South African hockey star Thati Zulu on training for the Wings for Life World Run

Join South African Red Bull Athlete Thati Zulu as she transitions from hockey to the Wings for Life World Run. Thati shares her unique training insights and the powerful purpose behind this global event happening this weekend. The Wings for Life World Run is back, and athletes from across the sporting spectrum are getting ready to join the masses.

Among them is South African Red Bull Athlete Thati Zulu, who is bringing the lessons of an elite field game to the open road. “I think what makes this run special is that it’s bigger than just performance,” says Thati. “You’re running for a purpose, for people who can’t, and that shifts how you prepare mentally and physically.” It’s a fitting mindset for an event that does things differently.

Participants around the globe start at the same moment, then race to stay ahead of the iconic Catcher Car. The format rewards strategy as much as speed, and tests even the most seasoned athletes. For Thati, that means rebuilding her engine.

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Hockey is fast, sharp and reactive. The World Run asks for something different. “Hockey is very stop-start, high intensity,” she explains.

“So for this, I’ve had to be more intentional about building continuous endurance. I’ve been adding longer steady runs into my routine, which is not something we usually prioritise in-season.” In the lead-up to race day, her training has started to mirror the unpredictable rhythm of the event itself. “I like to mix in interval sessions that feel similar to match scenarios, short bursts of speed followed by controlled recovery,” she says. “It helps me stay comfortable when my body is under pressure.” Strength and conditioning, core pillars in hockey, remain central to her prep.

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