AIDS Walk Houston
24th annual 5K walk benefitting AIDS Foundation Houston
By Photos by Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle
on March 10, 2013 2:20 PM
Participants walk along Bagby Street at the start of the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston on Sunday, March 10, 2013, in Houston. Proceeds participants raise from the event benefit AIDS Foundation Houston as well as several other HIV/AIDS service organizations. less
Participants walk along Bagby Street at the start of the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston on Sunday, March 10, 2013, in Houston. Proceeds participants raise from the event benefit AIDS Foundation Houston as well ... more
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Participants trudge through puddles at City Hall before the walk.
Participants trudge through puddles at City Hall before the walk.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
A participant carries a banner reading "It Starts With Us" before the start of the walk.
A participant carries a banner reading "It Starts With Us" before the start of the walk.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Krista Thrasher holds a poster honoring her sister Rhonda Martin during the walk. Martin died from AIDS in 1997, and Thrasher has participated in the walk every year since to honor her memory. "She was such a trooper, she was always positive," Thrasher said. less
Krista Thrasher holds a poster honoring her sister Rhonda Martin during the walk. Martin died from AIDS in 1997, and Thrasher has participated in the walk every year since to honor her memory. "She was such a ... more
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Darceese Aldridge, 15, runs along Allen Parkway.
Darceese Aldridge, 15, runs along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Dim n Wit, the Fairy Brothers, make good on their promise of "Free Hugs" as they encourage walkers along Allen Parkway.
Dim n Wit, the Fairy Brothers, make good on their promise of "Free Hugs" as they encourage walkers along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Walkers turn onto Allen Parkway near the start of the walk.
Walkers turn onto Allen Parkway near the start of the walk.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Aniya Kelso, 4, gets a ride atop the shoulders of her aunt Courtney Harris.
Aniya Kelso, 4, gets a ride atop the shoulders of her aunt Courtney Harris.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Volunteers at a water stop exchanged high-fives with walkers along Allen Parkway.
Volunteers at a water stop exchanged high-fives with walkers along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
The AIDS Foundation Houston tent provides cover from the rain as walkers wait for the start of the walk.
The AIDS Foundation Houston tent provides cover from the rain as walkers wait for the start of the walk.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Participants try to find cover from the rain before the walk.
Participants try to find cover from the rain before the walk.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Puddles from the morning's rain frame walkers along Allen Parkway.
Puddles from the morning's rain frame walkers along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Pastor Rudy Rasmus addresses the crowd during ceremonies kicking off the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Pastor Rudy Rasmus addresses the crowd during ceremonies kicking off the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Sandra Ricks dances with other walk participants during ceremonies kicking off the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Sandra Ricks dances with other walk participants during ceremonies kicking off the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Wakers take cover under umbrellas during the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Wakers take cover under umbrellas during the 24th Annual AIDS Walk Houston.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Volunteers at a water stop exchanged high-fives with walkers along Allen Parkway.
Volunteers at a water stop exchanged high-fives with walkers along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Participants cheer as they walk along Allen Parkway.
Participants cheer as they walk along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Houston Mayor Annise Parker attracts a crowd as she stops to pose for photos along Allen Parkway.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker attracts a crowd as she stops to pose for photos along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
A pair of dogs join walkers along Allen Parkway.
A pair of dogs join walkers along Allen Parkway.
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle
Thom McDaniel gets a hug from AIDS Foundation Houston chief operating officer Timeka Walker as they walk along Allen Parkway. McDaniel, who volunteers for Camp Hope, AIDS Foundation Houston's summer camp for HIV-positive children, raised over $15,000 in this year's event. less
Thom McDaniel gets a hug from AIDS Foundation Houston chief operating officer Timeka Walker as they walk along Allen Parkway. McDaniel, who volunteers for Camp Hope, AIDS Foundation Houston's summer camp for ... more
Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle