RUN EDDYSTONE RUN: Meet The Eddystone Trust Team Taking on the World AIDS Day RED RUN
Every year, people come together to mark World AIDS Day, raise awareness of HIV and show solidarity with people living with HIV. This year, two members of The Eddystone Trust team are getting involved in a slightly different way – by lacing up their trainers and taking on the World AIDS Day RED RUN!
Sexual Health Prevention Lead James and Community Sexual Health Outreach Worker Benjamin will represent The Eddystone Trust at this year’s event, helping to raise awareness of HIV and fundraise to support our work providing free sexual health services across the Southwest.
But what exactly is the RED RUN, how did it begin, and why does it continue to matter?
What is the World AIDS Day RED RUN?
The World AIDS Day RED RUN is an annual 5K and 10K charity fun run and walk that brings together individuals, communities and HIV organisations from across the UK in the lead-up to World AIDS Day on 1 December.
Organised by the East London HIV charity Positive East, the event is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in HIV prevention and treatment, remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, challenge HIV stigma and raise vital funds for organisations supporting people living with HIV.
Since it first began, the RED RUN has grown into one of the UK’s largest World AIDS Day fundraising events. It has raised more than £1.5 million for HIV charities and projects across the country, supporting essential services, prevention initiatives and people living with HIV.
When did the RED RUN start?
The first World AIDS Day RED RUN took place in 2009, beginning with just 50 participants taking on a 5K run through Richmond Park.
What started as a small community event has grown considerably over the years, bringing together thousands of people and dozens of HIV organisations to stand together in support of a shared cause.
In 2026, the RED RUN celebrates its 16th year, returning to Victoria Park in East London on Saturday 21 November.
The event continues to provide an important platform for HIV charities to raise awareness, connect communities and generate funding for the vital work that still needs to be done.
Meet our Eddystone Trust runners!
This year, we’re proud to have two members of our team taking part in the RED RUN. We caught up with James and Benjamin to find out why they’re getting involved and what World AIDS Day means to them.
First up is James, our Sexual Health Prevention Lead, who is looking forward to getting involved in this year’s event.
Why are you taking part?
“I’ve seen photos of the RED RUN in previous years, and it always looks like a lot of fun! It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of HIV, have fun and raise funds for groups and organisations supporting people living with HIV and working towards the goal of zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.”
For James, the RED RUN is an opportunity to combine a fun challenge with something that has a real impact, helping to support the wider HIV community and the organisations working towards a future without new HIV transmissions.
Next up is Benjamin, our Community Sexual Health Outreach Worker, who will also be taking on the challenge and representing The Eddystone Trust.
Why are you taking part?
“I am taking part in the RED RUN this year to help raise awareness of The Eddystone Trust and to fundraise to help keep our services free.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I’m looking forward to all of the cheers of moral support as I run the 10K.”
Why is World AIDS Day important to you?
"World AIDS Day is important to me because it is a chance to open up the conversation around HIV, to improve people’s knowledge of the amazing advancements around preventing HIV transmission and for those living with HIV to achieve U=U and live long, healthy lives.
“It’s also a great opportunity to help reduce the stigma around HIV and get people to understand the importance of prevention, testing and early detection, saving lives and helping us to achieve the ‘No new diagnosis by 2030’ target.”
Benjamin’s answers highlight why open conversations and accessible information remain such an important part of HIV prevention. From challenging misconceptions to encouraging people to get tested, improving understanding can make a real difference.
Supporting our work across the Southwest
At The Eddystone Trust, we’re committed to making sexual health information, testing and support accessible to everyone. We work across the Southwest to improve knowledge, challenge stigma and help people make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Fundraising events like the RED RUN help shine a light on the work of organisations like ours and the importance of keeping essential services accessible.
Every donation helps us continue our work, from providing free and confidential sexual health services to supporting communities through education, outreach and conversations about HIV.
We’re incredibly grateful to James and Benjamin for taking on this challenge and representing The Eddystone Trust. Their participation is a reminder that tackling HIV is something we can all play a part in, whether that’s through fundraising, sharing accurate information, challenging stigma or simply starting a conversation.
Want to support James and Benjamin?
Every contribution makes a difference to HIV and sexual health support across the southwest