It looks like an overstatement, but it is actually true. I remember very well a saying “you don’t have to like what you do, in order to love what you do”, and even if it sounds strange, it is quite true. Regarding Red Bull, it is not the kind of drink I like at any time, since I don’t drink it for many years now, but Red Bull really is a brand I like, and especially I admire many of their projects. Maybe, the most famous is “Wings for Life Word Run”, the biggest synchronized running event from the entire world, with 346K+ in 2026. Each May, an event destinated for spinal cord research, the run starts at the same moment on the entire planet. I have participated three times in four years, with an astonishing event win in 2023.
More than 9 million euros gathered thanks to Wings for Life World Run
From that moment on, I knew it is a special event, and the joining of adidas as technical sponsor in 2024 put an additional label on the already Red Bull stamped one. Because, yes, it is a Red Bull event, which gathered in 2026 more than 9 million euro for the spinal cord research, aiming to help people walking again. This is so inspiring, but not limited. Red Bull is famous for being a motor sport enthusiast, but also it sponsors top champions like one of the best triathlete, the Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt. Of course, the F1 cars and the famous Flying Bulls are the jewel of the crown. And here is where the story glues with my travelling.
Hangar-7, the heart of Red Bull
By serendipity, I have decided to run at the Salzburg Marathon 2026, but at the half, in May, Only one week apart the Wings for Life World Run. The thing is, if you didn’t knew, Salzburg is the town where Red Bull started in 1984, and also apart from having now a football team which became Austria’s champion ten years in a row, Red Bull Salzburg, the city has Hangar-7. I was wondering if there is a Red Bull museum, and this place near the airport answered my question. As you can see, the flying bulls are the masterpiece, but so are many racing cars and motorcycles. Some pieces of art are as well top presented – how can they not be in a city known for the birthplace of Mozart?
The GPS ruined my plans
The entire exposition is impressive, and the Alps display from behind of Hangar-7 complete a unique picture. A picture which includes even a Michelin star restaurant, but also a lounge where you can eat… normal. 🙂 Souvenirs, and another token that reminds about Wings for Life and its purpose. I am getting back, in my mind, on 10th of May, when I had hopes for another win at the event organized by Brasov Runners, was failed by the GPS, but in the end acknowledge the main purpose is so different. And you can see this in Salzburg as well. Being on the stadium, where FC Red Bull lost 1-3 against Hartberg, in one of their worst seasons from the rebranding of the club, I saw people being relaxed, and enjoying the moment.
FC Red Bull Salzburg launched Erling Haaland
FC Red Bull Salzburg is, of course, another big supporter of Wings for Life. And the club is also not only a big champion internally, they actually participated in the first extended Club World Cup, with 32 teams, hosted by USA in 2025! Most important of all is that the club promotes young talent, and thanks to them, players like Erling Haaland, Sadio Mané, Dominik Szoboszlai, or Dayot Upamecano took off. Red Bull also sponsored Romanian athletes like Toma Coconea and Denisa Dragomir, to name the ones that pop into my mind first. The type of events and sports that the company promotes are so diverse and intense, so you effectively it directs you to like Red Bull, especially if you are into sport.
Red Bull, from a Thai inspiration!
If you visit Hangar-7, the understanding expands, and it is the best way to relate to my story. Or, the second best way. The best way is Wings for Life World Run. An event which, look into it properly, provides such a clear view of what really counts in many moments of this life. Red Bull is only 42 years young, it was an enhancement of a Thai energy drink, but the impact of this brand is so big, and the exposure so width, in a way that really can match the Alps on the background. Maybe this is the reason for which Hangar-7 was located there, with its flamboyant flying bulls. Can’t wait for next year’s Wings for Life World Run. I am pretty sure sooner than later the event will reach the million participants simultaneously.
