The State-Level Red Run Marathon was flagged off at PHQ Junction, Kohima on Thursday. According to DIPR, Tainiu Khiamniungan, NCS, Additional Secretary of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, launched the marathon with a pledge to create awareness about HIV/AIDS.
The marathon commenced at PHQ Junction, Kohima, and concluded at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
The program at PHQ Junction was chaired by Dr Ahu Sekhose, Project Director of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), who highlighted the significance of the Red Run Marathon under the Youth Fest initiative, which is backed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). This initiative aims to engage young people in a healthy lifestyle and physical activities to maintain well-being and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and HIV/STIs, he said.
Dr Sekhose elucidated the campaign’s objectives, including raising visibility for HIV/AIDS and drug abuse issues, promoting safe sexual behavior among youths, and increasing basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS and related services.
The journey to the State-Level Red Run Marathon began with district-level marathons held on 12 August 2023, in all 12 districts of Nagaland to commemorate International Youth Day. A total of 519 students from 58 institutions participated, with 24 exceptional participants (both male and female) selected to compete at the State level.
The winners of the first and second positions in both male and female categories will represent Nagaland in the upcoming National-level Red Run Marathon scheduled to be held in Goa on 8 October 2023.
The results for the State-Level marathon are as follows:
Men’s Category: 1st Place- Sangtsoi P from Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung: 2nd Place- Witangba N Chewang from St. Xavier College, Peren and 3rd Place- Sha. S from Government Higher Secondary School, Noklak
Women’s Category: 1st Place- Sungtiyala C. Imchen from Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung: 2nd Place- Vemuzholu Keyho from Government College, Phek and 3rd Place- Moniu C from Government Higher Secondary School, Noklak
The event aimed to educate peers, family members, and the community about HIV prevention practices, promoting support and empathy for those affected by HIV/AIDS, and combating stigma and discrimination. The organizers hope to inspire others to join the fight against HIV and commit to a future free from HIV/AIDS.
