For more than three decades, Nashville has laced up its shoes for a cause that has impacted countless lives across Middle Tennessee. This September, that tradition continues as Nashville CARES invites the community to come together for the 34th Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run.
Taking place Saturday, September 26, at the Neuhoff District in Germantown, the annual event serves as both a fundraiser and a powerful reminder of the importance of continuing the fight against HIV. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.
This year’s theme, “Step Up. Show Up.”, is a simple but meaningful call to action. Participants are encouraged to stand alongside people living with HIV, advocate for continued access to prevention and care, and help Nashville CARES move closer to its goal of ending the HIV epidemic in Middle Tennessee.
“For more than three decades, the Nashville AIDS Walk has shown what is possible when our community comes together with purpose,” said Amna Osman, President and CEO of Nashville CARES. “At a time when HIV prevention and support services are facing significant challenges, showing up matters more than ever. Every person who walks, runs, fundraises, volunteers or gives is helping us continue this work and reminding our neighbors living with HIV that this community stands with them.”
Participants can choose between the traditional one-mile AIDS Walk or a 5K run organized in partnership with Run Nash. But the morning is about much more than crossing a finish line.
Averianna The Personality will serve as the event’s emcee, while The Jugg Sisters will perform the National Anthem. Metro Nashville At-Large Council Member Zulfat Suara will join the event as a guest speaker. Attendees can also explore a Community Expo, participate in a guided warm-up led by Orangetheory Fitness, and enjoy food and other activities throughout the morning.
The event will also recognize two people whose work has left a lasting impact on Nashville CARES and the local fight against HIV. Longtime peer volunteer Robert Gooch will receive the Nashville CARES Thrive Award for his dedicated service and contributions to the organization’s programs.
Victoria Harris will receive the Nashville CARES Legacy Award, in recognition of her pioneering role in founding Nashville’s first AIDS Walk in 1989. Harris led the event for its first three years before Nashville CARES took the reins, then spent 20 years serving as an HIV Research Coordinator and Director of Education at Vanderbilt’s Comprehensive Care Center.
Money raised through the Nashville AIDS Walk directly supports Nashville CARES and its work in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, education, and comprehensive support services. For many participants, the event also carries a deeply personal meaning, providing an opportunity to celebrate people living with HIV while remembering friends, family members, and community members who have been lost.
The organization is also receiving support from businesses and media partners throughout the city, including OUTFRONT Media, Lamar Advertising, Nashville Scene, 92Q, Orangetheory Fitness East Nashville, Mix 92.9, 102.9 The Buzz/Jack FM, Y’all 106.7, and Nashville Fit Magazine.
Individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and teams are encouraged to participate, fundraise or donate.
Event Details
34th Annual Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Registration opens: 7:30 a.m.
Event begins: 8:30 a.m.
Neuhoff District | Nashville, Tennessee
Theme: Step Up. Show Up.
About Nashville CARES
For 40 years, Nashville CARES has worked to ensure people living with or at risk for HIV have access to compassionate care, education, and resources. As Tennessee’s leading HIV/AIDS service organization, Nashville CARES provides prevention, testing, treatment, education, and comprehensive services while working toward a future without new HIV infections.
