The World AIDS Day RED RUN is a 10k/5k charity fun run and 5K walk to unite the HIV sector, creating a platform for HIV organisations across the country to raise awareness and vital funds for their work. Take Action. Lace Up.

Since 2009, east London based HIV charity Positive East, has organised the World AIDS Day RED RUN on the last weekend of November. What began 13 years ago with just 50 people is now one of the UKs largest annual HIV community events that has raised over £650,000 for HIV support and prevention projects.

Past special guests have included Mayor Sadiq Khan, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Barbara Windsor in addition to hosting spoken word performances, AIDS quilt displays, drag singers and international DJs. The growth of the event has come from the groundswell of support, attracting people of all ages and abilities to join together to make a positive impact in their community.

In addition to the 5k/10k run and walk, the 2022 event will host pre and post celebrations and will have panels of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt on display, charity stalls, a small collection of HIV and AIDS public health campaign posters from the Wellcome Collection and an HIV Community Heroes exhibition. The 2022 RED RUN will be hosted by queens from drag band DENIM and entertainment provided by venerable night-time institution the Eagle London with DJs from Horse Meat Disco.

The 2022 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. London and the UK have exceeded the UNAIDS 90:90:90 target and Undetectable=Untransmittable is scientific statement of fact.

However, amongst the good news the challenge remains that not everyone, and not all communities are benefiting. 106,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK (50,000 in London). HIV stigma is still a reality and there are still too many people undiagnosed and diagnosed late. Funding cuts to the HIV sector are all too common despite the fact that HIV support services change lives. Now is most certainly not the time for us to stand down.