The 16th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago united runners, walkers, community organizations and local celebrities on Sunday, Oct. 1 at Soldier Field to raise awareness for the continued HIV epidemic and funds totaling $480,000 and growing.
Beyond fundraising, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago serves as a memorial for loved ones lost to complications of HIV and AIDS. “For so many of us, we are left without the perspectives of our brothers, lovers, friends, coworkers, parents and neighbors who have died of AIDS-related complications. Their voices and visions have been taken away from us by the most stigmatized disease on the planet: HIV,” announced AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) President/CEO John Peller in an opening ceremony studded with performances from Steve Grand, the Chicago Gay Men’s Corus, Donica Lynn, and an appearance by Hamilton Chicago cast member Carl Clemons-Hopkins. WGN-TV’s entertainment reporter Dean Richards hosted the festivities.
At press time, the event had raised more than $480,000 (gross), which will be distributed among 31 organizations that support people living with and vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in the Chicago metropolitan area.
5k and 10k runners and 5k walkers advanced through the sunny course along Chicago’s Lake Michigan, and winners included the following:
| 10k | Female | Kimberly McClan |
| Male | Brock Thompson | |
| Gender Neutral | Brett Peterson |
| 5k | Female | Vanessa Righeimer |
| Male | Aaron Skelly | |
| Gender-neutral | Bryan Blaise |
A full list of participant finish times is available at aidsrunwalk.org.
Funds raised through AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 32 other metropolitan organizations that provide life-saving services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $5 million to battle the epidemic.
Fundraising totals for AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will continue to grow, as donations will be accepted throughout autumn. To donate or learn more, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
PHOTOS: aidschicago.org/aidsrunwalk2017
