The HIV charity movement has now been running (literally) for a decade! Victoria Park plays host to the 10th annual World AIDS Day Red Run 2019 with the help of drag troupe Denim, the Eagle, Horse Meat Disco and Sir Ian McKellen.
30th November 2019
It’s all too easy to sit behind a keyboard and call yourself an activist – b0etter to get out there and take action! Every year, World AIDS Day (1st December) gives us an opportunity to discuss pressing issues around HIV services in our own communities and around the world. But how do you get involved? For a decade, the Red Run has given us Londoners the chance to get stuck in, make a difference and raise some much needed funds.
Taking over Victoria Park and painting it red, this 5/10k charity fun run and 5k walk draws in thousands looking to take part. It’s a perfect opportunity for the community to get together for a good cause, and build a sense of community around an important issue. Adding a little pizzazz to this year’s proceedings will be British theatre royalty! Grabbing the scissors and sheering the glistening red ribbon this year will be famed thespian and first lady first lady of us London queers, Sir Ian McKellen CBE. Speaking about this year’s event, Sir Ian shared:
“The Red Run is a joyful event. Whether you run, walk or just stand about, you’ll know you’re doing it for the essential case of drawing attention and raising funds for HIV organisations across the country. I’m really looking forward to it.“
The only event of its kind in the UK, the Red Run is open to anyone looking to get involved, regardless of age or ability. Also running along side the athletic event is an day of events aimed at bringing some much-needed attention to the HIV sector and creating a platform for HIV organisations across the country to raise awareness and vital funds for their work. The event will be raising funds for over 35 HIV charities who do important work here in London and beyond.
In addition to Sir Ian McKellen cutting the start ribbon, Red Run 2019 will be hosted by iconic drag band DENIM. The glitter-dipped queens will be holding court and keeping our runners motivated with shablams for the gods, and the sassy thrust of a hand fan. Over a frantically excited phone call, Denim told us:
“Denim is tickled red to be hosting this year’s Red Run! Us girls have been very busy in preparation… Glamrou has been floating in a cryogenic ice chamber for weeks now and Crystal has been working round the clock with her new trainer Holly Valance. But in all seriousness we really are honoured to be amongst the 2000 strong crowd, cheering on those living with and affected by HIV, honouring lives lost and celebrating the message that U=U.”
Also supporting the event are Vauxhall-favourite boozer The Eagle and party collective Horse Meat Disco providing thumping bops for runners to enjoy. Nothing gets the blood pumping like those booming disco tunes. Sweat bands at the ready, and get prepared to push yourself. If you’re just heading over for the leisurely walk, you can always take a breather and shake your caboose to some Diana Ross mixes.
If you’re not quite clued up on the history of HIV and AIDS here in the UK, there’ll be a pop-up AIDS Memorial featuring panels of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt. It’s a rare chance to get up close and personal with the history that brought us to where we are today. The Wellcome Collection have also loaned a small collection of HIV and AIDS public health poster campaigns for the afternoon, giving interesting insight into how they keep the public informed. Spectators and runners will be free to browse the stalls from various HIV charities, as well as enjoy a free cup of coffee all afternoon long. One of the charities getting involved is Red Run host Positive East. Talking about the event, Positive East director Mark Santos told us:
“The World AIDS Day Red Run has become so much more than just a charity 10K or 5K 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 honoured that Sir Ian McKellen has lent his support to this annual community event.”
The World AIDS Day RED RUN 2019 sets off at 11am on Saturday, 30th November. It’s £18 to enter, open to all ages, abilities, family, friends and spectators are welcome. Find out more at RedRun.org.uk
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