The BEAT AIDS Coalition Trust is inviting the community to come out for their first annual PrEP In Your Step 5k run/walk on Saturday, January 6 at Mission County Park. The event is timed to coincide with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which this year is observed on February 7.
BEAT (Black Effort Against the Threat of) AIDS is a long-established HIV service provider in San Antonio that focuses on prevention, education and assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS. On its website, the charity describes its mission:
What sets us apart from similar organizations is our commitment to excellence by our ability to meet people where they are: whether recovering and desiring change, or homeless, incarcerated, abused/neglected, isolated, actively addicted. We go where no one else will to get people tested and linked to care: under the bridges, into the crack houses, heroin dens, shooting galleries, bath houses. We mirror our community. We ARE the community.
BEAT AIDS’ inaugural 5k run/walk will step off at 9 a.m. on February 6 from the dance pavilion at Mission County Park at 9 a.m. Awards will be given to to the top three male and female participants. All kids under 12 who participate will be given a special award. The event is slated to conclude at 11:45 a.m.
T-shirt designed by Steffanie Herrera-Byrom
Online registration for adults is $15 and $8 for kids under 12. Registration on the day of the event is $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. The first 100 people to register will receive a free event t-shirt designed by Steffanie Herrera-Byrom.
Those who register online ahead of the event can pick up their participation packets on Thursday, February 4 at Run Wild Sports, 1900 Broadway, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizers are planning to have juice, fruit and snacks for the runners and walkers as well a DJ, live music and information tables from various event sponsors.
BEAT AIDS organizers say they also will be offering information about PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis), a medication sold under the brand name Truvada and prescribed to HIV negative people to prevent them from contracting the virus.
Those interested in the PrEP treatment will be able to get referrals to agencies and physicians who can pre-screen individuals for the drug and possibly help find ways to defray the costs for it.
BEAT AIDS Coalition Trust presents their first annual PrEP In Your Step 5K run/walk, Saturday, February 6 in the dance pavilion at Mission County Park, 6030 Padre. Use this link for more information and to register. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m., run/walk steps off at 9 a.m.
