Des Moines University is site for sixth annual AIDS walk/run

(Des Moines, IA) – As sponsor and host, Des Moines University is proud to support the AIDS Project of Central Iowa’s annual walk/run on April 14.
“This event raises awareness of HIV/AIDS in central Iowa and honors friends and family members who are living with, or had lived with HIV/AIDS,” explained Luke H. Mortensen, Ph.D., FAHA, professor of physiology and pharmacology at Des Moines University. “All proceeds from this event will support The AIDS Project of Central Iowa which assists people living with HIV/AIDS and works to prevent future HIV infection.”
The sixth annual race begins at 10 a.m. at Des Moines University. Participants can register online at www.aidsprojectci.org or at the door on race day beginning at 8 a.m. Race packets can be picked up on Friday, April 13, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Des Moines University Academic Center (north entrance), 3440 Grand Avenue. The event will begin at the same location the next morning. The course takes participants on a one-mile walk or 5K run through the south of Grand neighborhood.
Participation fees are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 years old and younger (both include a t-shirt.) Children can participate for free if they opt to not receive a shirt. Donations are also accepted online.
“Des Moines University student, faculty and administrative support has been tremendous in the past and we hope to have a terrific show of support this year as well,” Mortensen said. “Awareness and prevention of health epidemics, such as HIV, is key to the wellness of our community.”
Performances by the Isiserettes and appearances by Spike, the Drake Bulldog, and Cubbie, the I-Cubs mascot, will entertain the crowd until awards are presented at 11 a.m. Awards will be given for several age and weight groups and to those raising the most donations.
For more information about the event, please visit www.aidsprojectci.org. For directions to the Des Moines University campus, please visit
www.dmu.edu/about/location.