Page 16 - MidWeek - Feb 8, 2023

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 MIDWEEK 16
Fundraising Race Benefits Hawai‘i In The Long Run
FROM PAGE 13
to take the reins from Kai On- ouye.
already registered for the 2023 Great Aloha Run, and Kai Onouye is excited to see thousands more do so in the coming weeks.
“For one family, the grand- ma is 101 years old, and they push her all the way. They come every year because it’s around her birthday.”
“We just want people to come out,” she notes. “Even if they can’t finish, we have people along the course who can pick them up. It’s the par- ticipants that help us reach the charities. Without their participation, we cannot have the reach that we have.”
And, just like the state in which its resides, the Great Aloha Run welcomes ev- eryone: all ages, all skill levels, those in wheel- chairs or hand-cycles, mil- itary members, visitors and more. In fact, that mindset is where the event gets its race philosophy of “ke ku- kini me ke aloha pau‘ole” (the race with compassion- ate love). There’s also still a virtual race option in place for those unable to partici- pate in-person on Feb. 20.
inception in 1985, the 8.15- mile foot race and its partic- ipants have raised more than $16 million for 150-plus nonprofits. And it shows no signs of slowing down.
person or virtually), the com- pany will donate a meal for a pet.
Learn more and register online at greataloharun.com.
While the social element of the Great Aloha Run is a huge drawing point, it’s what the race does behind the scenes for the local com- munity that event organizers are most proud of. Since its
This year, in addition to the numerous nonprofits that will benefit, the Great Aloha Run has partnered with Nulo Pet Food, which has pledged to donate up to 14,000 pounds of pet food to local animal shelters and res- cue organizations. For each human signed up to race (in
“Pets have extremely heal- ing properties for people,” explains Nakamura Rochon, who noted at press time that the Great Aloha Run was nearly halfway to meeting Nulo’s goal. “There are so many good things about pets, and we felt like that was wor- thy to talk about and be part of our whole initiative of fit- ness and wellness.”
Carole Kai Onouye at the inaugural Great Aloha Run in 1985 (top) and in 1989 (above). PHOTOS COURTESY GREAT ALOHA RUN
The Keiki Great Aloha Run starts at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18 (register by Feb. 10). This 1.5-mile course around Ala Moana Beach Park is perfect for the whole family, and categories include little runners (age 4 and younger); keiki (ages 5-12); and adults (age 13 and older). Cost is $25.
The Silver Streaks Sunrise Walk for Seniors is an approximate- ly 1-mile stroll around Ala Moana Beach Park. Check-in starts at 7:45 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. — meet at the Magic Island end of the parking lot. Those age 55 and older can register online or in per- son on walk day Feb. 11.
Register for either walk online at greataloharun.com.
So far, thousands have
(Above) Carole Kai Onouye and her walking partner, Charley Girl.
PHOTO COURTESY CAROLE KAI ONOUYE (Right) Kai Onouye at one of the early Great Aloha Run events. PHOTO COURTESY GREAT ALOHA RUN