World Aids Day 10k Red Run in Victoria Park hits record £103,000 for HIV projects

Hundreds of supporters turned up for the ninth annual ‘red run’ at Victoria Park to mark the 30th anniversary of the first World Aids Day.

The mayor of London cut the ribbon to set off Saturday’s big 5k and 10k runs in support of HIV services.

Charities from all over the country took part and were set to beat all previous records for runners taking part and the money they’ve raised.

“It’s vital that we support the work being done to end the stigma of HIV and AIDS,” Mayor Sadiq Khan said. “It’s important to improve the lives of people in London living with HIV.”

This year’s Red Run total crashed through the £100,000 barrier with another £3,000 on top, all going to projects across the country.

Mark Santos, director of Positive East HIV centre in Mile End, said: “This is more than just a charity run. It’s an event that brings together people and charities fighting against HIV stigma, tackling HIV transmission and providing care and support.”

Four panels of the UK Aids memorial quilt was on display, along with a pop-up memorial and a display of HIV and Aids public health posters.