Honolulu - Hawaii runners everywhere, including those in the Armed Services, are lacing up for the Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run, scheduled for Feb. 21.
The race, which is 8.5 miles long, starts from Aloha Tower in Honolulu and ends at Aloha Stadium. Participants of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Though the mail deadline has passed, participants can still register online until Feb. 6. They can also register at the Great Aloha Run Sports, Health and Fitness Expo at Neal Blaisdell Center, Feb. 18 to 20.
The race has different categories for participants, including the military “Sounds of Freedom,” which was inspired by a remark made by a Marine Corps general.
“When people hear cadence being called, whether during the run or on the local bases, it is the sound, and a reminder, of the freedom these young men and women have sworn to protect,” the run’s website reads.
Service members from all branches register and run in formation throughout the duration of the run. There is a fee for registering a unit per service member.
According to James Perry, the program manager for the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, there are currently 1,500 participants registered for the Great Aloha Run. Last year more than 3,000 service members participated in the run, 51 of whom were from Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Buses are available to pick up units from base who are participating in the “Sounds of Freedom.”
“There’s a certain sense of pride associated with [running in formation],” Perry said.
The Great Aloha Run has been an annual tradition for more than 20 years. Proceeds from the run go toward multiple community organizations. Last year, the military community received $14,000 in funds from the Great Aloha Run.
For more information about the Great Aloha Run, visit call (808) 528-7388. For more information about the “Sounds of Freedom,” contact Perry at (808) 655-9560.