HYDERABAD, OCTOBER 16, 2026: As part of the Intensified IEC Campaign (IIC) 2026, the State-Level Red Fest – Red Run Marathon 2026 was conducted on Friday (October 16, 2026) in Hyderabad, with enthusiastic participation from around 136 participants representing various districts of Telangana State.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of Sri K. Vidya Sagar, Project Director, Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS), with the objective of engaging youth and students in HIV/AIDS awareness activities.
The Red Run Marathon was flagged off from Boats Club, Hyderabad, proceeded towards Spoorthi Memorial, took a U-turn, and returned to the starting point at Boats Club.
The event aimed to create awareness among young people about HIV prevention, early testing, treatment, and the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV). The programme also promoted the Break Free App, encouraging young people to undertake self-risk assessments and improve their awareness of HIV prevention.
Dr. Jaya Lakshmi, Joint Director, BSD, along with officials from the IEC Division, TGSACS, participated in the programme and encouraged young people to actively spread awareness about HIV prevention and healthy living.
Winners of the Red Run Marathon 2026
Male Category
– First Prize: Anuj Yadav – Vikarabad District
– Second Prize: K. Sushanth Reddy – Rangareddy District
– Third Prize: P. Uday Kumar – Jangaon District
Female Category
– First Prize: K. Swapna – Hyderabad
– Second Prize: D. Kalyani – Suryapet District
– Third Prize: Amna Anjum
The winners were felicitated with certificates, mementos, and cash prizes in recognition of their achievements.
The event highlighted the importance of youth participation in HIV awareness initiatives and encouraged students to become ambassadors of HIV prevention and advocates for stigma-free communities.
The programme concluded with a call to strengthen HIV awareness activities across Telangana State and actively engage young people in achieving the objectives of the Intensified IEC Campaign 2026.
The programme was coordinated by Sri B. Rajendar and Sri A. Devaiah of the IEC Division, TGSACS.
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