CHICAGO — AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) has announced proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of event will be required for all in-person participants for the 30th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago taking place at Soldier Field on Saturday, October 2.Though AFC is not requiring masks, it is highly-encouraged to further maintain the safety of those onsite. The organization will also offer free onsite Pfizer BioNtech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (limited quantity available), hand sanitizer, individual bottled water and single-serve foods. For more information and to register, visit http://aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0953.
Participants can choose from three accessible ways to be involved:
In-person at Soldier Field on October 2
– Participants have the option of participating in three unique courses (Walk or Roll Course, 5K Run Course and 10K Run Course) along Lake Michigan with a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. Pre-registration is now open for the 5K Walk or Roll and the 5K and 10K Runs through Monday, September 27. Registration will be available onsite; the event is ADA-accessible.
“At Your Own Pace, At Your Own Place”
-Run or walk or roll at your own pace, at your own place. Registrants will be given access to download RunGo — a virtual smartphone app to help track your participation anywhere and anytime you feel comfortable as well as completing your race at any location.
“Stay-at-Home Supporter”
-Stay-at-Home Supporters are folks unable to participate in AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in-person, but would still like to fundraise from afar to support the community (min. of $50 required).
-Proceeds from the event will directly benefit AFC and 26 and community organizations (full list below) as part of the CommunityDirect grant program. The program launched in 2005 to provide financial support to organizations in the form of unrestricted funds that provide essential programs and services to Chicagoans who are living with and disproportionately HIV and AIDS and other chronic illnesses. All community organizations are actively working towards Getting to Zero, a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030.
2021 CommunityDirect Partners
Above & Beyond Community Health Center
Agape Missions, NFP
AMITA Health Housing & Health Alliance (#TeamAlliance)
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Center on Halsted
Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
Chicago Dancers United
Chicago House & Social Service Agency
Chicago Recovery Alliance
CCHIP – Cook County HIV Integrated Programs
Erie Family Health Centers
Esperanza Health Centers
Howard Brown Health Center
Legal Council for Health Justice
Lurie Children’s SID
Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation/”Michael Reese Care Program”
Mother & Child Alliance
Making A Daily Effort (MADE) / Nefuse
The Night Ministry
Open Door Health Center of Illinois
Pride Action Tank
Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago
Season of Concern
Transforming Re-Entry Services (MWIPM)
University of Chicago/CCHE
Sinai Health System
Since the event was established in 1991, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has drawn more than 23,000 advocates and raised more than $5.5 million to battle the epidemic.
About AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)
For 36 years, AFC has led the fight to create health equity and justice for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS. AFC brings together service providers and funders to develop systems that meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to maximize the use of scarce resources. AFC is committed to working with policymakers and service providers to increase funding for prevention services and programs that work.
AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. More at: http://www.aidschicago.org/