KOHIMA, OCT 15 (NPN): State Red Run 4.0, a 10-kilometre run to raise awareness on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), was held here on Thursday with participants from different districts competing in the men’s and women’s categories.
Takasanen Longkumer of Mokokchung and Songmo P. of Noklak won the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
In the women’s category, Songmo clocked 44 minutes 21.38 seconds to finish first, followed by Cekrotalü Khusoh of Phek in 44:56.13 and Chongsop P. of Kohima in 45:22.16.
In the men’s category, Takasanen won in 35:56.78, ahead of Temjensanen Pongen of Dimapur, who clocked 36:29.45, and Renthungo Tsanglao of Wokha, who finished in 36:52.46.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony as special guest, commissioner and secretary for health and family welfare (H&FW) and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) chairperson Kevileno Angami said the run aimed to raise awareness of HIV and STIs, promote healthy lifestyles and mobilise communities in the fight against the infections.
Angami congratulated the 34 runners who had won district-level competitions and the 32 participants at the state-level event. Organised under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the State Red Run had reached its fourth edition, she said.
She said the first two editions were held in Goa, while the third national run took place in Nagaland. The fourth national run is scheduled for Bihar in November 2026, where the first- and second-place finishers in the men’s and women’s categories at the state-level event would represent Nagaland.
Angami said the initiative also supported efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 targets and attain “Surakshit” status across all 17 districts by December 1, 2026.
The targets seek to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
She stressed that every district had a role in meeting the targets by improving access to testing and timely treatment and ensuring continued adherence to medication.
Urging young people to become ambassadors of awareness, Angami called on the district-level winners to carry the message to their communities and encourage people to undergo HIV testing, seek treatment when needed and continue medication without interruption.
She also called for an end to stigma and discrimination, stressing that people should be able to access healthcare services without fear or prejudice. Acknowledging the media’s role in grassroots awareness, she urged journalists to disseminate accurate information and promote understanding of HIV.
The run was flagged off at 6am from Indira Gandhi Stadium. The 10km route passed the High School and Secretariat turning point before returning to the stadium via the High School.
The prize distribution ceremony was chaired by NSACS project director Dr. S. Manyau Phom. principal director H&FW Dr. Keveduyi Theyo delivered the welcome address, while the Kohima District Athletics Association announced the results. NSACS joint director (IEC and MS) Metevinuo Sakhrie proposed the vote of thanks.
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