The fourth edition of State Red Run, a 10-kilometre awareness run against HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), was held at IG Stadium, Kohima, on Thursday, with officials calling for greater public awareness, early testing and sustained treatment to help achieve the state’s HIV-related targets.
The event, held on the theme “Every Step Counts Against HIV and STIs”, brought together runners from different districts, with the winners of the men’s and women’s categories set to represent Nagaland at the national-level run scheduled to be held in Bihar in November.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, and chairperson of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Kevileno Angami, said the initiative was intended not only to promote physical fitness but also to mobilise communities in the fight against HIV and STIs.
Congratulating the 34 runners who had won their respective district-level runs and the 32 participants in the state-level event, Angami said the district winners had an important role to play in spreading awareness among young people and communities in their respective districts.
She said the first and second editions of the national run were held in Goa, while the third edition was held in Nagaland. The fourth edition was scheduled to take place in Bihar in November 2026, with the first- and second-position holders in both the men’s and women’s categories at the state-level event expected to participate.
Highlighting the state’s efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 targets, Angami said the goal was to ensure that all 17 districts attained “Surakshit” status by December 1, 2026.
She explained that the targets focused on ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV knew their status, 95% of those diagnosed received treatment, and 95% of those receiving treatment achieved viral suppression.
Angami stressed that achieving these targets required sustained efforts at the district level, particularly in promoting HIV testing, ensuring access to treatment and encouraging people diagnosed with HIV to continue their medication consistently.
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Calling on young people to act as ambassadors of awareness, she urged the district-level winners to carry the message back to their communities and encourage others to undergo screening and seek treatment without hesitation.
She also underscored the need to address stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, stating that people should be able to access healthcare services without fear or prejudice.
Acknowledging the media’s contribution to spreading awareness at the grassroots level, Angami called for continued dissemination of information to promote understanding and encourage people to seek the services they needed.
In the women’s category, Songmo P from Noklak secured first position with a timing of 44 minutes 21.38 seconds. Cekrotalü Khusoh from Phek finished second in 44 minutes 56.13 seconds, while Chongsop P. from Kohima secured third position in 45 minutes 22.16 seconds.
In the men’s category, Takasanen Longkumer from Mokokchung emerged as the winner with a timing of 35 minutes 56.78 seconds. Temjensanen Pongen from Dimapur finished second in 36 minutes 29.45 seconds, while Renthungo Tsanglao from Wokha secured third position in 36 minutes 52.46 seconds.
The run was flagged off at 6 a.m. from IG Stadium, with participants proceeding towards the High School and the Secretariat turning point before returning to the stadium via the High School.
The prize distribution ceremony was chaired by Dr S Manyau Phom, Project Director, NSACS. Dr Keveduyi Theyo, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, delivered the welcome remarks, while the Kohima District Athletics Association announced the results.
Angami presented prizes to the women’s category winners, while the Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, presented prizes to the men’s category winners. Metevinuo Sakhrie, Joint Director (IEC and MS), NSACS, proposed the vote of thanks.
