The AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5k Run, produced by AID Atlanta, celebrates its 25th anniversary on Oct. 18. This “rain or shine” event is one of Atlanta’s largest social gatherings held each year, with more than 5,000 walkers and runners coming out to join the journey on the road to find a cure for AIDS.
“The majority of volunteers are students…about 1,000 to 1,500 students,” says Latisha Oliver, volunteer coordinator of the AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run at AID Atlanta.
Oliver notes that most teen volunteers come with their friends or are a part of school-affiliated groups, such as BETA Clubs or Student Government Association. Oliver anticipates,“Since it’s our 25th year, we are hoping for 7, 000 to 8,000 [people] to show for the walk.”
She recalls participating in the AIDS Walk when she was in high school and says, “I made sure to get involved…in any city I lived with their AIDS Walk campaign.”
To particiapte or volunteer for Atlanta’s AIDS Walk & 5K Run, Oliver recommends you go online to aidswalkatlanta.com to sign up and pay the fee(s) for the event. Runners have a $30 fee before Oct. 17 and $50 the day of the event. Walkers are $10 either way.
When you register online or donate money to the event, the funds go to AID Atlanta and the other organizations sponsoring and contributing to the event. Funds raised from the AIDS Walk & 5K Run, go toward leading centers in research and development in HIV/AIDS study and research. The funds also go toward prevention and education programs in hope of bringing awareness to all in Atlanta and beyond.
Oliver shared her hopes for people to become more aware over the next few years, stating “anyone who is impacted or affected by HIV/AIDS, you’ll find them at AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run.”
If you are interested in bringing a large group, such as a school club, contact Oliver for information. However, time is running out and slots for volunteers and walking and running participants are filling up, so don’t wait until the last minute to sign up!
AIDS Walk Atlanta
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015
WHERE: The event begins and ends at the meadow in Piedmont Park
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Go to www.aidswalkatlanta.com and click ‘Register’ or ‘About’ for more information. Teams need to be registered by Oct. 12. Individuals can register after that.
SCHEDULE FOR THE 2015 AIDS WALK
11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m – 5K Run registration (closes at 12:30 p.m.)
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Check-In (Walker & Extra Mile Club- more info on EMC on the website)
1:00 p.m. – 5K run begins
1:00 PM – 1:30 p.m. – Pre-Ceremony Concert and warm up
1:30 PM – 2:00 p.m. – Opening ceremony
2:00 p.m. – 5K WALK BEGINS
2:00 PM – 4:00 p.m. -Activities
