Runners, walkers will put their feet down at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 1

Fri. September 30, 2016 10:10 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

aids run & walk chicago, 2015

photo credit // chicagopride.com

Thousands expected to gather at annual day of remembrance, fundraising and awareness

Chicago, IL - Chicago-area residents will gather to change the HIV epidemic at the 15th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 1. The event will start and finish at Soldier Field in Chicago, and courses for the 5k walk and the 5k/10k runs will stretch along Lake Michigan.

Inspired by the kaleidoscopic effect of last year's athletes donning COLORbands (elastic bands that can be worn by participants in a number of ways), this year's 5K walk, 5K run and 10K run will center around the estimated 2,500 participants banding together to end new HIV infections and support those living with HIV and other chronic illnesses.

"Chicago has seen huge strides in reducing the number of HIV infections in the past few years, thanks to increased awareness, access to health care and PrEP, a pill that prevents HIV," said AFC President/CEO John Peller.

"This year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will be a time to celebrate our communities' successes as we strive for health equity, as well as gather around those who are living with the virus and remember those we have lost due to AIDS-related causes."

WGN-TV's Dean Richards will be the master of ceremonies for the morning's festivities, which will include a brief speech by Peller.

The opening ceremony will also include performances by the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and LGBT entertainer Honey West. Afterward, participants will warm up before their run or walk with Fitness Formula Club trainer Joy Miles.

Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display, and free HIV testing will be available on site.

Funds raised through AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 35 other metropolitan organizations that provide life-saving services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted nearly $5 million to battle the epidemic.

For more information, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. 

Related: Photos from AIDS Run & Walk 2015
 

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