Great Aloha Run, Carole Kai Charities

This run definitely gets 5 stars! It is one of my all-​time favorites in Hawaii. I’ve ran it in 2013, 2014, and 2015. I hope to return in the future to run it again. Many water stations along the route, and support. I love running alongside the military formations (Army, and Marines), and ROTC. The start at Aloha Tower, and finish at Aloha stadium is a great feeling. A very well set up race, with shuttle from stadium to starting line, and if you live near the Aloha Tower, there is also a shuttle to take you back to downtown area after you finish at the stadium. Have a great run!

We are huge fans and annual participants of the Great Aloha Run!
This is well organized event and a ton of FUN!!!
Last year our GAR Team ran costumed as NINJAS!!! We took many photos with participants and even got our photo featured in the GAR official race magazine!
The Great Aloha Run is an event that we would recommend for the entire Family!
Wanna run in costume with us? Join our FB group here:

The run goes on… rain or shine! We all know that after this last Great Aloha Run where the weather wasn’t so cooperative!
PRE-​RUN
You can register on-​line, at the Great Aloha Run Expo or you can mail your entry form in. If you register early enough, you can purchase an «In Training» t-​shirt. Just a note, the longer you wait to register, the higher the price.
Great Aloha Run Expo
You will receive a postcard in the mail with a free admission pass to the expo and a coupon for $ 2 parking (event parking is usually over $ 5). The expo is where you pick up your bib/​number and a bag of random stuff (newsletter, coupons, etc).
They have some entertainment, vendors and free giveaways at the expo. Every year there are new vendors but are generally the same: health and fitness related. One year, they gave away free cans of Red Bull and Meadow Gold yogurt.
RUN
Shuttle service is offered from Aloha Stadium to downtown. If you’re planning to park at Aloha Stadium to get a shuttle, keep in mind there’s tons of traffic and the area around the stadium is a cluster as thousands of people are trying to catch the shuttle to downtown.
The course starts at Aloha Tower and makes its way down Nimitz Highway and to Aloha Stadium. It’s about 8.15 miles long and there’s entertainment and water along the way. Hundreds of volunteers line Nimitz Highway to hand out cups of water and provide first aid. They have both DJs and live bands along the way.
There are photographers to take pictures of runners, mostly at the end of the run. There are a few around the stadium, at the finish line and after you finish, there are a couple of Great Aloha Run backdrops to stand in front of. About a week later, your photos will be available on-​line for purchase.
POST-​RUN
After entering Aloha Stadium, you’ll get a Finisher t-​shirt and some refreshments. The refreshments are usually a banana and water and/​or coconut water. You can then stay for the post-​run festivities in the stadium. They have door/​raffle prizes and these include gift cards to many local restaurants.
The Great Aloha Run is very family-​friendly and you don’t have to worry if you’re not a runner because many people walk and also bring their kids along in strollers. The run is always held every year on Monday, President’s Day. The Great Aloha Run gives to local charities including education, health and youth sports, which makes participation even more worth while.

«Pain is weakness leaving your body.»
Such a simple quote was on the back of someone’s shirt when I was struggling to finish the Great Aloha Run in 2013. Then it hit me. I was weak. I finished a little short of 1 hour and 50 minutes that day compared to 1 hour and 36 minutes 3 years before.
Never again. Here’s what I learned.
Bus from Aloha Stadium:
You should most definitely get there before 5:00am. I know what you’re thinking, «I do not want to wait downtown for two hours before the race.» — My answer, «Yes, you do.» Buses start to get loaded right around 5:30am because people like to cut it close. If you don’t get there before they do, you will for sure be joining the race 20 minutes after the start from waiting in the bus line too long. I actually have to dock points because I remember specifically one year, I literally waited in line for almost an hour.
Waiting downtown:
You can sit and rest. Let your heart beat slow down as the walk from Punchbowl is probably close to half a mile. Use the extra time to stretch. For active/​high-​pace sports, there is such a thing as overstretching, but for jogging 8+ miles, you better stretch as much as you can. Calves and thighs my friend.
It’s even better if you work downtown. I sat in my office for 2 hours, eating a spam musubi from 7-​eleven. Watching Korean dramas and stretching. Did I forget to tell you? It’d be a good time to hydrate too. Then you can pee before the race starts.
The Race:
At this point you should only be carrying two things at the most. These are the keys to your car to drive home (unless you have keyless access with your phone). The second item is indeed, your phone. In case of any emergencies, and trust me, there are emergencies. What about your wallet? Well that’s up to you. Just try to keep the weight off you, okay?
Packing or holding water can have a negative effect on your times. Trust me, getting rid of my water was proven once I started hiking kokohead without water. My times dropped by 1 – 2 minutes. There’s plenty water to drink on the way through the race. If that’s not enough, you weren’t prepared. Try again next year. You’ll get it.
Overall:
The event is something really special that I’ll miss if I ever do move to the mainland. Rain or shine, this is the best new years resolution you can start early.
«There are only two types of pain. The pain of discipline and the pain of regret.» Which one do you want?
Also, thank you to all the volunteers. You might not feel it, but without you, the race would not be successful. We appreciate all your help.

This was my first Great Aloha Run, and it will definitely not be my last.
I hate running. Even in my skinny days I hated running. But, running the GAR was not bad; in fact it was rather enjoyable. The 8 miles was not too bad, considering the longest I ran/​jogged/​walked in preparation for the event was 4 miles. Being with the crowd running along side me was great motivation.
We got to Aloha Stadium at 5ish, parked easily and waited 10 minutes for the shuttle to the starting line. The ride took ten minutes and they drop you off on Vineyard and you have to walk down to Ala Moana Blvd. There were literally thousands of people there already, just kinda milling around waiting for the start.
Race starts promptly at 7 am, and we were off. walking. It was so crowded the first 15 minutes or so you are walking to get to the starting line. Then we were off. Jogging. It was really crowded the whole way. Which was fine with me.
But we had to use the bathroom because the porta potties line was like 100 deep at the beginning of the race. So we went to the Fire Station. They graciously opened the firehouse for the runners to use their bathrooms. Super Cool. Shout out to Drake H and the Kalihi Kai Fire Station. (You guys would average 5 stars on Unilocal!) After about 15 minutes, we were off again.
The rain made it pretty soggy from the beginning, but it was fine the rest of the way. Kept things cool. But what really made it fun to run were the volunteers. The water passer outers, and the bands, and the cheerers, and everyone else who supported the runners. Best band was the middle school aged rock band. Don’t know who they were, but very School of Rock-​ish. Awesome. Thank you!
Finished the race at Aloha Stadium, jogging onto the new turf. That was a great feeling finishing the race. My first one. Ever. About 2 hours.
They give you bottled water after, bananas, granola bars, coconut water, red bull and they give you the shirt as well! Very well run, smooth, and all for a great cause. Great Job Carol Kai and everyone else involved.

Unilocal 365 Challenge x 2 #268/​365 (Cramped my Time)
Unilocal 100 Review Challenge #12/​100
Let me just say that I don’t think this run likes me. I seriously think I have bad juju with this run. This was to have been my redemption run from GAR 2012. I wanted to beat my time because this year, I didn’t have my nephew (if you read my previous review, you’ll know why).
Also, if you’ve been reading my reviews, I’ve been running in a lot of race events since last August and Great Aloha Run was one of my important events for this year.
However, in January, my work and personal schedule was so screwed that I ran here and there. Then, I got the flu. So, I figured at least I can prepare through fueling as well as minimizing any injuries. Did it happen? Nope.
THE COURSE
–My husband and I were dropped off by my daughter
–hung out at Starbucks
–Walked to our designated finishing time area line-​up
–Ran/​walk the first five miles
–Mile 5 (under an hour)
–Mile 6 (my husband broke away because I told him I didn’t want to hold him back especially because I knew he was going for timing)
–Approaching downhill before mile 7, I cramped… and not just a regular cramp. This was those type of cramps where your toes curling literally in your shoes and those staggering cramps seizes your calves. I walked slowly up the hill to the next water station and the medical tent because there was no way I wanted to force myself then end up pulling my muscles to where I wouldn’t be able to run for awhile.
–After filling up at the water station and accepting a gatorade at the medical tent, I cramped again TWICE right before the turn to head back into the Aloha Stadium Parking lot. I had to stretch and basically suck it up that it wasn’t about timing anymore but to cross that finish line (without crawling).
LOOKING BACK AT MY DOWNFALL
–I didn’t prepare as I did with other previous races
–By the 7 mile marker, I wasn’t sweating at all-​I was already dehydrated. Why? Because the main water bottle carried watered down gatorade (bad move) while the other two bottles that were small… carried my Nuun flavored Strawberry Lemonade electrolyte drink along with Sports Beans. I normally only carry NUUN on the course while pre-​and post is gatorade or water.
–Not KT taping my calves as I did in the Honolulu Marathon nor did I bother to use compression sleeves because I figured it was 8.5 miles (Note: Don’t ever underestimate).
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
–easiest registration ever online especially if you do the early bird specials
–great expo with a lot of products with discounts
–enthusiastic volunteers
–great event with other runners /​walkers
–relatively flat course except that hill at mile 7
–music along the route
–great medical staff volunteers
–nice t-​shirt
–great post-​fuel snacks
Another thing… I’m writing this as I am still smarting and seething over my timing. I’ll get over it eventually and the fact that I have to wait till next year to redeem myself.
RECOMMEND: Of course, it’s a great charity event for families, friends, runners and walkers (not zombies). Just don’t underestimate like I did regardless if you’re going for timing or not. Better to be safe than injured.

Love the purpose of the event, but had an unsatisfactory experience. But I will definitely participate again!
The Pros:
Love the Expo! A lot of vendors and information booths to prepare you for the run.
Volunteers are amazing! I appreciate that there were many volunteers cheering us on during the run. They definitely motivated me to keep going, especially when I was getting tired at the 7 mile mark. The high school bands did a great job and the music got me pumped up!
Free T-​shrts: This year’s t-​shirt design is beautiful!
Instantaneous race results: you can find out your race time instantly because of the D-​tag. The D-​tag is this plastic strip that has a chip in it, and you attach it to your shoe, so it can track your time.
The Cons:
Registration was horrible. I had the hardest time asking for help or obtaining information about registration. The website needs to be improved or someone needs to update the information such as when the race starts and what should I do to prepare for the race. I registered as a Lucky 7 group and there’s no information about it besides a chance to win a trip to Vegas. In addition, I had a hard time registering online and there was no information on how to create a team password or whatever. I then called for help and received one of the rudest customer services ever. When it was about two weeks before early registration was due, everything fell into place without anyone’s help.
The Lucky 7 Drawing was so disappointing! Oh my gosh, my team and I waited for almost two hours for the drawing to begin (race started at 7, drawing started a little after 10:30). That was fine, I guess. So when they did the drawing, the team wasn’t there. But then they chose another team. That team also wasn’t there either. So they finally chose another team. Same as before, the team was not present. So what do they do? They converted this awesome Vegas trip group prize to an individual prize, instead of naming all the groups’ names. SO LAME.
I would definitely run the race again, but hopefully there will be a few changes next year. I really support this event, and I encourage everyone to participate in it!

I totally didn’t know you can review something like this.
I ran 2013 so this is my review about the experience. If you can arrange a car to be staged in Aiea so you can drive you and your friends back to town, do that. This event is crowded. 5K crowded. If you run events, you know what I’m talking about.
And this is longer than a 5K, so prepare yourself. I didn’t run this before because President’s Day weekend is a big party weekend. I’ll admit it. There’s shows and if not shows, big club nights with the friends. So if you party or go out, hydrate yourself and take care of your body because you will not enjoy this.
Sajili B. typical prep because he parties:
–4 bottles Pedialyte the day/​night before
–Water
–Cliff shots with Caffeine or Gatorade Primer for breakfast
–GU Brew Effervescent Tabs for water bottles (these are delicious less sugar than Gatorade)
Bring GU or Clif Shots with you for this run. ‘Real runners’ probably don’t need it for this race. But I’m not a real runner. I hate running. So last year I brought one and ate it mid-​way because I use food to motivate me.
For those of you who ran 2014, congrats! Hope you had a great time in the rain.

Ever since I got into running and doing marathons a couple of years ago, I figured I start doing more run related events such as the ever so famous Great Aloha Run aka GAR. I remember doing the run for the first time a very long time ago in high school. I signed up for my second GAR recently for the 30^th GAR. Now that I am older and more observant, I can review it wholeheartedly. First of all, the run is about 8.15 miles long which starts at the Aloha Tower Marketplace on Ala Moana Blvd/​Nimitz Hwy. it goes straight along that highway through the viaduct tunnel then making your way through Salt Lake Blvd. finishing at Aloha Stadium. The GAR is a very fun and heavy community oriented event which has people walking, jogging, and running it. You have people from doing it with babies in their strollers, in various groups, individually, kids, teenagers, young adults, adults, senior citizens, etc. Throughout the race, you have many people cheering you on, mostly high school groups. There’s about 3 water/​first aid stations along the course along with porta potties if you need to use the restroom. There are several options for getting to the event, you can just walk there if you live in downtown. There are shuttles at Aloha Stadium which you can get a ride to the race if you live in the leeward area. you can drive and park your car at Aloha Stadium. After the race, there are shuttles going back to town if you live in that area.
As far as my experience goes, here it goes. I live in Aiea but I woke up around 4AM. I heard stores of people going to Aloha Stadium late with the chance of missing the last shuttle at 6AM so I wanted to make sure that did not happen. I actually did not park at Aloha Stadium but I parked at a neighboring location close to the stadium. The reason why is because I had work within a couple hours from the start of the race so I had to make sure I gave myself the necessary to steps to finish the race as fast and effectively as possible. It was raining the whole morning, but it wasn’t that bad not like it was storming. The rain was manageable. I brought with me a light breakfast, an peanut butter sandwich, banana, sports drink, a light snack, and water. That is pretty much a you need before a race for proper nutrition and fuel for tha fire. I went on the bus and left at around 4:30 AM ish. It wasn’t that busy or crowded which was good. Along the way, you gave teenage volunteers greeting and cheering you on which was great to see as a morale booster for everyone running the race. The shuttles were pretty nice. It’s wasn’t no ghetto school bus that is for sure. (Honolulu Marathon uses school buses), The GAR has you pimpin out in those high end buses with cloth seats and A/​C. The shuttle drops you off at Vinyard Blvd. in town where you walk to downtown area where the race starts. If you get there early like me, you start prepping like eating breakfast, digesting, relaxing, and start warming up an hour before the race. I like how people where hitting up the nearby 7 Eleven and Starbucks for some energy. At the start line, you have various starting points for people expected to finish at certain times, like under 1:15, 1:15 to 1:30, and so on and so forth. It gets packed up real quick and if you want to start right away you want to get there early. The rain added more challenge and fun to the race. Unfortunately I started towards the back and didn’t get to develop a decent stride for a while after passing the walkers and joggers. The number one pet peeve was selfies at the starting line! Everybody was doing it! I was like dammit people yall slowing me down! I gotta get to work and ain’t got no time to do a selfie. Throughout the course, the only uphill is going up Nimitz and that’s about it. It is a fairly easy run if you are a runner or if you are a marathoner, the GAR is a piece of cheesecake. When you cross the finish line, you get to pick up your finisher’s shirt and enjoy the festivities. Unfortunately, I had to book it for work after finishing. They also give you some stuff to refuel yourself like a banana, water, some fruit nut snacks, granola bar, etc. Overall, the GAR is an excellent community event for everybody to do on President’s Day held annually.

This was my first big race today! I am rather proud of myself after averaging a 14 minute mile with very little training. I have been sick the past couple of weeks and jogged/​walked my way through the course.
I arrived at the Aloha Stadium with only 3 hours of sleep. I am taking all online classes this semester and everything is due on Sunday nights by midnight. This plus needing to get to the stadium before 6 am ensured that I did not get much sleep.
The lines at the stadium were ridiculous! Driving from the freeway exit to the stadium parking lot took quite a bit of time. It was totally understandable though. About 25,000 people signed up and about 16,000 showed up! I got lucky with parking my car as everyone avoided the stall I parked in because of the large cars surrounding it. There was still plenty of space! I walked about half a mile to the bus line.
The bus line was longer than the stadium and extended the entire length of the parking lot then folded on itself to almost double the length of the parking lot.
There were so many people, but there were so many buses and the lines moved quickly. I started falling asleep once on the bus. My sleep deprivation was catching up to me.
The bus ride was short and we unloaded on Vineyard Boulevard. The walk was just a couple blocks and I stopped at 7 – 11 along the way to get my caffeine fix. Sugar-​free Red Bull is so good when all you drink is green tea for caffeine.
Next came the sudden urge to use the restroom and what do you know, dozens of port-​a-​potties presented themselves to me just a block away. The first problem? Super long lines! Second, there was no toilet paper and I really needed some toilet paper. Luckily there were a few people close by sharing toilet paper and they were nice enough to share with me! Inside the port-​a-​potty itself was disgusting beyond words.
On the bright side, the race was about to start! I staged myself among the slower section of the crowd and a short time later we were off! I really liked how there was a marker at every mile and water at every 2 miles. The various entertainment was encouraging too and made me want to jog faster to see what all the commotion was about.
After about 2 hours, I finally made it to the finish line! A free shirt, snacks, and refreshments awaited me. I got coconut water, bottled water, Sugar-​Free Red Bull, 2 bananas, 2 granola bars, and a couple of airline snacks. Considering the all the freebies I got plus free transportation, I thought the $ 35 registration fee was reasonable.
Walking back to my car was torture as my legs and feet were really sore and my car was on the other side of the parking lot. My experience was awesome though and the countless volunteers were so helpful! I am very appreciative of all their work. Thanks for the organizers for putting this event on every year. I will sign up for the next one for sure!

The Great Aloha Run has a special place in my heart. It was my first official running race which jump started my long distance running hobby. I first ran this race in 2001. I was a newbie and had no clue what went into running. But, it was a great race to get me started. I loved the excitement in the air and I enjoyed running along side «The Sounds of Freedom» military runners who ran together as a battalion.
I also remember as a small kid, the Bed Race was held in conjunction with the Great Aloha Run. It was good fun to watch the local news coverage of people in costumes running as a team while pulling along a bed on a bedpost. One member of the team was in the bed while the rest ran. Good stuff.
Well, 2 babies and a 5 year hiatus later, I was ready to do the Great Aloha Run again. I was so excited. I really wanted the GAR to help me jump start my marathon training. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed this time around. The GAR expo shrank a bit. I remember when there were tons of vendors with tons of good deals. This time, not so much. I walked away with some GU packs to help me fuel up during the race.
Flash forward to race day. It just wasn’t the same. They blocked off the side of the starting line, so getting around was a bit hard. They could also use more bathrooms closer to the starting line. Then, when it came to the start of the race, the fire boats weren’t there to blow their horns and shoot sprays of water nor the cannon to signal the start of the race. There was also no trolly with the mayor waving to all of the runners. I also missed seeing Carol Kai’s smiling face at the starting line. It was a lackluster start in my opinion.
I did appreciate all of the bands and volunteers along the race! You folks rock to give up your President’s Day holiday to support all of us runners. Your smiles, high fives, and cheers helped me to push through the wall I came across half way through the race.
Finally, at the finish line, things were a little chaotic. They shuttled half of the runners through the locker room. This journey felt like forever! And the chaos that greeted us at the other end was tiring. In the past, we entered the entrance of the stadium to pick up our t-​shirts. This time, the t-​shirt pick up was smooshed together with all of the food. It took forever to get my t-​shirt. The coconut water was awesome though. Oh, and the photo op with the GAR backdrop by the stadium entrance was gone. I really miss that!
I still really love this race, but somehow over the years, it lost its shine. I hope they bring back the fire boats, canons, and trolley to the starting line next year along with the GAR backdrop photo op at the finish. And please move the t-​shirt pick up back to the stadium entrance.

This is a fantastic event, which really showcases the Aloha spirit and gives us silly mainlanders a wonderful excuse to spend a week in Honolulu «recovering» from the race. It’s an 8.15 mile course, and there are a million pacing options. It is a run/​walk with some serious runners, parents with strollers, and people who walk the entire way. There’s no time limit at all, so it really is just about getting out there and thriving and being healthy with your community. GREAT GREAT mojo!
They send you a free fitness planner along with your registration, and a t-​shirt to help you train. For $ 8 you get the finisher medal, and at the end you get a white finisher shirt. It was awesome to see all the local businesses and groups with their color-​coordinated t-​shirts and teams all running together. It really is an event that the entire city gets behind.
The course itself was flat and easy. You run a good portion of it under the H-​1 highway, so you are shaded from that bright Hawaiian sun, which works out wonderfully for a run. You end up by ½ circling the stadium and entering the field through the player’s entrance, so that the entire stadium opens up at your feet right as you cross the finish line. It’s an amazing way to end the race, and makes it feel very epic and special.
The support for the race is also awesome. Water is provided every 2 miles, and there are radio station tents, taiko drummers, dancers, kid rock bands, and a ton of other excitement lining the entire way keeping you motivated and moving. Everyone is SO nice and really makes you feel wonderful. At the end, there’s coconut water, bananas, clif bars, and other snacks that you can munch on as you sit in Aloha Stadium and listen to the entertainment. Every time I had to call the office, they were more than accommodating and always ended with a so Hawaiian «Mahalo» which left me with a smile on my face. Shuttles are provided for free before and after the race back to downtown Honolulu. The lines were a bit long, but they were very well organized and went relatively quickly for the amount of people they were moving.
All in all, it was an incredible experience, and I would gladly and eaglerly run it again!
Tip:
If you have a car, drive and park near the start line, so you don’t have to shuttle to the start. Then the shuttle back will take you to downtown and you can walk back to your car. Easier and less hassle than parking in the morning in the designated spot and waiting in a huge line of people to get to the starting line.

The Great Aloha Run 2013 was an 8.15 mile run/​walk from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium on President’s Day. It was a great family-​friendly event. Even babies in strollers were allowed. The great thing was that participants could take their time walking the route if they wanted to. There was NO TIME LIMIT. Whether you were training for a race or just wanted to walk for a cause with friends and family, the Great Aloha Run was open to everyone of any fitness level.
Water was provided every 2 miles, plus there was entertainment along the way, including radio stations, marching bands and taiko drummers. Volunteers were nice and cheered for us as we ran past. It was also fun to run through the field of Aloha Stadium and cross the finish line. Water, ONE coconut water, mini Clif bars, bananas and salty snacks were provided afterwards. Each finisher also received a white Finisher t-​shirt. (No medals included.)
Now for the bad: the shuttle bus from Aloha Stadium to Aloha Tower was a total nightmare! We got to Aloha Stadium at 4:50AM in the morning, only to be stuck in street traffic entering the stadium, followed by standing in line for over an hour. It was unpleasant as the strong winds brought chills up my spine as I was dressed in capris and a sporty tank top for the run. I know next time to wear a trash bag or something. We ended up getting to the starting line around 7:15AM. At that time, everyone already started running and walking, even the families with strollers were a good ½ mile ahead. Although, we weren’t the only ones that were late to start. There were still a few thousand stuck at Aloha Stadium waiting for a shuttle. It wasn’t like we were the last in line.
Despite the horrible shuttle bus line experience, I had no complaints about the buses themselves. We were a nice Roberts Hawaii charter bus with comfy seats, foot rests, and air conditioning. It was a fairly quick ride once we got on the bus, too.
I did not train hard for the race, just my usual fitness régime, and I ran it with no resulting injuries. The course was easy and flat, with shade as we ran under the highway for a good portion of the route.
I never ran in Hawaii before this race, but I must say it was a fun experience full of beautiful Hawaiian sun, good company and Aloha Spirit.

This was my 2^nd year doing the GAR, with last year being my first. I’ll admit that I’m not into long distance running and I DO NOT run to train.
This race starts at 7:00am from Aloha Tower but this year it was really breezy and wished it started early because with the gusts, it made me want to use the restroom where the lines were ridiculously long to use the porter potties.
I really enjoyed the various bands and radio stations entertaining us during this 8+ mile course. The water stations were spaced in 2-​mile increments and it was such a great feeling seeing so many people volunteering to make this event possible.
We pretty much ran in the shade, with the exception you parted Nimitz highway bridge and climbed up a hill heading to the stadium.
Compared to last year, there were much more yummy snacks given at the end as I really enjoy the energy bars over the sweet bread and Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread cookies.
I rode the shuttle back to Aloha Tower and the bus ride was very comfortable. It was a Roberts Hawaii bus with wide seats and nicely air-​conditioned.
My goal was to beat last year’s time and I was so pleased when I shaved almost 7mins. The running conditions were great with the exception of the gusts.
Overall — an excellent run with so many perks that I look forward to it next year.
CONS: I felt bad for the people standing in line for the small or medium T-​shirts. In my opinion the line was ridiculously LONG and perhaps should have them distributed just like the large and XL sizes.

What’s longer than a 5K but shorter than a ½ marathon, and filled with Aloha? The Great Aloha Run!
The Great Aloha Run is a 8.15 mile walk/​run from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. What I was impressed with during this run is all of the supporters along the course. They keep cheering you on and make you run your best! I’ve ran this race a handful of times and every year I want to do it again! It’s a fun race that you can either take casually or challenge yourself with. The course is mostly flat with one small hill. I’ve seen children do it and women pushing strollers, so you there are no excuses!
Make sure to register early for a cheaper price. There are also GAR in training workshops before the event to help you get in your best shape. Overall, a super awesome run! Sign up today!

I have ran the last 3 Great Aloha Runs, with exception to the 2011 race since I was up in Austin TX to run the marathon there. The Great Aloha Run encourages anyone — regardless of ability level — to participate and get active. I have seen people larger than myself completing this 8.15 mile stretch and be awesome with themselves for a job well done. Only problem with the Great Aloha Run is that it can be super congested — just like the Honolulu Marathon. While being popular is fine and dandy, too much people on a 8 mile stretch can be a problem.
There is no corral system, like the Honolulu Marathon, where a sea of humanity waits a good 30 minutes or more and then, takes off when the gun goes off and all hell breaks loose — one way or another. There are shuttles that take the runners from Aloha Stadium (finish) to the Aloha Tower (start), but you have to arrive early. Most people usually park at the Aloha Stadium, since they live on that side of the island. But for me, I needed to use the shuttle buses to get my butt to Waikiki or downtown Honolulu, which is nice. On one year, I lost my cc and driver’s license that was supposedly cliped to a small pouch that I thought I had. It was disheartening to learn that I had dropped it somewhere along the course and it was subsequently lost. (I got home quick and cancelled my cc and got a replacement driver’s license).
They color code your race number based on the finisher time you give them. So the faster runners have yellow bib, whereas the slower runners, joggers and walkers, receive a green bib, if I remember correctly. The race entry is usually $ 35 up until January, then it creeps up to $ 40 closer to race morning. The course is hilly, but always doable. I try to get faster each year, but the hill after clearing Valkenberg Street always kills me and the heat comes out to greet me after being under Nimitz Hwy for a good 2.5 mile stretch. There are 4 aid stations along the course with plenty of enthusiastic volunteers consisting of civic clubs and high school kids. It’s pretty awesome to see them there.
You get a T-​Shirt for finishing the race, but I would rather have a finisher’s medal draped on you @ the finish line for a job well done. This would be true for half marathons or full marathons, but I did see the commemorative finisher’s medal for the Great Aloha Run, but it costs like $ 25. This race is the one to do if you are a beginner and want that zest for life that you have been craving for.
I started with this race back in 2007 and began my life as a distance runner and now I am hitting marathon #40 late May 2012. On my way to #50 early next year. It’s just crazy how life turns out and I am loving every bit of it!
It’s a fun race to do for President’s Day.
Support local!
A+

Ooh am I the first to review for the 2012 GAR?
I don’t know why I do it. I hate running. I love hiking, I love active sports (sorry golf fans, I exclude you), but I hate running, with a passion. It’s my 5^th time running in the GAR. Oops, I meant «running». I was able to slowly (and I do mean slowly) jog the first 7 miles, but my legs gave out for the last 1.15 miles. This year they added an extra water station so now they have it every 2, 3, 5, and 7 miles. Thank god.
Two thumbs up for all those who participated in GAR. You could’ve been sleeping in instead. Ouch did I hit a nerve?
Why people run for fun baffles me. Why I keep doing this race baffles me… maybe so I can justify eating that tub of ice cream afterwards…

This is a great event and the money goes to a great charity. This is s fun event for the whole family.
The run is a 8.15 mile course that starts at Aloha Tower in Downtown Honolulu, goes along Honolulu Harbor, down Nimitz Highway, Kamehameha Highway and into the Aloha Stadium. The finish line is the back goal line of the north end zone on the stadium floor.
I usually park at the stadium, make sure you get there early… it can get jam packed trying to get in and you can miss the shuttle. First Roberts Hawaii bus departs Aloha Stadium to Downtown at 4:00 am and continues until 6:00 am. Bus drop-​off before the race is at Vineyard Blvd. mauka of Central Middle School.
There are Aid Stations are at approximately miles 3, 5 and 7 as well as the end of the course.
There are thousands of people who enter ranging from competitive wheelchair and handcycle, walkers and runners. The Sounds of Freedom also participate. The Sounds of Freedom division is composed of military units running in formation and calling cadence. All of the people are distinguished by your race color bib.
White — competitive wheelchair and handcycle, elite runners
Stage: On Bethel Street between Queen and Merchant.
They start at 6:57am.
Green or Yellow — all other participants staged by estimated finish time
Stage: On Bishop Street.
They start at 7:00 am.
Pink — walkers, baby strollers, walking sticks, assisted wheelchairs
Stage: On Alakea.
They start at 7:00am.
Pink? That’s me =)
Not athletic? It’s ok, neither am I. It’s fun and for a good cause. There is a huge age range from kids to señor citizens who do this race and people come from all around the world.
At the end of the race, you can get your finishers tshirt, bananas, snacks and water to re energize you. There’s also entetainment in the Aloha Stadium if you want to hang out and wait for other finishers or just want to hang out. There are prize give aways and lots of fun at the end.
Also results are posted online to see how well you did!
Highly recommended event for all! Get out there and get healthy! Thrive!
^_​^*~

This years GAR was my 4^th one. At all of them I was behind the pack because I have a stroller. They separate you by your estimated finish time. So if your a runner your color race number will be white. Your at the head of the line. If your a jogger then your color race number will be yellow or green. Your in back of the hard core runners. If your a walker or have a baby stroller your race number will be the color pink. Your situated all the way in the back of the race. I think this is great so we won’t get in the way of the people who really want to run this race.
At the stroller derby they offer free snacks, activities, and drinks. They pass out goodie bags chock full of snacks as you begin the race. This run is really great for families. 9 of my family members participated this year.
Every year I make sure that we register in the President’s 100 club. Not only is it cheaper in price you get all of these added bonuses. When you pick up your packet at the GAR expo you get a goodie bag filled with deals, snacks, GAR planner, and food samples. Here is the link for more info on the President’s 100 club:
Maybe, a group of us should start a Unilocal group for next year? We could wear bright red Unilocal shirts?
The number 1 reason I make sure we are registered in the President’s 100 club is you get a buffet of Papa John’s pizza, salad, and drinks. As well as a free body massage. After walking, jogging, running, an 8 mile race you don’t know how amazingly tasty and satisfying a pizza can be.
This year we also registered extra early. The perk about registering early is that you pay less. You also get a free in-​training GAR t-​shirt. You can also participate in the GAR 9 weeks training workshops. It’s valued at $ 185, but it’s free when you register early.

Super crowded race! WOW… so many local runners! The streets were packed! The number of racers for this year, 2011, was almost 20,000. That’s 20,000 locals! The Honolulu Marathon had less than half of this number of local participants (but overall, about 23,000 racers total).
A fun 8.15 mile along Nimitz Highway starting from Aloha Towers to Aloha Stadium. No wonder the name of this race is the Great «ALOHA» Run… Running from Aloha to Aloha?
For a short race (distance wise), this race is filled with lots of entertainment along the route and tons of support from local businesses, vendors and even schools. Along the course were numerous High School bands playing, supporting runners, a couple of local radio stations and three water-​aid stations.
Great, fun race. Let’s do it again next year!