Several LezGoers attended!

The rain and chilly air didn’t keep almost 50 people from attending Austin’s first World AIDS Day 5K Fun Run on Tuesday evening. Sponsored and organized by the Capital City Front Runners, Austin’s very own gay and lesbian running group, it was a touching event to participate in. The group started around sunset at the Mopac bridge for the 3-mile run, stopping midway through at City Hall to participate in a ceremony. KXAN News was there to cover the event.

Runners donned both red flowers and red lights in remembrance of those around the world— and in Central Texas—that suffer from HIV/AIDS. The lights and flowers were also symbols encouraging greater awareness and prevention of the epidemic. According to the United Nations, roughly 33 million people in the world live with HIV. Agency spokesman Micah King of AIDS Services of Austin estimates that nearly 6,000 people in Central Texas have the disease. “World AIDS Day is an important date for remembering those we’ve lost in the epidemic and reflecting on where we are in preventing the disease and treating those who suffer from it,” King said.

This event was only one of many in honor of World AIDS Day. And although the day is done, you can still do your part to support the community. The AIDS Services of Austin is a great organization that respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic. Visit their site to learn more: www.asaustin.org

Also, coming up this spring is the annual Hill Country Ride for AIDS on April 24, 2010. Get on your bike and ride either 10, 45, 65 or 100 miles to raise money for the cause! www.hillcountryride.org