Our Background

The Great Aloha Run in its twenty-eight-year history has accomplished and achieved many milestones. It was the first largest first-time running event in the state with over 12,000 individuals signing up for the event in its first year. The Great Aloha Run has also been recognized nationally as one of the top “100 Great Road Races” to participate in by Runner’s World Magazine.

Over the past twenty-eight years, the Great Aloha Run...one of Hawaii’s largest participatory race...has raised over $9.6 million and awarded to over 150 non-profit health and human service organizations and community groups throughout Hawaii, such as: D.A.R.E., Girl Scout Council, Leeward Special Olympics, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MWR Facilities, United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii, the Variety School of Hawaii, Kaimuki YMCA, Lanakila Senior Center, Hawaii Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition, and many more!

The GAR, an 8.15-mile foot race, begins at Aloha Tower and finishes in the Aloha Stadium. There are divisions for elites, age groups, wheelchair and handcycle competitors, Sounds of Freedom (military running in formation) and those who just want to walk the course with friends and socialize along the way in the Back of the Pack.

There is a place in the Great Aloha Run for everyone who wants to participate. It is this inclusive philosophy that reflects the Hawaiian name for this race, “Ke kukini me ke aloha pau‘ole”—the race with compassionate love.