than a decade of photographing the event, the challenge is no longer about understanding the race itself. I know the location well. The route remains largely unchanged. Long before race day, I already have a clear vision of the moments I want to capture and the sections of the course where they are most likely to happen.
My biggest motivation each year is finding a new way to tell the same story. To create images that feel fresh, even when the location, the course and the event are familiar. That goal is never easy. When you return to the same place year after year, creativity becomes just as important as technical skill.
Every edition pushes me to look for a different perspective, a different emotion, a different way of seeing. I always try to add something new to the visual story. That pursuit of authenticity is what keeps the event exciting, even after all these years. And somehow, every year, Wings for Life World Run gives me another opportunity to do exactly that.
This is one of those events where I can already say, with complete certainty: See you next year!
ABOUT WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN
Founded in 2004, the Wings for Life World Run was created to raise funds for spinal cord injury research under the motto “Run for those who can’t.” Since its inception, the event has grown into the world’s largest simultaneous running event, bringing together runners, wheelchair participants, joggers and walkers of all abilities.
Unlike traditional races, there is no fixed finish line. Instead, participants run until they are caught by the moving Catcher Car, making the event equally accessible to elite athletes and recreational participants. The race takes place annually, with everyone around the globe starting at the exact same time regardless of location.
The 2026 edition attracted a record 346,527 participants from 173 countries and raised €9.2 million for spinal cord injury research. Since its inception, the event has generated nearly €70 million in funding, with 100 percent of entry fees and donations going directly to research projects and clinical trials aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
INSIDE THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH PREDRAG VUCKOVIC
While events such as Wings for Life World Run are not as demanding or fast-paced as other projects Predrag Vuckovic usually does, he manages to find the challenge for himself. And that challenge lies in creative opportunities.
Vuckovic uses the long standing connection with the race and the familiarity with the race as his advantages. So he always finds new perspectives to deliver fresh and unique moments from the event, even when the course, the city and the event remain largely unchanged.
Equipment used for this project
Cameras: 2x Nikon Z9 camera, 1x Nikon Z7 II camera
Lenses: 70-200mm f 2.8, 24-70mm f 2.8, 14-24mm f 2.8, 35mm f 1.2
Numerous different mounts; 5x remote controls Pocket Wizards Plus 3; Drone DJI Mavic Pro 3
Knowing the event so well allows Predrag to spend less time anticipating what will happen and more time focusing on how to capture it in a way that feels new. The result is a collection of images that continues to evolve year after year, proving that creativity often becomes most important when the subject is already familiar.