Panaji: The much-anticipated National Red Run 2.0, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (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 in Panaji today, 16th January 2025, Dr Lalitha Umraskar, Project Director of GSACS, said that the event, aimed at raising awareness about HIV prevention through sports and community engagement, will feature a 10 km run with 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 of GSACS, was also present at the press conference.

Earlier, all states and union territories had organised district- and state-level Red Runs in male, female, and transgender categories. The top two winners from each state-level race will participate in the 10 km National Red Run. The run will feature competitors in all three categories, with the top finishers receiving cash prizes of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 35,000, and Rs. 25,000 for the first three positions, respectively.

Additionally, a 2 km Solidarity Run will be organised for participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, representatives from government, civil society, communities, youth, development partners, persons with disabilities, transgender individuals, Defence, police, and the general public, to show support for those living with HIV. Certificates of completion and medals will be given to all participants.

The event is expected to be attended by the 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. Shripad 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 the central and state governments, NACO, and GSACS.

It is worth mentioning that around 13,000 Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) have been established across the country to promote community outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention and provide support for young people seeking information and clarification about HIV, STIs, and drug abuse. With such a large 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.

BI Bureau