Inspiring Stories of HIV-Positive Runners Breaking Barriers

On May 15th, coinciding with the World AIDS Memorial Day, a remarkable marathon took place in Kazan, featuring a diverse group of participants including professional athletes, celebrities, politicians, and notably, a courageous team of HIV-positive runners proudly running with "open faces."

While people living with HIV have participated in races globally before, this event spotlighted a bold group unafraid to openly share their HIV-positive status, aiming to foster awareness and combat misconceptions surrounding the virus.

The campaign primarily sought to spread vital information about HIV. Regular testing is encouraged for everyone, regardless of perceived risk, as this proactive approach is key to halting the spread of HIV infection.

Despite the fear and stigma often associated with HIV and AIDS, living with HIV today can be a long, fulfilling life when the condition is effectively managed. Thanks to advanced therapies, individuals with HIV enjoy full participation in family life, careers, and sports. HIV-positive women give birth to healthy children, and many achieve remarkable success in their professions and athletic pursuits.

Each marathon participant received a book titled "Check Yourself: Personal Stories," a collection of heartfelt narratives from seven HIV-positive runners who courageously share their diagnosis journeys, challenges faced, and how they continue to embrace life joyfully.

For instance, 18-year-old Yana from Kyiv ran a 3 km race to experience the powerful sense of unity felt when running alongside hundreds of others. Zhandos from Kazakhstan, running 10 km, found running to be a vital tool in overcoming fears—not only of death but also of social judgment. Evgeny from Oryol, a seasoned runner, prepared for a half marathon to inspire others striving for more. Siam Summerlin traveled from Indonesia to participate in the half marathon; after facing inhumane treatment from some medical professionals upon diagnosis, completing 21 km restored his self-respect. Sean from the USA ran a full marathon (42 km) as part of the "Check Yourself" campaign, hoping to help prevent future infections. Andrei from Moscow and Deanna from Australia also embraced the full marathon challenge, both balancing parenthood and a positive outlook on life despite their diagnosis.

For many, HIV is mistakenly seen as a death sentence. However, the example set by the "Check Yourself" team powerfully disproves this myth. Meanwhile, less severe labels—whether imposed by others or self-inflicted—often hinder people from achieving their goals.

How many times have you heard that running is bad for your spine? Yet, how many adults do you know with perfect spines? Usually, those who have never visited an orthopedist are considered "ideal." Others carry labels such as "scoliosis," "kyphosis," or "osteochondrosis." Some feel they are too short or have weak lungs, while others believe sports must start in early childhood.

Today, it's common to hear, "You're just making excuses!" But I see it differently:

If you have interest, believe in yourself and try. If it gets better, keep going. If not, stop.

Personally, running helped me overcome years of back pain, while doctors could only prescribe painkillers, insisting adult spines cannot be corrected. I don't run to lose weight or prove anything, nor to keep up with others. I run simply because it makes me feel better.

You can find your own reason to run, even if others say it's not for you. Or at least you’ll discover whether you enjoy it or not, which is far more empowering.

Materials from the book "Check Yourself: Personal Stories" are used with permission from the Center for Advanced Healthcare Technologies.

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