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HONG KONG, 31 August 2015 — The 10^th UNICEF Charity Run is now open for public enrollment. With a theme to support UNICEF’s global agenda to achieve a world of ZERO AIDS, this year’s event will be held on 29 November (Sunday), two days before the World AIDS Day.

UNICEF Hong Kong expects to welcome more than 13,000 runners in the Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, and 3km races, together raising over HK$11 million to support UNICEF’s work towards ‘AIDS to ZERO’, a vision to achieve an AIDS-free world through:

·         ZERO new HIV infections, 

·         ZERO AIDS-related deaths, and 

·         ZERO discrimination against children and young people living with HIV/AIDS.  The closing date of enrollment to the UNICEF Charity Run is 2 October 2015.

With the support of over 85,000 runners in the past years, UNICEF HK has successfully raised more than HK$66.5 million, of which HK$60 million has been channeled to UNICEF’s ‘Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS’ global campaign. The dedication given by supporters and donors in Hong Kong and the rest of the world has allowed UNICEF and its partners to avert more than 1.1 million mother-to-child HIV transmission and to reduce AIDS-related deaths by more than 40% through the ‘one pill daily’ and other proper treatment. Through its community, education and advocacy programs, UNICEF has also achieved encouraging results in eliminating discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

Yet, there is still so much more to be done. Last year alone, 220,000 children, i.e. 600 children per day, became infected with HIV through their mothers' pregnancy, child-birth or eastfeeding. Today less than one-third of those under the age of 15 living with HIV/AIDS have received proper treatment. Around the world there are 13.3 million children orphaned by AIDS left without adequate care and support.

UNICEF HK Chief Executive Ms Jane Lau said, “With timely and proper treatments, we can substantially reduce mother-to-child transmission and AIDS-related deaths amongst new-born babies. Our vision to achieve a ZERO-AIDS world is possible.”

This year, UNICEF HK also launches a new half marathon corporate relay to engage corporations in the good cause. Invited corporations can form a team of six to join the half marathon, showing their team spirit and corporate social responsibility. K. Wah Group, Principal Sponsor of UNICEF Charity Run 2015, in line with its 60th Anniversary celeation this year and sustained efforts to promote the spirit of ‘Building the Future with Passion’, has not only donated HK$2 million to support UNICEF’s work, but also encouraged the management and staff from all businesses across different regions, their families and friends alike to join the run towards ‘AIDS to ZERO’.

UNICEF Charity Run 2015 will be held at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay. Runners can enjoy the beautiful scenery enroute as they pass through the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Inspiration Lake, and the promenade along the Airport Express Station and Sunny Bay while raising funds to build a better future for children around the world.

 

UNICEF Charity Run is recognized by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA). The Half Marathon and 10km routes are verified by the AIMS and HKAAA. In terms of the number of runners, it is the second largest scale of long-distance running event in Hong Kong among those recognized by AIMS and HKAAA.

Enrollment for UNICEF Charity Run 2015 (Details of races please refer to attachment)
Aim:	To raise funds for UNICEF’s ‘Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS’ global campaign and work towards ‘AIDS to ZERO’.
Date:	29 November 2015, Sunday
Venue:	Hong Kong Disneyland Resort & Sunny Bay
Website:	http://run.unicef.org.hk
Contact:	2833 6139