Volunteers briefed, routes inspected ahead of Red Run 3.0 launch in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Red Run Marathon 3.0, hosted by Nagaland, is more than just a race — it is an event that goes beyond competition to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about HIV and STIs. The marathon aims to encourage collective action among youth and communities for better health and well-being. It will take place on Thursday morning, October 30, at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima.

Organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), the Red Run 3.0 is supported by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Agri Expo buzzed with activity on Wednesday as participants from 35 states and Union Territories, along with teams from NSACS, SACS, NACO, NAA, and NOA, and around 130 volunteers from various colleges in Chümoukedima, gathered for the event. Activities began with team registration, medical verification, and a series of briefing and orientation sessions to prepare for the marathon.

Also read: National Red Run 3.0 to be hosted in Nagaland to raise HIV, STI awareness

Preparations continued with the distribution of kits and exclusive Red Run T-shirts to participants. Those competing in the 10 km category were also taken on a familiarisation tour along the route to acquaint themselves with the course.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) I Meren Chenth conducted a briefing for volunteers and security personnel, outlining the traffic and safety arrangements for the event. To ensure runner safety, traffic restrictions will be implemented along the marathon route.

Approximately 30 traffic personnel and 180 volunteers, including students from St. Joseph’s University, Tetso College, and local volunteer groups, will be deployed throughout the event. The DCP (Traffic) emphasised the importance of coordination and teamwork to ensure the marathon’s smooth conduct, reflecting positively on the state.

He informed the volunteers that traffic police personnel would be stationed at key points and urged them to remain vigilant as miscreants might attempt to cause trouble. As this is a national event, he underscored the importance of maintaining decorum and discipline. He highlighted the crucial role of volunteers, especially the youth, in upholding the state’s image. “The event belongs to the state, and participants are encouraged to be firm yet polite in their interactions,” he said.

Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA) honorary treasurer Neingulie Nakhro described the Red Run 3.0 as a historic national event for Nagaland, showcasing participation from athletes and officials across 35 states and Union Territories. With technical experts on board to ensure professional conduct, the marathon, he said, highlights Nagaland’s growing capabilities in sports and event management at the national level.

Nakhro noted that the event marks a milestone for Nagaland athletics as it features 100% technical support from within the state, adding that it is a sign of growing self-sufficiency in managing large-scale events without external assistance.

Beyond promoting sporting excellence, he said the marathon’s core objective is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention, particularly among youth and athletes. “The marathon is just a medium — the real message is about awareness, prevention, and responsibility,” he emphasised.

Several athletes arrived early to acclimatise to local weather and road conditions in preparation for the event. The organisers expressed optimism that Red Run 3.0 would not only be a successful sporting event but also a significant step toward promoting health awareness and creating a stigma-free society.