The 9th annual Red Run returns to Victoria Park this year on World AIDS Day. Organiser Ian Montgomery from Positive East explains more about the aims of the fundraising event and how you can get involved.
On the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the 9th annual Red Run will return to Victoria Park. This year’s Red Run takes place against the backdrop of a momentous time in the world of HIV. We have seen a dramatic fall in new HIV diagnosis, particularly amongst gay men in London. London has exceeded the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target (90% of those living with HIV are diagnosed, 90% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 90% of those on treatment are adhering). Undetectable = Untransmittable is a medical statement of fact – and PrEP works!
However, amongst this good news, the challenge remains that not everyone and not all communities are benefiting. HIV stigma is still a reality and there are far too many people undiagnosed or diagnosed late. 50,000 Londoners are living with HIV and HIV support services are still needed. Now is certainly not the time for us to stand down.
Take Action. Lace Up. We’re not done yet.
On Saturday 1st December at 11am, thousands will come together to take action against misguided budget cuts, against HIV stigma, to ensure everyone knows that U=U, in unity with those living with HIV and to demand that PrEP is made available to all who need it. We’ll be taking action to stand collectively to remember our loved ones and the generation lost to HIV. Together we will lace up in solidarity.
The World AIDS Day Red Run is more than a run. It has now become one of the UK’s largest World AIDS Day events. We’ll display four panels of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, create a pop-up AIDS memorial and we’ll have a small display of HIV and AIDS public health poster campaigns from the Wellcome Collection.
Drag superstars Denim will host the event and Eagle London will power the entertainment with Jim Stanton of Horse Meat Disco. Madam Storm will perform a STRUT and Starbucks will provide free hot drinks to all who attend. Like last year, we’ll have an after-run BBQ at the People’s Park Tavern (a short walk from the Run).
The run itself is a 5k or 10k route through leafy Victoria Park and is open to all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage people to bring their friends and family to celebrate with us. This year the Red Run will support a record breaking 41 HIV charities across the UK, all doing brilliant work.
Positive East is proud to host an event that benefits the sector more widely and to help create an event that shows our unified voice and commitment to supporting those living with HIV.
To register, please visit redrun.org.uk and here you’ll be able to select the charity you’re running to support. The £18 registration fee to participate is a small price for the impact your presence will make.
We hope to see you there!
The 2018 World AIDS Day Red Run in Victoria Park is proudly sponsored by Gilead, State Street, Interbank, Eagle London, Starbucks and Emerald Life. With special thanks to Anne McLellan, Mark Oakley, Lee Benjamin, Miranda Markham and the Wellcome Collection.
The 9th annual Red Run returns to Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow E3 5TB on Saturday 1st December. To register to run go to redrun.org.uk. The event will open at 11am, with entertainment and DJs from 11.30am and the ribbon cutting for the start of the races – 5k or 10k routes – scheduled for 12.30pm.
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