Birmingham AIDS Outreach invites community to join 25th annual walk

Birmingham AIDS Outreach will host the 25th Annual Magic City AIDS Walk and 5K Run, Sunday, Sept. 25, at Railroad Park. 

The whole family, and pets too, are invited to join BAO for the 25th on the 25th to help raise money and awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Birmingham. Recognized as the largest and longest-running AIDS walk in the state, the event helps raise somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000 a year for BAO, according to Development Director Jaime Whitehurst. 

“One hundred percent of the funds raised go toward helping to provide free services to people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as to provide free STD and HIV testing for the community,” said Whitehurst. “In addition, we also operate a youth drop-in center called the Magic City Acceptance Center and a fully staffed wellness clinic with a primary care physician.” 

Each year, said Whitehurst, the event sees some 600-800 participants. 

The event will kick off at 5 p.m., with the 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk set to begin at 6:30 p.m. The run and walk will be followed by a brief closing ceremony. The day’s festivities include a community and business fair, children's activities, health screenings and live music. The Mystic Krewe of Apollo will serve as Grand Marshals. 

“The event is definitely family-friendly,” said Whitehurst. 

The event is free, but donations are encouraged and can be given online or the day of. A small fee will be required from 5K runners, said Whitehurst, because of the logistics involved in its setup. 

For more information, to register or to donate, visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.