Great Aloha Run, Carole Kai Charities

Such an amazing event, 2023 Hawaii Pacific Health Great Aloha Run (GAR) 39th Anniversary of the 8.2 run from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. The race started in 1985 and hopefully this isn't the last of the Great Aloha Run. The community loves this event and looks forward to it every year.Thank you to Carol Kai for coordinating this race for so many years and raising so much money for local charities in Hawaii. All the best in the next chapter of your life.The run couldn't be a success without the many sponsors and 1000s of volunteers. Big thank you to Watanbe Floral for handing out flowers to all runners, for the motivating band music from 25th infantry, Nanakuli HS, Kalaheo HS, Farrington HS, Puuhale Elementary School, UH Marching Band, and Kalaheo HS.Thank you again to Carol Kai and all the volunteers that made this great event happen.

Never say never...One year (many moons ago), I signed up with my Jaycee (Junior Chamber of Commerce) friends for The Great Aloha Run. The starting point was Aloha Tower and the end point was Aloha Stadium. We walked the 8.15 mile course and - I thought that I was going to die... I asked my friends to carry me to the Finish Line... LOL! I told myself that I would never do this race again because it was so painful... Even though it's for a good cause. Many organizations benefit from the Carole Kai Charities - which was founded in 1985.This year - 2022 - was different. I knew that Aloha Stadium was going to be demolished at year's end and that The Great Aloha Run would not be the same. This time, the race would be virtual and participants would be allowed to drive through Aloha Stadium and cross the Finish Line with their vehicles. Wow! Sign me up!My friend, Jessica P., in Las Vegas agreed to join me - virtually! Cool, eh? Thanks, sissy!Anyway, we paid online and received our "In Training" shirt in the mail. We're supposed to get our Finishers' shirt and medal in this manner, too.We were to log our miles online and be entered in a drawing for super great prizes like airfare for four people on Alaska Airlines! We signed up for a drive-through time. I chose 1:45pm which was the latest time. I wanted to take my time and not have a lot of cars behind or in front of me at Aloha Stadium. It turned out great! My sister from Colorado rode in my car with me. It was fun because she used to be a disc jockey and she knows a lot of media people. She saw her friend at the KRTR booth and got a chance to catch up with him.My sister was a good support. When I felt nostalgic and teary, she pepped me up and helped me hold it together. I remembered all of the fantastic concerts (like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Kalapana) and fun football games that I attended. Farewell to Aloha Stadium. See you again in 2023 as a brand new Entertainment Center with shops, restaurants, and living spaces!A hui hou!Thanks to the cheerleaders, Wahiawa Middle School Band, Hawaii Pacific Health, and other sponsors who volunteered to make this event such an organized and memorable experience!

This is purely about the Keiki Great Aloha Run...Do not do it! It is a waste of time and money!The run was advertised as a 1.5 mile run for the keiki. Great, right?!? So its $25 per person, I email asking if parents need to run too...you know, thinking a 1.5 miles means the kids will be out of sight at some point. Was told parents are encouraged to register so they can accompany their kids and keep them safe. Fine, no problem.Here's the problem, the run wasn't 1.5 miles. It wasn't even half a mile!!!! We started a good way into Magic Island, ran along the path toward the ocean, followed the path across Magic Island and back to the finish line which was still on Magic Island. I tracked it with my activity monitor and we finished in under 6 minutes and it was 0.48 miles. Ridiculous!!! Our kids were super disappointed and upset.We ran by age group so we literally waited in the corral they made us line up in longer than we ran. And it started at 7:30, which means we woke up at 6Am to drive more than 30 minutes there, wait in line for 15 minutes and run for less than 6. Incredible waste of time. And to make me pay to keep my kid safe??? They couldn't have gotten lost if they tried. I could have stood in one spot and had my eyes on them the whole time!!!

I've done a couple Great Aloha Run races before it went virtual in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. My first one was in college, the second one was in 2020 and I did it virtually this year. It is my favorite race to do on the islands and in person. I want to continue doing it because I enjoy the challenge of 8.15 miles, the community of runners/walkers, the volunteers, bands and cheering crowds. It's a wonderful and well organized race! Thank you to all the volunteers for all that you do! I'm glad that this race helps support local charities and schools around the island. Once you sign up, they send you a postcard to pick up your race packet or you pick up your postcard in person during the Great Aloha Run Expo weekend. Your postcard allows you one day free admission into the Expo weekend to pick up your race packet. Of course, the race packets are always in the back of the Blaisdell Center. If you're not registered, you can register during the weekend of the Expo but you have to pay like 3 dollars to get into the Expo and your race registration fee. Your race packet contains your bib with the tracking on it, some free goodies and bag. You can get even more stuff by going around the booths at the Expo especially from their title sponsor: Hawaii Pacific Health. They usually have lots of free stuff, just need to go around fill up a questionnaire from their tables and get stuff. Every expo has local running clubs, performers, food and local running stores for you to buy your race merchandise. Every runner knows never get new stuff on race weekend unless it's energy gels or anti chafing stuff. Never run in clothes you never used during training or past races.On race day, I took the shuttle departing from the Sheraton Waikiki Bus Depot at 4 am. There were a bunch of other runners waiting visting the area domestically and internationally. It was fun talking story to them while waiting for and getting on the shuttle. It's the airport nice and comfortable shuttles like the WDW Magical Express bus that they use to take you to the starting line. We all got dropped about a mile or so downtown from the starting line. Then proceeded to walk to the starting line, which it's still dark but safe since there are around 15,000 to 25,000 runners are in the area along with HPD and the military.Once you get to your designated starting area, you can stretch and get hydrated before the race starts. I enjoy hearing the sounds of freedom and cannon start the race. Then everyone proceeds up Nimitz to Kamehameha Hwy to the Aloha Stadium with first aid/water stations and bands playing along the way to cheer you on. Upon entering the parking lot of the stadium after going uphill on the Kamehameha Hwy, you have to make one more walk around the stadium before finishing. Then you get your medal, finisher's shirt, water, Powerade, bananas, and King's Hawaiian Bread as you keep on walking around until you enter the stadium again to find your seat for the end race entertainment and giveaways. I always take the shuttle back to Waikiki, so I don't stay too long at the entertainment after drinking some water, eating the banana and bread. I had to ask the volunteers where the bus station back to Waikiki was located and it was about another half mile walk. The shuttle back was on a yellow school bus. Yes, like the ones we all rode in elementary to high school on field trips. The shuttle dropped us off in front of the Royal Hawaiian/Sheraton Waikiki entrance on Kalakaua Avenue. Then I just walked home after getting something to eat because I was starving after the race. I did at least 10 to 12 miles that day including the 8.15 miles race and all the additional walking.I would recommend this race to anyone who wants a challenge outside of a 5k or 10k race or just wants to have fun and challenge themselves a little. Any serious racers and runners, go to the most front of the crowd as possible so you can get ahead start out of everyone especially at bottleneck areas in the beginning to middle of the race on Nimitz. I really enjoy this race! It's my favorite race to do on Oahu! Thank you to the race organizers, volunteers and sponsors that make this race happen! Thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time and hard work into making this such a fun and safe event! I really miss doing in-person races but virtual races did help in keeping me active during the height of the pandemic.2022 will be in person and their last race from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium due to the Aloha Stadium getting torn down and renovated. I wonder what their new route would be in 2023 but I would suggest maybe Aloha Tower to around Kapiolani Park or Diamond Head and end at Waikiki Shell.

So much fun!! The 2019 Great Aloha Run (GAR) marked the 35th Anniversary of "The Race for Hawaii's People." In addition to a banana, Dasani water, Diamond Bakery Royal Creem Crackers, King's Hawaiian Sweet rolls, and a t-shirt, everyone received an awesome Finishers medal for completion of the 8.2-mile route and to commemorate its 35th year milestone!Sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH), the goal is to encourage runners, walkers, and the rest of the community, to live a healthier lifestyle. Depending on how early one signs up, registrants can participate in a free 9-week In-Training workshop. Also, before the run on Presidents' Day, a 2-day Health & Fitness Expo is held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. HPH does a good job promoting "Healthier with Aloha" by educating visitors at their booth with quick and simple running tips (and neat giveaways that can be put to good use on any run!).I read somewhere that there was more than 21,000 people on the run. Wow! It sure felt like it at the Start line. This includes military commands running in formation, organizations walking in teams, school-age children exercising with their parents, stroller parents, athletes in wheelchairs, and the list goes on and on.Then there are the amazing volunteers! From handing out cups of water to playing the taiko drums, these friendly faces made the run truly exciting!! At Watanabe Floral, volunteers were passing out roses and carnations. How sweet! Oh! And shout out to HPD for keeping us runners/walkers feels safe out there!Parking was actually really simple and fairly smooth. I decided to leave my vehicle at Aloha Stadium at 5:30am to catch the shuttle before 6am to Aloha Tower. We actually walked quite a bit from the drop off point to the Start line, but the weather was just perfect I didn't mind the extra steps on my Fitbit!There were so many porta potties, too. It was super crowded on Bishop St. But, if you can hold it until you get to Nimitz, under the viaduct, there are no lines!! LOL.I highly recommend this run. It's fun. It's mostly in the shade (yes!). It's not too short, nor not too long of a route, so it still feels like a challenge and is certainly rewarding. The finish line at the stadium accommodates a whole lot of people, especially if you find yourself waiting for the rest of your family and/or friends. So, it was relaxing to sit in the stadium seats while waiting for my coworker and friend. Plus you could watch the announcement of the Top finishers, listen to the entertainment, and cheer for the students participating in the high school challenge!Ahhh so much to say! LOL. Just sign up for next year's event and the only regret you'll have is that you'll wonder why you didn't sign up any sooner!! Aloha!!

This year was a special great aloha run for me. Before I did the run how many years in a row and then my mom passed away 2.18.03. Devastating and lots of bad memories during that period of time. I did this year great aloha run for my momma. She really suffered with heart disease, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. My route was my pandemic route for the past two years at the valley of the temples. It was difficult when I first started training and now it is my favorite place for some walking and running. I really pushed myself to do more and all uphill which was a challenge. I love it!!! I completed almost 9 miles and now I want to do more exercise because of this goal I met. Thank you great aloha run for the motivation to not give up and keep on challenging yourself to do more. By the way I am not an athletic person at all and very accident prone lol.

This was my first run ever, so I didn't know what to expect. Waking up at 4:30 was kind of a drag, but once I rolled out of bed, the rest of the day was great!We parked at the stadium and took the free shuttle back to the race start. The event seemed to organize every possible type of mass transit vehicle to accommodate the huge amounts of riders. It was like Dunkirk with buses! Our shuttle was an old school bus, which brought back fond memories of bullying and sack lunches from grade school. We arrived at 5:55 and were still able to catch a shuttle in time.From the shuttle drop-off we waded through a sea of people, a toilet farm, and groups taking selfies on every corner. Once we got to the race start, we were about 5 minutes behind the starting line and had to walk due to the size of the crowd.The course itself is well designed with mile markers, water stations, first aid tents, and even live music!At the finish line we received our medals and sat in the stadium seats listening to the closing remarks, award ceremonies, and prize giveaways. My first run was amazing!

The Great Aloha Run is a yearly event that happens on Presidents' Day. It's an 8.15 mile run/walk from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. The route is on Nimitz, under the viaduct by the airport, past the Makalapa Gate at the Naval Station, ending up at the Stadium.I do this annually with my co-workers. We've been doing it for eight years now. My legs are killing me as I type this. Some people care about their time, but we don't. We just walk the entire course taking our jolly time. We enjoy taking in the sites and just goofing around. We stop to check out the high school bands along the way, along with the different radio stations. I also appreciate the annual rose that I get from Watanabe Floral. They pass out tons of roses every Great Aloha Run to the participants that are passing by.After you finish at the Stadium, they pass out snacks. Today, it was a bottled water, a banana, coconut cookies, Red Bull, and a snack mix. They also have a Finisher T-shirt that you pick up from the booth. Every year it's a different design and theme. It's always interesting to see what they come up with.

I had a ton of fun at the aloha run! Waking up early for any race is quite hard for me. I am pretty grumpy and move like a turtle. Plus, I would keep pressing the snooze button for ten minutes more. In this case my hubby who was here on rnr kept repeating and patting my back to wake up. No happy face as I rose from the bed to the bathroom. There was over 25,000 runners and walkers taking part in the aloha run. We had to drive to the stadium, park our car, and shuttle it to aloha tower. Because of the large masses we started out at 4am. Yes, 4am for a 8.15 mile run. Once we arrived at aloha stadium the traffic was pretty nuts. It seemed like the whole world was trying to get in. Everyone was bumper to bumper and it was painfully slow. I did find there was an abundance of volunteers and police aiding, which made the whole process organized. Loading the masses onto the bus was quick and smooth.The shuttle dropped us off near aloha tower around 6am. We had an hour before the run/walk commenced. My sweetie and I took our regular selfie pictures, and watched various military units run in cadence. Seven o clock came and we were off!!! First of all, I did not train at all. I knew I was going to hurt and perhaps walk about fifty percent of the run. Well with hubby in tow that was not an option. He pushed and encouraged me to keep running, and I did! The run on Nimitz highway was like an episode from the shinning where the hallway had no ending in sight. LolThe enthusiasm from the volunteers was contagious. I believe a school band took part by playing at a gas station as we ran by. Wantanabe floral distributed roses to anyone that passed. There was drums, excitement and laughter. It was a nice touch to have red bull instead of Gatorade as an electrolyte. We both saw the congrats and finish line up ahead. I felt relieved as sometimes running can be endless if your reaching the point of I'm done! Lol We received a little airplane snack from Alaska airlines, banana, red bull, and hawaiian one serving size cookies.:) I also received my sweet finisher t-shirt. Oh by the way, no medals were given, but your able to purchase it at the expo for 15 bucks a piece. I limped to the car happily and satisfied. Overall the event was a blast, and I can't wait to do it again next year!!!

What an exciting event to attend!!!!!! GET READY!!!! SET!!!! GO!!!!!! RUN!!!!!This was my first time attending the Great Aloha Run. I never done this in the past. So this year I decided to participate in this run with my two best friends and their family and bfs. Like they say, the more the merrier. The pick up for the race packets was simple, mainly came with your race bib, time tracker for your shoe, and a brochure about the expo at the Blaisdell center. Make sure your time tracker is up right with the words showing so your start and end time show up on the chromo time tracker when you finish the run. It was not fun doing the run with between two to three hours of sleep due to unfortunate circumstances. But I forgot my tiredness and enjoyed myself while alternating between running and walking on the route. At first when the start gun when off and people started walking and running, I was together with my friends and their family members but five to ten minutes Iater, I was alone and lost. I literally said the Celine Dion song "All by myself" while walking and running this. In my mind, if I don't find the girls and their bfs, I will complete this run by myself and have the song "We are the Champions" song running through my head when I get to that finish line!!!!!!THE SAD PART OF THE RUN WAS THE FACT MY TWO TOES GOT RUNNERS' BLISTERS?!?!?! I could feel soreness on my toes when I was under the Nimitz freeway near the 6 mile mark. But I kept myself from stopping and going off to the side. I only stopped for the water at water stations. I didn't want to slow down," keep going LIZA. This is your first GAR" running through my head, just running through my head. What torture I put myself through :( FYI: make sure to have good shoes thta fit comfortable and you can run in if you choose to run. One negative of this run is that the race organizers didn't have different time waves from the runners to the walkers/joggers, and wheelchairs and strollers. I felt so boxed in the crowd like a little fish trying to swim to the other side but there is a wall of humans blocking the way. On the plus note, it didn't rain during the run except when I was under the Nimitz freeway but it was a passing shower.