AIDS 5K Run/Walk for Life

Providence, RI– We’re calling on runners, walkers, and other supporters across the state – our champions – to don your red capes and join us for AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI)’s Superhero 5K Run/Walk for Life on Saturday, May 6^th, 2023 starting at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence.

This SUPER fun 5K, professionally organized by Charles Braegy of RunRhody, brings runners and walkers across the Northeast together to combat stigma and advance equity, health, and wellness for communities most impacted by HIV.

“Your support means that APRI can prevent new HIV infections in our state – and provide culturally appropriate and compassionate care to people living with HIV,” notes Vice President Marie Palumbo-Hayes. “Our runners, walkers, and other champions make it possible for APRI to provide a wide range of services and supports like STD and HIV testing; mental health care; substance use disorder intervention; nutritional support; medication management; dental health care; emergency financial assistance; housing advocacy; and so much more.  We are so grateful to each and every person who participates in this event.”

Dr. Joseph Garland will be honored at the event as the 2023 Hope Harris Awardee, honoring his tireless advocacy for people living with HIV including his work with RI immigrants. Dr. Garland, and APRI’s long-time partners, the Cardi brothers, will help kick off the event.  Following the race, the City of East Providence LGBTQI+ Advisory Council to the Mayor will hold its 2nd annual Pride Day parade and celebration, also at Pierce Memorial Field.

APRI is also partnering with RIDOH to offer free MPOX and COVID-19 vaccines. Register here to get yours on race day! 

We’ll also have food trucks on-site for your post-run munchies, including Everything “AN”, Milk Caffe, Kay’s Ice Cream, Captain Cheese, One2Taco, and Atomic Blond Ice Cream! 

More than 2,700 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island. HIV continues to disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, particularly young Latino and African-American gay and bisexual men and women of color. APRI also launched RI’s “Undetectable = Untransmissible” Campaign – with information and advocacy that a person with HIV who is on medication and achieves an undetectable viral level cannot pass the virus to a partner.

• Saturday, May 6, 2023
• Pierce Memorial Field
• 8 a.m.: Registration opens
• 9 a.m.: The 5K run will start promptly at 9 am (1M/5K walk immediately following)