After over four decades of pounding pavement and rallying community spirit, Honolulu's Great Aloha Run is cooling down for good. Founded as a means to fuse fitness and philanthropy, this annual event has been a fabric in Oahu's cultural athletic tapestry since the early '80s. But Carole Kai Onouye, the run's founder, is hanging up her race number and stepping into full retirement, thus bringing an end to the storied 8-mile trek.
For some, the news hit like a wayward spent water cup on race day. The event, which thrived on in-person camaraderie and physical challenge, saw its numbers dwindle in the wake of pandemic-induced virtual runs, according to Spectrum Local News. With the future of its finishing line, Aloha Stadium, on shaky foundations due to impending demolition, question marks hovered over the race like the unclaimed clothing at the starting line.
Runners aren't the only ones feeling the burn of the run's conclusion. Local businesses like Runners Route, whose employees participated and supported the event, are left reminiscing. "I was completely shocked yes, to hear the news. Me personally, I ran a lot of the Great Aloha Runs,” Sean Gleason from Runners Route told KITV Island News. He added, lamenting the loss, “I'm kind of saddened the running community will lose this historical, super fun inviting run."
The Great Aloha Run was more than just a race; it was a vessel for community outreach. Throughout its tenure, nearly $20 million was raised, touching over 200 local charities. Students and school teams, like McKinley High School's tennis squad, used the occasion for volunteer opportunities. Describing the surprise at the announcement, Tiger Le said to KITV Island News, "It's kind of disappointing. People actually travel from across the world, just to do this race."
Despite the setback, there remains a flicker of hope in the running community. With no heir apparent to take the baton from Onouye, participants and spectators alike hold onto the slim possibility that someone might step up to the starting line to ensure the Great Aloha Run's legacy isn't left in the dust. Until then, Honolulu will have to set its sights on other events to fill the void left by this beloved race.
