Hawaii’s Great Aloha Run celebrates its 25th anniversary

The Great Aloha Run has been raising money for our Islands’ charities since 1985. This year, it’s no different.

Proceeds from the 8.15 mile race will benefit more than 100 non-profit health and human service groups in Hawaii.

Like the Honolulu Marathon, the Great Aloha Run has become a traditional event in the Islands. Participants include out-of-state travelers and Hawaii residents—from young ones in a stroller to the young at heart. You can walk, jog or run your way to the finish line.

This year, participants will receive a commemorative computer timing chip with the GAR 25th anniversary logo emblazoned on it (pictured left). It’s yours to keep after the run. As part of tradition, finishers will receive a T-shirt and free access to an after-party at the Aloha Stadium.

Here on Oahu? It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s run.

Just bring $45 to the Great Aloha Run Sports, Health & Fitness Expo (Feb. 13 to 15) at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. You can sign up on the spot. There’s plenty to see at the expo, too—from tips on healthy eating to the latest fitness gear. They’ll also be giving away several prizes including two Koaloha soprano ukuleles from Koaloha Ukulele Co. and trips to Maui and Walt Disney World.

If you’ve already signed up for Monday’s charity run, you can pick up your instruction packet at the expo. I’ll be there picking up my own race number.

UPDATE 2/16/2009: Click here for Great Aloha Run results by category and age group, or you can browse through the race’s overall results.

UPDATE 2/19/2009: You can now check out and order your race day photos by clicking here.