Great Aloha Run 2012 – A Local Resident’s Experience

This was the first time I participated in the Great Aloha Run and I can say I’ll do it again next year! There were people of all ages, shapes, and sizes and there was no expectation as to when you crossed the finish line. Some people chose to run the course while many walked. (I myself am a walker.)

I’m an Aloha Run finisher!

The hardest part of the event for me was getting up so early, as I am a night owl by nature. The alarm went off at 4:30am and it was all I could do to get my okole out of bed. We had our neighbor drop us off close to the Aloha Tower around 6:00am. There were a few thousand people already there just waiting for the run to begin.

Details

It started at 7:00am sharp and off we all went. There were 28,000 signed up for the run on the 8.15 mile course. Many of the participants started off running; we began with a brisk walk and finished with a brisk walk. Runners would pass us up, and then some of the runners we would pass up in a few miles as they had run out of steam and needed to catch their breath.

There were people all along the way cheering everyone on as well as water stops and even some music. The morning was beautiful and the air was cool, so it really made for perfect conditions for the Great Aloha Run.

My Experience

My husband and I crossed the finish line in 2 hours, so we averaged a little better than 1 mile every 15 min. We finished in the middle of the crowd, and I must say, I was ready to sit down for a while and then go get some breakfast.

Ready for breakfast!

The Great Aloha Run Benefits the Community

The Great Aloha Run has raised over $9.1 million since it began in 1984. It has awarded over 150 non-profit health and human service organizations and community groups throughout Hawaii.