Red Run 3.0: Visitors laudNagaland’s warmth and organisation

Nagaland etched its name in the national spotlight as it successfully hosted Red Run 3.0, a flagship initiative of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), the event was held for the first time in the Northeast — and it left a lasting impression on visitors from across India.
Previously held in Goa, Red Run 1.0 and 2.0 had set the stage for the event’s national reach. The third edition, hosted at the Agri Expo site in Chümoukedima, featured a 10 km competitive run for state-level champions and a 2 km open category run for the general public. The event also included a solidarity segment, uniting people from diverse walks of life under the shared cause of raising awareness about HIV, breaking stigma, and promoting healthy living.
For the NSACS, coordinating more than 200 out-of-state participants alongside over 700 runners from Nagaland was a logistical feat that tested and showcased its capacity for large-scale event management. The success of the event, however, was not only seen in its execution but also felt in the experiences shared by participants.
The Assam State AIDS Control Society team described Red Run 3.0 as “a great success,” praising the arrangements, food, and coordination. “We learned much more than we expected — not just about HIV and AIDS, but about the spirit of community participation. Everything was perfect,” a team member said, adding that they wished they could have stayed longer.
The Ladakh team called the experience “memorable and meaningful,” emphasizing how the event empowered youth to take part in spreading awareness. “The Red Run shows that awareness can be spread through unity and action. It was inspiring to see young people take the lead,” they shared, also expressing appreciation for Nagaland’s hospitality and scenic setting.
The Telangana team was equally impressed. “It was great from the moment we landed till the end of our participation. Nagaland is a different world — so beautiful, so welcoming. We’re planning to come back,” one participant said, smiling.
The road to Red Run 3.0 began with a curtain-raiser in Kohima on October 23, where the official logo and jersey were unveiled. Announcing Nagaland as the host, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, Project Director of NSACS, called it a milestone for the state, combining health awareness with youth engagement through sports.
By October 29, teams from 35 States and Union Territories had arrived, transforming the venue into a hub of excitement and friendship. With support from DCP (Traffic) I. Meren Chenth and 180 volunteers, the event ran smoothly — a point repeatedly noted by visiting teams.
When the races began at dawn on October 30, the enthusiasm was palpable. The 10 km competitive run was flagged off by V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director General, NACO, and the 2 km open run by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Secretary General of NOA.
Winners Panchanan Bera from West Bengal and Anisha from Uttarakhand expressed their gratitude after the race. “It was a very good experience — the hospitality, the coordination, everything,” said Bera. Anisha added, “Representing my state and winning here is a great honour. The people made it even more special.”
The post-race celebration, highlighted by a Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) performance, reflected Nagaland’s cultural vibrancy. Meanwhile, the Red Ribbon Quiz Competition Grand Finale held at Tetso College, Sovima, on October 31 carried forward the momentum, engaging youth from across India in a battle of knowledge and advocacy. Telangana’s team, comprising T. Devi Sri Prasanna and M. Deeksha, emerged as champions, dedicating their victory to “every young person spreading awareness.”
Reflecting on the successful hosting, Abu Metha said, “Nagaland is proud to have hosted the third edition of the National Red Run. We followed every technical and athletic guideline, using chip timing and live streaming for the first time.” “This event, organised by NACO and the state AIDS control societies, united athletes and participants from every state and UT,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Health and NACO for choosing Nagaland as the host. “We’re proud to have implemented this initiative with NOA and NAA,” he added.