Red Run 2025: Cold, Wet, Joyful - and an Inspiring Show of Solidarity for the HIV Community

Some of Team Mildmay

On a rain-soaked November morning, thousands gathered in Victoria Park in Hackney for the annual World AIDS Day Red Run.

With 1,800 people registered and a fantastic £216,500* raised for 31 HIV charities, this year’s Red Run was one of the most powerful demonstrations yet of what our community can achieve together.

Since 2009, the Red Run has raised over £1.3 million, growing from a modest gathering of 50 people into one of the UK’s largest HIV community events. Organised by Positive East and supported by more than a hundred dedicated volunteers, Red Run isn’t a race — it’s a movement. It brings together people of all ages, abilities, and identities to walk, run, dance or sashay through the autumn leaves, united by a simple belief: everyone living with HIV deserves to thrive.

For Mildmay, the day was as meaningful as it was muddy. Staff, supporters, family members and friends came together as Team Mildmay, raising over £1,300 - our highest total yet from this event. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who donated, fundraised, ran, or supported us in any way.

Our CEO, Geoff, captured the feeling perfectly:

“Having just about recovered from yesterday’s Red Run, I wanted to send a big congratulations to everyone who took part and an especially big thank you to all of you who came out to support, cheer and encourage us over the line. You guys were amazing.”

Honouring Community Heroes

The Red Run has always been about community mobilisation - the activists, volunteers, caregivers and everyday champions who shaped the HIV movement long before it was recognised. This year, every participating charity nominated a Community Hero, an unsung individual whose work has helped keep the sector strong.

For Mildmay, we honoured our beloved Hellen Wambui, remembered with deep affection for her dedication, humanity and the enormous positive impact she had on the people we serve.

In 2025, these heroes were celebrated with a special exhibition and a dedicated Community Heroes Guide - a well-earned spotlight on the people whose quiet, determined work keeps us all moving forward.

Why the Red Run Still Matters

Today, London and the UK have surpassed the UNAIDS 90:90:90 targets, and numbers of new diagnoses continue to fall - tremendous achievements built on decades of advocacy, activism, research and care.

But challenges remain. The most recent UK-wide estimate is that around 113,500 people are living with HIV in the UK.

Of this total:

• Diagnosed: The vast majority of people know their status and are receiving treatment. In 2023, approximately 107,949 people were reported as accessing HIV care in the UK.

• Undiagnosed: An estimated over 5,200 people are living with HIV but are undiagnosed and do not know they have the virus.

Stigma persists. Essential services face funding pressures. Many people still struggle to access the care and support they need. That’s why events like the Red Run remain vital. They raise funds, raise awareness, and remind us that while we have made enormous progress, we are not finished.

Moving Forward Together

Mildmay is proud to stand alongside our peers and supporters - and especially proud of everyone who took part. To see the full list of participating charities, visit: redrun.org.uk/charities

Thank you to everyone who supported us. Your energy keeps this movement alive - and because of you, our future is brighter.

*We don't yet know the final figure as donations are still coming in!