Surfrider Fun Run/Walk Nov. 11

Ready, set, and walk or run your way along – at the 5K/10K loop course that begins and ends at Kailua High School. It’s the 16th annual Surfriders Fun Run/Walk, set for 7 a.m. Nov. 11 and sponsored by Friends of Kailua High.

When the race was first created it was only a 5K, but organizers decided to add a 10K by just double looping the course. “But that was pretty dull,” said race director Ed Kemper, president of the Friends, “so we extended the course to a full 10K. A couple years ago we moved it further into Enchanted Lake, and the result is a safer and less hilly course, but with moderate hills.”

The 5K section routes along Akiohala Street, turns right onto Keolu Drive and loops back at Keolu Elementary School. The 10K follows the same course, but continues past the 5K turnaround point, onto Akamai Street, curving along Kahili Street and onto Akumu Street before turning around at Alahaki Street.

Kemper said that the last race – which was bumped to March 2012 because APEC left no police for traffic control – drew 300 participants.

“Our runners come from all over the island, and we even have mainland runners who read about it on Active.com or the Runners World magazine’s website. Our teenage runners come from Kailua High; the gym teachers push hard to have our teens be active. We also offer a substantial discount to them.”

General registration is $25 before Tuesday (Nov. 6) or $30 after that date. KHS students pay $12. They not only run the race, they help as course marshals and compete to design the race T-shirts.

Random prizes will be given out, and trophies will go to the overall fastest finishers, with ribbons and medals going to the top three runners in 16 age divisions.

To register or for more information, visit friendsofkailuahigh.com.