The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is welcoming anyone who wants to join its ‘Running for Zero’ team in the Auckland Marathon and fun run in November. The initiative comes ahead of the 2013 World AIDS Day campaign Getting to Zero. Join the team or support a runner here Jacob Feenstra NZAF Ambassador Jacob Feenstra has already stepped up to the mark and confirmed his place on the team. Feenstra has lived with HIV for nine years, but he isn’t letting the virus rule his life. Part of his personal journey with HIV is actively doing what he can to reduce the stigma and discrimination suffered by people living with HIV. “HIV is a part of me but I simply won't let it define me. Instead, I'll own it and hopefully in my lifetime, together we can beat it. That’s why I’m running for zero,” he says. Over the coming months Feenstra will be focusing mind and body as he trains for the half marathon in November. As a Running for Zero ‘golden runner’ he is aiming to raise $5,000 for the NZAF. NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson is also dusting off his trainers for the event. “I’ve signed up for the 5km fun run and my running shoes will be coming out of the closet fairly soon!” he says. “I’m not really a runner so it’s going to be a challenge - but that’s half the fun of it.” Robinson is hoping for a huge turnout of runners pounding the pavement in support of the cause. “How amazing it would be to see our community running together en mass in support of HIV awareness. The LGBTI community in particular are no strangers to solidarity. I’d encourage everyone to get behind this event.” Anyone can become a Running for Zero runner in the Auckland Marathon. Go to Running for Zero for full details on how to sign up, get sponsored, and get training. You can also read more about Jacob Feenstra’s story there, too. The half marathon is now fully booked and the full marathon spots are filling up fast, however the 10km quarter marathon and 5km fun run will remain open for some time. All funds raised from Running for Zero will go towards essential NZAF services that address the health and well-being of people living with or at risk of HIV in New Zealand, including counselling and/or psychotherapy for people living with HIV, their partners, whanau and friends. “As an HIV positive person, I truly understand the need for the important work that the NZAF delivers,” Feenstra says. “I have struggled for years with the shame and stigma associated with HIV that still exists in 2013. My goal here is to help make a difference to the lives of New Zealander’s affected by HIV.” Robinson says Running for Zero is really about empowering our community to be part of the solution to ending the HIV epidemic. “The ownership of this event is in everyone’s hands,” he says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 3rd May 2013 - 12:24pm