CINCINNATI, Ohio — Despite rainy weather, hundreds of Ohioans gathered Sunday morning for a cause: raising funds for HIV prevention and care.

What You Need To Know

  • Carcole's 2025 AIDS Walk/Run was held on Sunday morning

  • The nonprofit had a goal of raising $70,000 this year

  • Funds raised benefit HIV prevention programming and other support services

The annual AIDS Walk & Run, organized by Caracole, attracted participants of all ages, from competitive runners to families with young children. The event was held at the Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum in Cincinnati. 

Caracole is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic.

The event aims to raise money for local HIV prevention programs and support services, with a target goal of $70,000 this year.

“It’s a community. It’s a party. It’s a way to come together and reaffirm our mission,” said Jeniece Jones, CEO of Caracole.

The event featured both 5k and 10k races, as well as a kids’ fun run. Attendees also had the chance to visit booths from local organizations. 

Jones emphasized the vital role this event plays in supporting Caracole’s mission.

“Our clients depend on these types of dollars for their day-to-day needs,” she said. “It’s exciting, and it helps us so much with the care and prevention of HIV.”

The funds raised through the event will go directly into community programs, including food pantries, harm reduction initiatives, outreach services and educational resources. Jones said these funds help Caracole stay agile and adaptive in the fight against HIV.

For participants like Scott Knox, the event is more than just a race. Knox, who has attended the AIDS Walk & Run since its inception in 1995, shared his personal connection to the cause.

“Early on, every month I’d be going to a funeral of someone I knew who passed away from AIDS,” he said. “Now, that is much more rare.”

Knox emphasized the importance of spreading awareness and said he hopes Carcole’s work continues to save lives.

"Certainly for people who may be positive who haven’t gotten tested yet and need to be tested and connected up with care so that they can be healthier and limit the spread of the disease," he said.

The event comes at a time when funding for HIV research has seen significant cuts, including a reduction in federal grants earlier this year. Changes were also announced for the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, potentially affecting organizations like Caracole.

Jones reiterated the importance of continued funding for organizations like Caracole, especially in light of these challenges.

“We need those funds to stay where they are, coming back to our community and helping our clients, keeping our community safe, thriving, whole, and healthy,” she said.