Participants in last year’s 5K/10K Red Ribbon Run at the 22nd annual AIDS Walk Long Beach, gather near the starting line at The Pike. This year, the various walks and runs will begin at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Photo courtesy of lil 1/2 pint via Flickr.com.
6:22am | Registration is still open for the 23rd annual AIDS Walk Long Beach this Saturday, with the event set to step off at The Aquarium of The Pacific.
In previous years, the 5K walk-a-thon and Pet Walk and 5K/10K Red Ribbon Run started at The Pike.
Organizers said that all participants who raise $50 or more will receive one free admission to the aquarium along with a $5 off coupon good for up to four people. Additionally, participants who register for the walk online will receive a free AIDS Walk Long Beach T-shirt.
Event spokesman Gary Bowie said AIDS Walk Long Beach is dedicated to promoting health and hope for men, women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in South L.A. County.
It also serves as a reminder to the public of the need for HIV awareness education; more than 40 percent of all new infections occur among 15- to 24-year-olds, Bowie said. What’s more, only half of them are aware of their status.
The AIDS Walk in Long Beach differs from most other, similar events in that it includes a segment especially for pets. Participants’ animal companions can help them raise funds and enjoy a rare chance to walk on the beach, Bowie said.
Bowie said AIDS Walk Long Beach is one of several programs produced by the volunteer-driven Long Beach AIDS Foundation, whose mission is mission is to act as a social change agent by inspiring and collaborating with other community organizations to prevent the spread of HIV through education and to provide support for those impacted by HIV and AIDS.
The day’s events on June 4 begin early Saturday morning, with check-in for the 5K/10K Red Ribbon Run open from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. The run will begin at 8 a.m.
Check in for the 5K Walk and 5K Pet Walk will be open from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., with the walks to begin at 9:30 a.m.
A post-walk festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Those wishing to register can do so as an individual, sign up with a group as a team or join a pre-existing team. Click here to visit the event’s website and sign up. Once there, click on the “Register Here” button.
Registration costs vary. The 5K Walk and 5K Pet Walk are $30 per each individual walker. The 5K and 10K red ribbon runs are $40 per each individual runner. Anyone 17 years of age or younger will be charged $25 regardless of which walk or run for which they choose to register..
All participants under the age of 18 must visit the walk’s website and have a parent or legal guardian digitally sign a legal waiver
Since 1989, the annual event has helped to raise $2.4 million, which has been distributed to more than 30 beneficiary agencies in South L.A. County, Bowie said.
According to the AIDS Walk Long Beach website, a total of $40,518 has already been raised through donations alone.