Running for Health: 70 Cadets Race for HIV & Drug Awareness

Transforming energy into purposeful action, the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society successfully organized the fourth edition of the state-level ‘Red Run’ marathon starting from Peterhoff, Shimla. Chief Guest and Director of Health Services, Dr. Gopal Beri, flagged off the event, which brought together young runners from across the region to shatter myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, foster empathy for people living with the disease, and inspire the youth to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.

Organized under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) through college-level Red Ribbon Clubs, the energetic race stretched from Peterhoff to the CTO in Shimla. Featuring 70 youth participants representing seven districts—Shimla, Bilaspur, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, Una, and Hamirpur—the marathon served as a vibrant public message that awareness, accurate information, and community solidarity are the most effective weapons against social stigma and substance abuse.

Addressing the critical risks associated with shared needles, state health officials highlighted ongoing interventions aimed at curbing injectable drug use, a primary transmission route for HIV as well as Hepatitis B and C. Beyond widespread screening and early counseling services, the Himachal Pradesh government is actively providing harm-reduction care through 20 specialized Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centers established across nine districts, including Una, Shimla, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Kullu, and Mandi.

The event concluded on a high note with spirited cultural performances by artists from the Jai Shabri Lok Kala Manch, Theog, focusing on drug prevention and social inclusion. In the competitive events, Jatin and Dhruv from Shimla alongside Aryan from Hamirpur took the top three spots in the men’s category, while Shivali (Hamirpur), Kumari Raveena (Una), and Rashi (Hamirpur) dominated the women’s podium. The top four overall finishers—two male and two female athletes—have been selected to represent Himachal Pradesh on the national stage at the upcoming National Red Run Marathon in Patna, Bihar.