Page 5 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Feb 15, 2023

losophy of “ke kukini me ke aloha pau‘ole” (the race with compassionate love). There’s also still a virtual race option in place for those unable to participate in-per- son on Feb. 20.
FEBRUARY 15, 2023
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 5
Race Benefits Hawai‘i In The Long Run
FROM PAGE 4
While the social element of the Great Aloha Run is a huge drawing point, it’s what the race does behind the scenes for the local com- munity that event organizers are most proud of. Since its inception in 1985, the 8.15- mile foot race and its partic- ipants have raised more than $16 million for 150-plus nonprofits. And it shows no signs of slowing down.
many good things about pets, and we felt like that was wor- thy to talk about and be part of our whole initiative of fit- ness and wellness.”
This year, in addition to the numerous nonprofits that will benefit, the Great Aloha Run has partnered with Nulo Pet Food, which has pledged to donate up to 14,000 pounds of pet food to local animal shelters and res- cue organizations. For each human signed up to race (in person or virtually), the com- pany will donate a meal for a pet.
So far, thousands have already registered for the 2023 Great Aloha Run, and Kai Onouye is excited to see thousands more do so in the coming weeks.
“Pets have extremely heal- ing properties for people,” explains Nakamura Rochon, who noted at press time that the Great Aloha Run was nearly halfway to meeting Nulo’s goal. “There are so
“We just want people to come out,” she notes. “Even if they can’t finish, we have people along the course who can pick them up. It’s the participants that help us reach the charities. Without their participation, we can- not have the reach that we have.”
Carole Kai Onouye at the inaugural Great Aloha Run in 1985. PHOTO COURTESY GREAT ALOHA RUN
(Above) Carole Kai Onouye and her walking partner, Charley Girl.
PHOTO COURTESY CAROLE KAI ONOUYE (Right) Kai Onouye at one of the early Great Aloha Run events, and (left) the race in 1989.
PHOTOS COURTESY GREAT ALOHA RUN
Learn more and register online at greataloharun. com.