ORGANISED sporting evens have never been more popular. From triathlons to open swimming events and the heady heights of the half and full marathon, more and more people are prepared to have a go: often raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

If you fancy you fancy a 5k challenge, why not join Positive East and their supporters in Richmond Park on the 21 November for their first ever World Aids Day 5K Fun Run. You would be helping them to secure HIV services for one of London’s oldest HIV charities.

Mark Santos, Positive East Director said: “HIV remains a real and sometimes enormous challenge for individuals and communities across London.  The 5k Red Run is a fun opportunity to join us in the fight against HIV through raising awareness and much needed funds for our work.

“Over 26,000 people in London are living with HIV and this figure will continue to rise over the coming years. HIV remains a highly stigmatised health condition; significant numbers of people are living in poverty; and many are struggling with being able to keep healthy and well.  Our services and support are essential to enable people living with HIV to overcome barriers to live full and healthy lives,” added Santos.

Positive East has worked with over 2500 HIV-positive residents in North East London. The charities main focus has been enabling  people to live well with HIV through promoting health and wellbeing and offer a range of services including: advice, advocacy, counselling and support groups.

It is really easy to sign up for the 5k Red Run and make a difference for World AIDS Day 2010. The 5K Red Run is FREE to enter and families, running teams are all welcome. Sign up and pledge to raise £50 or more in sponsorship.

21 November – Richmond Park – All proceeds will be donated to Positive East. Register online at www.5K-red-run.org.uk or contact Mark Butcher by email on: mark.butcher@positiveeast.org.uk or call 0207 791 9353. www.positiveeast.org.uk