It’s All About Your Jersey And Fun
It seems like Disney’s Frozen was on top of the wish list for many kids this past Christmas. But as a mother of two boys, that wasn’t the case for our family.
Instead, my children wanted NFL football jerseys. Specifically, 7-year-old Koen wished for the jersey of Calvin Johnson with the Detroit Lions; and 4-year-old Masen hoped for Tom Brady’s No. 12 jersey with New England Patriots. And I’m guessing there probably were a lot of Mariota No. 8 Oregon Ducks jerseys under the Christmas tree in homes throughout Hawaii this winter.
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Sadly, football season is coming to an end, and the Pro Bowl isn’t returning to Oahu this year. And while my kids would wear their new jerseys every day if they could, that’s just not going to happen.
Well, there’s one unique event coming up at Aloha Stadium made just for sports fans to show off their favorite team jerseys. The ESPN 1420 Jersey Fun Run takes place Jan. 31, featuring a 3K interactive course with games and giveaways.
“Like a lot of people in Hawaii, we (the ESPN 1420 staff) are a little disappointed that the Pro Bowl isn’t being played in Hawaii in 2015,” says account executive Colette Corbin. “It’s really a celebration for the fans. So, we wanted to create an event that lets Hawaii residents come out to Aloha Stadium and represent their favorite team of any sport, any level (professional, college, high school, etc.), and just get together with other sports fans and cheer, high-five and celebrate the joy of being a sports fan.”
Throughout the approximately 2-mile course, participants are encouraged to take part in various activities and sports-related challenges, such as a ball pass or catch, or agility drills. Also unique is that the route takes participants through parts of the stadium they may not normally get to see, such as the player locker rooms.
“We’re going to create a really exciting atmosphere, almost like the player experience,” adds Corbin. “You get to run onto the field with fanfare, music and possibly cheerleaders, and all while wearing your favorite team jersey. You can show us your best touch-down dance when you get to the end zone, and we’ll have some activities set up on the field.
“It’s something for the fans, and we wanted to have it the day before the big game — the Super Bowl. You can come out and show your team spirit with your family and friends. It’s just a celebration of the joy of sport, and the joy of being a fan. I think it’ll also be an event that promotes those values that sports teaches us — determination, pride, striving to be your best, and it’s a chance for fans to get active and have fun.”
Pre-race activities begin at 8 a.m., including a pep rally and keiki activities by Xtreme Fun Rentals. The run starts at 9 a.m., and there also will be a shorter course for those who may not be able to do the regular course, which includes a trip up one of the spiral ramps.
Cost is $25 to $30 for adults, or $20 to $25 for children age 5 to 12, military members and seniors (age 55 and up). Kids under 5 years old are free, and strollers are welcome.
The event also serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawaii, with a portion of the proceeds going to the local nonprofit. To register, go to active.com and look up Jersey Fun Run. For more information, visit espn1420am.com.
yting@midweek.com
