Hosted by East London based HIV charity Positive East, the annual World AIDS Day Red Run returns to Victoria Park on 27th November. Growing year on year, the 2019 event saw 4,000 people attend, raising over £150,000 for HIV projects across the country.
Over the past 18 months, we have been reminded of the power and importance of community. This notion of community resonates profoundly when telling the history of HIV and the unsung heroes that have propelled the movement forward, often quietly in the background. The parents, partners, friends, volunteers, staff, social workers and the nurses who provided medical care by day and provided emotional support by night. These beautiful humans are heroes, and we want to celebrate them at the 2021 World AIDS Day RED RUN.
“The Red Run is such a fantastic event, that has a powerful message to reduce stigma whilst raising awareness and funding for causes around HIV. On top of that it’s an incredibly fun day!”
– Jessie, 4 year participant
This year, Positive East is inviting a group of Community Heroes nominated by each of the 29 charities to be the 2021 Guests of Honours and official ribbon cutters. In addition, they will showcase the community heroes in a small exhibition and produce a souvenir guide.
The Red Run is a 10k/5k charity fun run or walk and is the only event of its kind in the UK uniting the HIV sector, creating a platform for HIV organisations across the country to raise awareness and vital funds for their work. Returning to host the event is iconic girl drag band DENIM and entertainment provided by venerable night-time institution Eagle London with DJs from legendary Horse Meat Disco.
Mark Santos, Director of Positive East, remarked, “The World AIDS Day Red Run has become so much more than just a charity 10K run or walk. It’s an important community event that brings together people and charities fighting against HIV stigma, tackling onward HIV transmission and providing much-needed care and direct support. We’re excited that this year’s event will be showcasing the incredible contributions of community members who have supported and strengthened the UK’s response to HIV.”
To learn more about the World AIDS Day Red Run and to register visit: www.redrun.org.uk
In addition to the 5k/10k run/walk, the event will host pre and post-event celebrations and will have panels of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt on display, an entertainment tent and a pop–up AIDS Memorial as well as the exhibition introducing the Community Heroes.
