PANAJI: The National Red Run 2.0 event took place today at Miramar aiming to raise awareness about HIV prevention through sports and community participation. The event attracted wide participation and support from various government bodies, officials, and organizations dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness.
A total of 145 students participated, including 66 males, 61 females, and 18 transgender participants. All States and Union Territories successfully organized District and State-level Red Runs in three categories, from which the top two winners participated in the 10 km National Red Run finale in Goa.
In the first category, Nabeel Sahi from Kerala was declared the winner, followed by Daniel Wahlong from Meghalaya in second and Skehamlong Subha from Meghalaya in third. In the second category, Shreya from Chandigarh claimed the top spot, with Anjali from Uttarakhand as the runner-up and Manisha from Madhya Pradesh in third. In the third category, Tanu Thsokesom from Manipur was the winner, with Naresh from Madhya Pradesh in second and Gargi Chkhalkar from Maharashtra in third.
Minister of State for the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik flagged off the run in the presence of MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Shripad Naik said the National Red Run is like a utsav, specially designed to encourage youth involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention, dispelling myths, and providing safe spaces for discussion. He appealed to the youth to unite for this social cause in order to eradicate the disease, stressing that while there is no effective medicine, prevention is key.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade spoke about the need for greater awareness, particularly among youth, to help eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. He emphasized that awareness is not only needed in Goa but across the country.
The Red Run event was organized by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society.
Additionally, a 2 km solidarity run was organized at the same venue for over 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, government representatives, civil society members, youth, development partners, persons with special abilities, transgender individuals, defence personnel, police, and the general public, to show support for those living with HIV. All participants in the solidarity run were awarded a Certificate of Completion and a medal.
