Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in new first as “unique” sporting event announced

Everton FC are preparing for another milestone at Hill Dickinson Stadium after the club confirmed the venue will host the 2026 edition of the Wings for Life World Run for the very first time.

The global charity event, organised alongside Everton’s official energy drink partner Red Bull, will see runners gather at the stadium on Sunday 10 May to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

Around 200 participants are expected to take part in the Liverpool event, joining runners from across the world in a synchronised global race beginning at 12pm BST.

The announcement marks another step in Everton’s efforts to position Hill Dickinson Stadium as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting far more than football.

Unique race format set to transform stadium surroundings

Unlike traditional races, the Wings for Life World Run does not feature a fixed finish line.

Instead, runners continue for as long as possible before being caught by a “Virtual Catcher Car”, which begins moving 30 minutes after the start and gradually increases speed throughout the event.

The route around Hill Dickinson Stadium will form part of a worldwide network of simultaneous races taking place across multiple countries.

Importantly, 100 per cent of entry fees from the event go directly towards spinal cord injury research, giving the run a major charitable focus alongside its sporting appeal.

🏃🏃‍♀️Hill Dickinson Stadium is gearing up to host the 2026 Wings for Life World Run this weekend.

On Sunday, more than 100 runners will gather at the stadium and join a unique global race to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

There is still time to sign up. ⬇️… pic.twitter.com/ilXI10h9HS

— Hill Dickinson Stadium (@EvertonStadium) May 8, 2026

Hill Dickinson Stadium continuing evolution beyond football

The event represents another example of Everton expanding the use of their new stadium beyond matchdays.

Supporters and spectators will be able to watch the event unfold from Budweiser Plaza, one of the venue’s growing fan-focused areas.

Since opening, Hill Dickinson Stadium has increasingly been positioned as a year-round entertainment and community destination, with Everton actively exploring ways to maximise the venue’s use.

Hosting an internationally recognised charity event adds another layer to that vision and further demonstrates the flexibility of the waterfront stadium complex.

FGG Says

This is exactly the kind of event modern stadiums should be hosting. The Wings for Life World Run fits perfectly with Everton’s ambition to make Hill Dickinson Stadium more than just a football ground. 

It brings community engagement, global visibility and a meaningful charitable cause together in one event.

For a brand-new stadium still building its identity, these moments matter, and Everton seem determined to make the venue active all year round.