State AIDS Control Society organises State-Level Marathon-Red Run
Awareness, accurate information and collective participation can effectively address challenges associated with HIV
22 अक्तूबर, 2026
(Viren Thakur)
Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society organised the fourth edition of the State-Level Marathon – Red Run today at Peterhoff, Shimla, with the objective of spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS, dispelling misconceptions associated with the disease, fostering sensitivity towards people living with HIV and encouraging young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
On the occasion, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri, the chief guest flagged off the Red Run for participants.
Through the Red Run, an effort was made to convey the message to the public that awareness, accurate information and collective participation can help effectively address the challenges associated with HIV and AIDS.
Red Run is an initiative of the National AIDS Control Organisation, organised through Red Ribbon Clubs functioning in colleges. The red ribbon is a global symbol of awareness about HIV and AIDS and solidarity with people living with HIV. Red Run represents one of the most energetic expressions of this mission.
Sharing infected needles or syringes can increase the risk of infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Keeping this in view, the state government has been consistently undertaking extensive efforts to raise awareness among young people and discourage them from substance abuse, particularly the use of injectable intoxicating substances.
In view of the reported cases of infection, screening and testing are being conducted across the state to ensure early detection and timely initiation of appropriate treatment. The government is also prioritising the provision of necessary counselling and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) services for people who consume intoxicating substances through injections.
OST services are being provided through 20 centres across nine districts of Himachal Pradesh, namely Una, Shimla, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Kullu and Mandi.
A total of 70 participants from Shimla, Bilaspur, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts participated in the State-Level Marathon – Red Run. Each district was represented by five boys and five girls. The race was organised from Peterhoff to the CTO in Shimla.
In the men’s category, Jatin from Shimla district secured first position, Dhruv from Shimla district secured second position and Aryan from Hamirpur district secured third position.
In the women’s category, Shivali from Hamirpur district secured first position, Kumari Raveena from Una district secured second position and Rashi from Hamirpur district secured third position.
Four selected participants – two boys and two girls – will represent Himachal Pradesh at the National Marathon – Red Run, scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar, on November 3, 2026.
On the occasion, State Programme Officer of the State AIDS Control Society Dr. Rajesh Thakur, presented the vote of thanks. He stated all the participants had helped promote messages against substance abuse, awareness about HIV/AIDS, equality and sensitivity, as well as the importance of channelling youth energy in a positive direction and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Artists associated with the Jai Shabri Lok Kala Manch, Theog, presented various cultural programmes based on awareness about substance abuse and HIV.
Senior officers and employees of the State AIDS Control Society, and participants from various districts, were present at the programme
