The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), is all set to host the much-awaited National Red Run 3.0 on October 30 at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima.
The announcement was made by project director of NSACS, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, during a press conference held on Tuesday at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima. The event is being organised under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. A curtain-raiser event was earlier held in Kohima on October 23.
Dr. Sekhose said the Red Run aims to raise awareness about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), promote healthy lifestyles, and engage youth and communities in collective action for health and well-being.
This third edition of the Red Run will see participation from 35 States and Union Territories, with 140 athletes competing in the 10 km marathon. The initiative, launched in 2023 under NACO, was previously hosted by Goa in its first two editions.
In the 10 km competitive category, two male and two female representatives from each state, aged 17 to 25, will vie for top honours. The winners will receive attractive cash prizes — Rs. 50,000 for first place (male and female), Rs. 35,000 for second place, and Rs. 25,000 for third place.
The marathon will flag off at 5:30 a.m. from the Agri Expo in Chümoukedima, with runners covering the stretch up to CT Square and back.
Meanwhile, joint director (IEC & MS) of NSACS, Metevinuo Sakhrie, informed that a 2 km open (general) category will also be held as a solidarity run, featuring participation from students, government officials, district administration, police, NGOs, youth organisations and churches. Around 700 runners are expected to take part. While there are no cash prizes for this category, every participant will receive a certificate and medal.
Red Ribbon Quiz competition to follow on October 31
The Red Ribbon Quiz Competition Grand Finale, organised by NSACS under the aegis of NACO, will take place on October 31 at Tetso College. Sakhrie said the quiz aims to empower youth with accurate information about HIV and inspire them to lead healthy, responsible and stigma-free lives. The finalists represent winners from four regional zones — Manipur, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Kerala — with two students from each zone competing in the finale. The first prize winner will receive Rs. 1 lakh, the second prize will carry Rs. 75,000, the third prize will be Rs. 50,000, and a consolation prize of Rs. 25,000 will also be awarded.
The quiz, open to students aged 13–17, seeks to impart knowledge on HIV and STIs, promote healthy living, address myths and taboos, and raise awareness of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.