Even though registration for 2011′s Römerlauf run in Obernburg has not started yet, it goes without saying that our team takes the adapted slogan ‘After the race is before the race’ seriously, which means that we do run one or two miles every now and then. And who’s the runner’s best friend? The perfect shoe, of course! Currently, there are four pairs in my shoe rack (a girl needs options!) waiting to be taken for a run: a sturdy one for cross runs, a regular one for every day, a super light one for competitions and … the favourite one! As of recently, it is easy to distinguish the latter one since it is proudly wearing a special decoration. No, not a medal, but a red ribbon.

I discovered the red laces in a sports shop. In December 2009 Nike initiated its (NIKE)RED campaign which raises funds for programmes like the Global Fund and Grassroots Soccer fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. 100 per cent of the profits from the sale are said to go to charity. A great approach and solely the hope that such an initiative may be able to raise awareness of the necessity for not only fighting HIV/AIDS on the African continent but for the need for information campaigns all over the globe was worth the purchase.

After intensive awareness campaigns in the 1990s, educational programmes seem to have diminished and a decreased willingness to discuss the topic of HIV infections is notable. Germany is no exception. As can be seen on a chart published by the Robert-Koch-Institute, the central federal institution responsible for disease control and prevention, the number of new infections with the HI virus has been increasing since 2004. Since 2007 the number of new infections has remained static on a relatively high level in comparison to 2000. For this reason, team knoefler-journalist is wearing its red ribbon on their shoes. Join us and ‘lace up to save lives’, too.

Related articles:

• Mit jedem Schritt gegen HIV/AIDS – Lace Up Save Lives