World AIDS Day Red Run

What is Red Run?

Red Run London a vibrant celebration of community spirit and solidarity! The annual fun run for HIV charities takes place in November, ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1st. You can choose to take on 5k or 10k, and you can walk, run, or sashay!

Details:

  • Date: 22nd November 2025
  • Location: Victoria Park, East London
  • Distance: 5k or 10k - choose if you want to walk, run or sashay!
  • Registration is open now.

Red Run unites the HIV sector to raise awareness and vital funds for life-changing HIV support and prevention projects. Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun way to support a worthy cause, the event welcomes participants of all abilities and ages.

By pledging to run/walk/roll/strut or sashay for METRO, you will be helping us continue our crucial work supporting individuals and families living with HIV. 

In 2024, our fundraising superheroes raised over £4,300 for our Hardship Fund! This year, we are hoping to double that! Are you up for the challenge?

Sign up for Red Run

Create a JustGiving fundraiser

Donate directly to our Hardship Fund

Are you ready for a challenge? 

You can choose whether you choose to run, walk, wheel, strut, rollerblade or sashay, 5km or 10km. By taking part you can join over 3,000 people for a day of fun and fundraising for our vital HIV support services!

How to enter:

  • Sign up on the Red Run website redrun.org.uk
  • Select that you want to raise funds for METRO! 
  • Create your own fundraising page - you can either do that by:

If you need any help with fundraising or signing up for Red Run for METRO please email [email protected]!

Download Red Run poster

What is the Hardship Fund?

Since 2010, METRO has been running a Hardship Fund for service users who are in desperate need. We give small grants of £50 to support people who have nowhere else to turn. These small grants can help bridge the gap and make the difference between whether people can afford transport to get to their appointments, keep the electricity on, and can afford the basics without having to go to loan sharks or take other desperate measures.

Being a single parent and living with HIV has been a constant struggle. I want the best for my kids, but sometimes it feels like my illness is holding me back. The financial help I got from METRO Charity Hardship Fund helped me to pay for groceries. It wasn’t just the money, it was knowing that I was not alone and the support made me feel like I could still be a good father despite everything.

Father of Three

After I was diagnosed with HIV, everything changed for me. I had to reduce my working hours because I just didn’t have the energy to work full-time anymore, but that also meant I couldn’t cover all my kids' needs. When I heard about the hardship fund, I wasn’t sure I qualified, but I applied because things were getting so tight. The help I got went towards buying food for my kids for two weeks and it didn’t just help me financially, it took a huge burden off my shoulders and helped me regain my emotional and physical wellbeing.

Mother of Two