South African Hockey sensation Thati Zulu prepares for her transition from hockey to the Wings for Life World Run. Thati, a Red Bull Athlete, shares her unique training insights and the powerful purpose behind this global event taking place this weekend.
Image: WAYNE REICHE/Red Bull Content Pool
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 Onthatile Zulu, better know as Thati, 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. 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.”
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.
Image: WAYNE REICHE/Red Bull Content Pool
Strength and conditioning, core pillars in hockey, remain central to her prep.
“I’m still in the gym working on lower body strength and core stability,” Thati adds.
“That’s what keeps you efficient when fatigue starts to kick in during a long run.”
Then comes the part most runners underrate: the head game. For a hockey player, it’s second nature.
“In hockey, you’re always thinking ahead, reading the game. I’ve taken that into my running, pacing myself, staying patient, and knowing when to push.”
Recovery and nutrition have come into sharper focus as the race nears.
“I’ve had to be more mindful of recovery, ice baths, stretching, proper sleep,” she says.
“And nutrition is key. You can’t show up on race day under-fuelled and expect to perform.”
With race day closing in, Thati is leaning into the global pulse of the event.
“There’s something powerful about knowing people all over the world are doing this at the same time,” she says.
“It reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.”
South African Hockey star Thati Zulu is taking on a new challenge of endurance as she prepares for the globally celebrated Wings for Life World Run this weekend.
Image: WAYNE REICHE/Red Bull Content Pool
Whether you’re an elite athlete or just starting your running journey, the Wings for Life World Run is built for everyone willing to show up for a cause.
Join Thati Zulu and thousands of participants as they take on this one-of-a-kind race.
Together, we run for those who can’t.
Race Details:
Locations: Centurion Irene Farm,
Cape Town Greenpoint or Gqeberha Hobie Beach
Date: May 10, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Registration: R220