MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- HONOLULU--Each year, more than 6,000 armed forces members get out their running shoes and trek the 8.15 miles from the Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium for the Annual Great Aloha Run here.
This race marks the 20th anniversary of the President's Day event, to be held this year on Feb. 16. Carole Kai Charities sponsors the fundraiser, which, since its birth, has provided more than $5.2 million to more than 100 different local charities. Some of the major supported charities are the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, Variety School of Hawaii, and military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.
"The military is a big part of the community and a big part of everyone's lives here," said Alan Sunio, race director of the Great Aloha Run. "The race helps us draw the civilian and military communities together."
The organization is asking for high turnout from all military branches since the MWR program is one of the top recipients of funds, and an objective of the Great Aloha Run is to promote camaraderie between the Hawaii military and civilian communities.
Military participation is very important to the outcome of the race since, typically, nearly half of the runners are armed forces personnel. Approximately 4,500 Army runners historically partake in the event, but Marine Corps participation has leveled at 200.
"In the past, Marine involvement has been small," said Vera Ross, military liaison to the Great Aloha Run. "We are very hopeful that more Marines will turn out for the run this year."
Armed forces personnel can compete individually or run as part of their military unit in a special "Sounds of Freedom" division. Registration cost for each Sounds of Freedom runner is $12, with $1 of every entry donation going back to the runner's unit's MWR. Units will be judged in several areas such as appearance, chants, numbers and spirit. Individual military members racing in the overall competition will pay a $27 entry donation if registered by Monday. All entrants will receive a T-shirt upon completion of the run.
Though the Great Aloha Run is the finale of the holiday weekend, it is only part of the planned festivities. Children are invited to their own Great Aloha Fun Run and Circus Party, Feb.14. Cost of entry for the two-mile race is $12 for the first child in a family, $10 for additional children and $5 for adults running with their children if registering by Saturday. Keiki will be treated to refreshments, magicians, inflatables, prizes and a T-shirt.
A Family Fitness Expo will also be set up with more than 200 booths focused on health and fitness. The expo will take place at the Neal Blaisdell Center Feb. 13 from 4 to 10 p.m., Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no cost for those who are registered for the Great Aloha Run and only a $1.50 charge for all other adults.
Parking for the run opens at 3:30 a.m. at Aloha Stadium, with shuttles transporting runners to the Aloha Tower starting line. The run will begin with a sunrise start at 7 a.m. and come to a close with an awards ceremony and entertainment at 8:30 a.m.
For information on participating in the Great Aloha Run, either as an individual runner, or as part of the Sounds of Freedom unit team, contact MCCS Varsity Sports Coordinator Steve Kalnasy at (808) 254-7590.
A registration booth will be set up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Semper Fit Center on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Feb. 1.