By TIOL News Service

MUMBAI, JAN 17, 2025: THE much-anticipated National Red Run 2.0, being organized by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), will begin at Miramar beach, Panaji, at 6.30 AM on Saturday, 18th January.

At a press conference held at Panaji today, 16th, January, 2025, Dr Lalitha Umraskar, Project Director, GSACS, said that the event, being organized with an aim to raise awareness about HIV prevention through sports and community engagement, will feature a 10km-run for participants from various states across the country.  The race will be flagged off from Miramar Circle in Panjim city at 6:30 am with participants covering a route from Miramar Circle via NIO to Dona Pala and back to Miramar Circle. Umakant Sawant, Joint Director, GSACS, was also present at the press conference. 

Earlier, all States and Union Territories had organized District and State-level Red Runs in male, female and transgender categories. The top two winners of the state-level race will participate in the 10 km-National Red Run. The run will feature competitors in the all the three categories with top finishers receiving cash prizes of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 25,000 for top three positions respectively.

Additionally, a 02 km Solidarity Run will also be organized for participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, representatives from government, civil society, communities, youth, development partners, persons with disabilities, transgender, Defence, police and also general public to show support for those living with HIV. Certificates of Completion and medals will be given to all the participants.

The event is expected to be attended by Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant as the Chief Guest. Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Health and Urban Development, Government of Goa, will be the Guest of Honour. pad Y. Naik, Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, and Sadanand  Tanawade, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, are also expected to be present at the event along with several senior officials from Central and State governments, NACO, and GSACS.

It is worth mentioning that around 13,000 Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC) across the country have been established to promote community outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention and provide support for young people seeking information and clarifications about HIV, STIs, and drug abuse. With over such huge number of RRCs across the nation, the Red Run is an initiative designed to encourage youth involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention, dispelling myths, and providing safe spaces for discussion.