Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sports

Great Aloha Run Concludes 41-Year Legacy, Celebrating Community Spirit

The Great Aloha Run, a prominent community sporting event in Hawaii, has officially concluded after an impressive 41-year run. The final race took place on February 17, 2024, marking the end of an era that began in 1985 with a mission to promote fitness and philanthropy. Founder Carole Kai Onouye announced her retirement, stating it was the right moment to close this beloved chapter.

Onouye expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her family, sponsors, and the thousands of participants who contributed to the race’s success over the decades. “After 41 awesome years, I am looking forward to retirement and spending time with my supportive husband, Eddie,” she said. She emphasized her hope that a new organization might carry on the tradition of supporting worthy charities in Hawaii.

The Great Aloha Run was not merely a race; it became a significant cultural fixture. In its inaugural year, nearly 12,000 participants registered, setting a record for the largest turnout for a debut road race in the United States. The event attracted elite athletes, wheelchair competitors, military units, and countless residents eager to walk the route. The final race drew thousands of in-person and virtual participants, generating approximately $150,000 for various charities across Hawaii.

Over its history, around 750,000 participants crossed the finish line, raising nearly $20 million for more than 200 nonprofit organizations, including health services, schools, and community groups. Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of the event since its inception. Onouye, inspired by her upbringing with a single mother, believed that health and fitness could effectively partner with community support. “Promoting health and fitness helps build a stronger, healthier community,” she stated.

The Great Aloha Run followed Onouye’s earlier initiative, the Carole Kai Bed Race, where decorated rolling beds raced through downtown to raise funds for local causes. This blend of fun, fitness, and philanthropy continued with the Great Aloha Run, which Onouye co-founded with the late Dr. Jack Scaff, the creator of the Honolulu Marathon.

Hawaii’s culture of caring and support for local causes was evident in the event’s spirit. “For 41 years, the Great Aloha Run has honored this spirit of giving, bringing our community together in support and good health,” Onouye reflected.

In an effort to engage younger participants, the Keiki Great Aloha Run was launched in 1993, allowing children and families to participate while raising funds for local schools. Over the years, approximately 40,000 children participated, generating more than $250,000 in support. “The Keiki Great Aloha Run provided a healthy activity where our keiki can challenge themselves in a healthy and fun footrace,” Onouye remarked.

Sustaining the event required consistent support from sponsors, ensuring participation remained affordable. The most significant challenge arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted in-person events. Rather than canceling, organizers pivoted to virtual runs, allowing them to maintain traditions and continue fundraising efforts for nonprofits. “We felt an obligation to continue raising funds for Hawaii charities,” Onouye explained.

Reflecting on her journey, Onouye emphasized that the most meaningful aspect of the event was the community it fostered. “What has really mattered is the people,” she said. Her fondest memories came from witnessing the joy of participants as they crossed the finish line, smiling and celebrating together.

Onouye hopes the event will be remembered for its guiding philosophy, encapsulated in the Hawaiian motto, Ke Kukini Me Ke Aloha Pauole — “the race with compassionate love.” “I hope the run is remembered for its love and compassion for everyone,” she stated.

While the finish line has been crossed for the last time under Onouye’s leadership, she remains optimistic about the future. “Maybe one day, someone will carry the torch and continue the legacy in a new way,” she concluded. “That would be the greatest gift of all.”

You May Also Like

Sports

The UFC event in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, featured a record-breaking performance from Steven Nguyen, who achieved an unprecedented feat by knocking...

Lifestyle

Shares of **Amerant Bancorp** (NYSE:AMTB) received an upgrade from Wall Street Zen on March 10, 2024, transitioning from a hold rating to a buy...

Entertainment

The upcoming Netflix series, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, is making headlines due to a significant casting change just ten days before filming commenced. Originally...

Top Stories

UPDATE: Sydney Sweeney’s Baskin-Robbins advertisement is making waves online as backlash intensifies over her recent American Eagle campaign. Just days after critics condemned the...

Top Stories

BREAKING: The historic Durango-La Plata Aquatic Center, a cornerstone of community recreation since its opening in August 1958, is facing imminent demolition as part...

Entertainment

**Kat Izzo Defends Relationship with Dale Moss Amid Controversy** Kat Izzo, a contestant from the reality series *Bachelor in Paradise*, publicly affirmed her relationship...

Politics

King Charles has reportedly outlined specific conditions that Prince Harry must meet to facilitate a potential reunion with the royal family. Following a discreet...

Top Stories

URGENT UPDATE: Affordable motorcycle helmets under ₹1000 are now available for safety-conscious riders across India. With road safety becoming a pressing issue, these helmets...

Business

An off-Strip casino in Las Vegas has unveiled Nevada’s latest sportsbook, Boomer’s Sports Book, as part of a substantial renovation. The new facility opened...

Sports

The Las Vegas Aces secured a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, defeating them 89-74 on March 12, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. This...

Entertainment

Erin Bates Paine, known for her role on the reality show Bringing Up Bates, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following complications...

Sports

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, particularly focusing on tight ends. With players like Brock...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.