We couldn’t have asked for a brighter, more beautiful, golden autumnal day for the World AIDS Day Red Run that took place in leafy Victoria Park in East London on 26th November.
Team Mildmay included members of staff from across the hospital and supporters, some running 10k and some 5k. I was taking part in my first ever ‘fun run’ so it was definitely the 5k for me!
I arrived bright and early to put up our Mildmay banner which took its place amongst the other charity banners. Soon people began to arrive, register, check in their bags, grab a free coffee from the Starbucks tent and don their RedRun T shirt. The effect was fantastic, a sea of red runners gathering from many different charities all joining together to raise HIV awareness and funds for their chosen HIV charity.
Horse Meat Disco provided the music, and some feet couldn’t help but start to dance…the perfect warm up!
Then it was count down time..Dame Barbara Windsor cut the ribbon and we were off.
The route took us around the park creating a snaking ribbon of red and the atmosphere was brilliant. Two laps for those tackling the 5k and four laps for the 10k.
Once my Red Run (I admit some walking also took place!) was complete I joined supporters on the side-line, cheering as our Mildmay 10K champions crossed the finish line, my own and first ever running medal proudly gleaming in the sunshine.
It was a really wonderful day, a great atmosphere, a chance to meet friends from other charities and share a really lovely morning.
You can still sponsor Team Mildmay for World AIDS Day here
Next year the Run will be held on 1st December and I fully intend to be there, running for World AIDS Day to raise funds for Mildmay and to be part of this really fantastic community event.
Well done to Positive East for all their hard work – see you next year!