30th annual AIDS Run, Walk on Oct. 2; vax proof or neg PCR test required

AIDS Foundation of Chicago announced it will move forward with AIDS Run and Walk Chicago, their premier participant fundraiser. The 30th annual event will take place on October 2 at Soldier Field.

Prospective participants can learn more about the event and register at the website.

Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test

The HIV/AIDS adovocacy group will be requiring proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of the event, for in-person participation.

Masking recommendations

Because AIDS Run and Walk is an outdoor event, masking will not be required.

But masking will be highly encouraged, in keeping with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Vaccinations available on-site

Unvaccinated persons will have an opportunity to be vaccinated at the AIDS Run and Walk. They will have free Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines available.

In-person participation

In-person participants will have three unique courses to choose from at Soldier Field: the walk or roll course, the 5K run course, and the 10K run course. All are scenic along Lake Michigan with views of the Chicago skyline.

"Pre-registration is now open through Monday, September 27," AFC said. "Registration will be available onsite and the event is ADA accessible."

Off-site participation

Participants don't have to do the AIDS Run and Walk in-person.

"You can run or walk or roll at you own pace, at your own place," AFC explained. "Registrants will be given access to download RunGo, a virtual smartphone app to help track your participation anywhere and anytime you feel comfortable as well as completing your race at any location."

This also means people outside of metropolitan Chicago can participate without having to travel.

"Stay at home supporters" can raise funds without having to do physical activity. A minimum fundraising amount of $50 is required.

Beneficiaries

"Proceeds from the event will directly benefit AFC and 26 community organizations as part of the Community Direct grant program," AFC shared. "The program launched in 2005 to provide financial support to organizations in the form of unrestricted funds that provide essential programs and services to Chicagoans who are living with HIV and AIDS and other chronic illnesses."

Some of these beneficiaries include Center on Halsted, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Howard Brown Health Center, The Night Ministry, Pride Action Tank, among others.

"All community organizations are actively working towards Getting to Zero, a statewide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030.

History

AIDS Run and Walk was established in 1991 and has drawn more than 23,000 advocates raised more than $5.5 million to battle the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

AFC has become the largest HIV and AIDS advocacy group in the Midwest over its 36 years in existence.