This was a 5k night run at Kualoa Ranch. Some people (probably because they didn't read the…read moreinstructions didn't register) didn't get a headlight. If you didn't have a light, it probably was a little more challenging as this was at night, hence the name "Nite Run." Right from the start one of our friends got injured as she didn't see the cattle guard and her foot went through the metal bars making a huge bump on her shin. What was messed up was that the other cattle guards were coned off to avoid them and to go around but not the first one. I felt bad for her but when she said she was going to suck it up and still do it I kicked some dirt on her and said see you at the finish line. I'm joking, I just kicked some dirt on her. Like I said the run was a 5k. It was for the most part on a dirt roadway. There was a pretty steep part that kind of kicked my butt. I thought I was going up Koko Head for a minute. Argh, Kill me now! lol They said there were supposed to be some kind of brain test or something as well as strength test which they had. I believe they went over the question and what the correct answer was supposed to be but what looked like a place they might have had someone asking you a question, there was no one, no one anywhere which was a little disappointing. Maybe next time they will have something. Another thing that was disappointing was that you didn't have to do the strength test and made it optional. One was you had to grab a sandbag (maybe around 10lbs) and carry it and go under a couple of beams. Next one was walking on rope (around 20'). It did get bottle necked as some people took forever to cross and when some fell they ran back and tried again. The wait time was around 12 minutes or so. They had at least 5 different lines. They also had another type of obstacle course... If you remember the movie Pretty Woman when they were on the Polo Field and the announcer says to "avoid the Steaming Divot." That's right, there were horse manure here and there that you had to hopscotch around. As most know Jurassic Park was filmed there and one part of the course you could hear dinosaurs in the background. Just thought that was cool of them. Maybe if one came out I would of ran faster. I heard that they ran out of some headlamps and t-shirts but was able to get more by the time people finished. Water stations were around the course. Free water, gatorade. At the end they brought out some free desserts. Had a couple of food vendors, music, Mc, and acrobatic act. Pretty fun event, especially when doing it with cool people.

Recently did the "Nite Run" at Kualua Ranch. I have to say, I LOVED it! It was not only fun (at…read morenight! Headlamps! Costume contest! Obstacles! Cows mooing LOL!) BUT it was pretty tough!! After doing the Glow Hawaii Run the night before (easy, shorter than advertised) it was nice to be able to really push myself and race. The trail was mostly dirt road but there were areas that were gravel road, grassy areas,etc. Started up a hill, did an obstacle, more killer hill, followed by another hill. Didn't expect that! Race was also longer than a 5k, didn't expect that either LOL! ;) There were a few cow patties and cattle gates so just trying not to break an ankle kept me really paying attention to where my feet were LOL. The whole set up was great. Great food venders, plenty of potties, easy packet pickup and we parked pretty close to the race area so heading back to the car was easy if you needed to put stuff away. NO FEE for parking. Loved that too. So many races make you park far away, pay for parking, pay to "store" your stuff they give you at the race,etc. I loved that I didn't feel nickel and dimed for this event. I purchased it as a Living Social deal and it was easy-peasy to get my tshirt, headlamp and number. LOVED that we were all chipped, gave me more incentive to run and try to get a decent time. They did run out of headlamps w/batteries (LOL) but we got there early so we got ones w/batteries. I'd definitely do this race again. I can't wait until they plan another one!!

Great team relay race! Very competitive! I ran the very first Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden, which was…read morevery big! The first one was an out-and-back course that started at Waikiki beach; heading towards Kapiolani Park, and back! Now the race consists of a course that starts at Kapiolani Park, and takes runners up the dreaded hill next to Diamond Head, and back to Kapiolani Park. Simple out-and-back fun relay run, but brutal as well, if you aren't a "hill" fan. I enjoyed this race overall, and very glad that I got to experience the very first Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden Relay. I'm not a fan of the new course, but do understand the reasons why they moved the start of it to Kapiolani Park vs Waikiki beach. As for this race, i definitely recommend it, if you love team competition running mixed with fun! No worries if you miss this one, which is in March, because there is also a more scenic one in May named "Honolulu Ekiden Music Relay". Enjoy!

You can't beat a good 10km / 5km foot race that's close to home. After all, it's one of those…read moregrassroots running distances that is the gateway to - if you so desire - the half marathon and the marathon. It makes me smile. I discovered Sharon's Bike / Run about 7 years ago, while researching running events on runningintheusa.com website. I searched all distances for Hawaii and came across this event. It starts and ends at the Kapiolani Community College parking lot, so it was close to home for me. No driving necessary. I actually walked it to the start line on the years I signed up, which was a good mile or so. Most Sundays, I would do a long run elsewhere, but to have a short distance race to motivate me to get out the door is a bonus. Not to mention that it's a local race that promotes physical fitness and running as a social thing that makes running and racing fun. For the most part though, the races themselves are small but fun and intimate. Since i am used to the marathon distance, I usually choose the 10km distance, but you're free to choose whichever distance you desire! The run course itself runs from Kapiolani Community College parking lot and runs into diamond head crater. From there, u turn back out to diamond head road and east on Kahala Avenue towards Kahala mall. You stop at one point and return back towards kapiolani community college. That's the 10km route. I imagine that the 5km route u-turns around triangle park. Sharon's Run/Walk/Bike features a cycling event too. While the run itself is fun and addicting, they have 50 mile or 100km cycling events too for the cyclist. I have seen numerous cyclists on race morning and it was pretty cool. For the most part though, the intimate affair of these kinds of events showcase the needs of awareness. Proceeds from the Sharon's Ride/Walk/Ride for epilepsy goes to the local chapters for epilepsy research. It's pretty much a fundraiser but keeps people active with fun athletic events that keeps people active. Sharon's Ride/Walk/Cycle for Epilepsy is named for Sharon Rosenfield, a nurse and a teacher who was tragically killed in 1993 during a cross country bike ride. She was passionate about epilepsy and was an advocate of helmet safety. Honolulu's event is a part of a series of events throughout the year at different locations on the US mainland. Each year, Sharon's Ride/Walk/Run in Honolulu is on the last Sunday in January. As mentioned before, the start and finish line is at Kapiolani Community College. Race morning starts around 4am when cars start coming to fill parking stalls. Race usually starts around 6am or 7am. Prices are usually around $35-$50, depending on when you sign up for this event. I don't know how much the cycling event is, but I am just referring to the 5K or 10K events. Registration for these events are pretty much online, so they accept major credit cards. If you are starting to build and endurance fitness program and interested in running or walking, this event can surely help you see word this running thing can take you. 5 km can be the gateway to longer events and maybe you can do your first half marathon or marathon in a year from then. Who knows! Sky is the limit, as they say. The course is Walmart and the choirs volunteers were very much friendly and well supported anybody that was out there each year that they held the event. I myself love these intimate event just because it help me plan what I am going to do for a workout, instead of just doing my own thing and not being able to associate myself with racing here at Sharon's Walk run bike. If you are in the Honolulu area near the end of July, feel free to come over to this running events or cycling, if you prefer. I myself enjoyed doing the 10 km race every time I sign up for it. The course is self is mostly asphalt roads and they close the roads to traffic on a Sunday morning. Since this is Hawaii, you probably will need to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Best bet is to train accordingly and have a good time on race day. It was fun and I plan on doing it again. Recommended if you love to run and do in your age group. Even then, do this race just because you love to run anyway and compete anyway. It's all good! 5.0 stars for the overall experience and ambiance. 5.0 stars for the friendly volunteers and the race location. Run more! Support local! A

As published in the May 2014 print issue of Hawaii Sport Magazine:…read morehttp://issuu.com/hawaiisportmag/docs/hawaii_sport_may_2014_online "Sharon's Ride/Run" was started in 1996 by Dr. William Rosenfeld and Dr. Susan Lippman in St. Louis, Missouri. The event is a memorial to Sharon Rosenfeld, who was killed during a cross country bicycle ride in 1993. Sharon was a nurse and teacher, who cared deeply about epilepsy and epilepsy patients. Today, Sharon's Run/Ride is held across the nation in efforts to raise awareness for Epilepsy and to raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation. You may choose to walk 1 mile, run 5K/10K, ride 35km/75km/100km. Various distances makes this event fun and friendly to participants of all levels. There was even a Keiki (kids) bike safety course. I chose to run the 10K. The 10K course started at the walking path to the entrance to Diamond Head Crater across from Kapiolani Community College. The race route started along the walking path and went up to where the parking of Diamond Head Crater started, then came back down, followed along Kahala Avenue towards Waialae Country Club, left on Kealaolu Street for about a mile, then back down Kealaolu Street, back down Kahala Avenue, a right at Diamond Head Road and then to Kapiolani Community College where the finish line awaited. With the exception of the hill up towards Diamond Head Crater parking, the rest of the route was very flat. The event was held on an extremely nice and sunny day in late January. This was a casual, fun run (or ride, for some) with many generous volunteers setting up and at aid stations. I hope to participate in this event again in the future.

Such an amazing event, 2023 Hawaii Pacific Health Great Aloha Run (GAR) 39th Anniversary of the 8.2…read morerun from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. The race started in 1985 and hopefully this isn't the last of the Great Aloha Run. The community loves this event and looks forward to it every year. Thank you to Carol Kai for coordinating this race for so many years and raising so much money for local charities in Hawaii. All the best in the next chapter of your life. The run couldn't be a success without the many sponsors and 1000s of volunteers. Big thank you to Watanbe Floral for handing out flowers to all runners, for the motivating band music from 25th infantry, Nanakuli HS, Kalaheo HS, Farrington HS, Puuhale Elementary School, UH Marching Band, and Kalaheo HS. Thank you again to Carol Kai and all the volunteers that made this great event happen.

Never say never…read more.. One year (many moons ago), I signed up with my Jaycee (Junior Chamber of Commerce) friends for The Great Aloha Run. The starting point was Aloha Tower and the end point was Aloha Stadium. We walked the 8.15 mile course and - I thought that I was going to die... I asked my friends to carry me to the Finish Line... LOL! I told myself that I would never do this race again because it was so painful... Even though it's for a good cause. Many organizations benefit from the Carole Kai Charities - which was founded in 1985. This year - 2022 - was different. I knew that Aloha Stadium was going to be demolished at year's end and that The Great Aloha Run would not be the same. This time, the race would be virtual and participants would be allowed to drive through Aloha Stadium and cross the Finish Line with their vehicles. Wow! Sign me up! My friend, Jessica P., in Las Vegas agreed to join me - virtually! Cool, eh? Thanks, sissy! Anyway, we paid online and received our "In Training" shirt in the mail. We're supposed to get our Finishers' shirt and medal in this manner, too. We were to log our miles online and be entered in a drawing for super great prizes like airfare for four people on Alaska Airlines! We signed up for a drive-through time. I chose 1:45pm which was the latest time. I wanted to take my time and not have a lot of cars behind or in front of me at Aloha Stadium. It turned out great! My sister from Colorado rode in my car with me. It was fun because she used to be a disc jockey and she knows a lot of media people. She saw her friend at the KRTR booth and got a chance to catch up with him. My sister was a good support. When I felt nostalgic and teary, she pepped me up and helped me hold it together. I remembered all of the fantastic concerts (like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Kalapana) and fun football games that I attended. Farewell to Aloha Stadium. See you again in 2023 as a brand new Entertainment Center with shops, restaurants, and living spaces! A hui hou! Thanks to the cheerleaders, Wahiawa Middle School Band, Hawaii Pacific Health, and other sponsors who volunteered to make this event such an organized and memorable experience!

Just ran the 2012 Xterra Trail World Championship on Sunday, 12/2/2012. Had I known that this trail…read morerace was as amazing and scenic, as well as hardcore, I would have probably said no. Then again, with my extensive marathon resume and my curiosity for adventure and just for something to do on a Sunday, I signed up for this race in mid October not knowing what to really expect. At least it was a half marathon I told myself. 13.1 miles of rugged terrain in the lush valleys of Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu, a place where I haven't ever been, except passing by on Kamehameha Hwy on the way north to Laie and Polynesian Cultural Center. It was the first time running this race and my first trail experience in Hawaii. After tackling a 50K trail in Colorado in September (Bear Chase 50K in Lakewood, CO), I kind of knew what I was getting into. Well, not so much after all, it seemed. Maybe I probably should have known better, but surprises were out there for us all on the course. I didn't want to pay $25 for the private shuttle that the race provided, which was basically a rented yellow school bus. They shuttled runners from Waikiki to the race start at the backside of Kualoa Ranch. I got here by city bus, which is really affordable if you just plan ahead. The Xterra World Championship boasts the 21K / Half Marathon as its marquee event, attracting some of the most finest trail runner elites from all parts of the country. They also have a 10K, 5K, and an adventure walk that attracts anyone and everyone to Kualoa Ranch for an epic Sunday. Race registration hovers from $40-$55, so if you want the challenge, might as well register early. I held out and had to pony up for the later fee. It's bittersweet that I have signed up for this race, since the course was just as brutal as the majestic scenery that was the Koolau Mountains that surrounded Kualoa Ranch. It was great that I can notch another half marathon to my list of races, but at the cost of having virtually no trail experience whatsoever and my body and legs are telling me so. The course was basically mostly uphill and the first mile ascended like a bat out of hell and it didn't really flatten out till those grassy downhills at mile 2. There were some reprieve in the course where it kinda did flatten to moderate downhill, which was miles 5-7, but that was it. We climbed back up at mile 8 and snaked through the back of Kualoa Ranch. The biggest surprise was the massive hill at mile 10 and the rugged tippy toe über crazy down hill that you could not even really run, due to it being so crazy you may fall and roll off into the ravine. This part scared me, but I managed to get down one way or another and those ropes helped a lot! It helps also that Xterra allows everyone in, not just elites, so I could have help on the course, if I needed it. The last. 2.5 miles snaked around miles 3-5 of the course and it was a soft downhill to the finish line. Never in my life that I experienced something so powerful and epic that I would consider something like that next year. Maybe maybe not. Thanks to Xterra for keeping the finish line open for the last finisher. Met new friends and 2 yelpers that morning too. It was awesome to see Yelper Zar N. running the 10K and meeting Yelper Chris P. from Kapolei. Big thanks to Chris P. and her husband whom gave me a ride back to UH from Kualoa Ranch that afternoon. I thought of DNF when I came across that tiptoe section of mile 10-ish and I just wanted to cry. Knowing that I paid money for this made me realize that I can do this if I just break it all down and take each step one step at a time. The finish time didn't matter that day. What mattered was that I completed the course and survived. Run more! B+

Not a runner at all, but saw that they offered the option to walk the 5k or even just take an…read moreadventure tour, I signed up the hubs and daughter just so we could check out the trails that aren't open to the public. Big props to the race organizers for making everything so easy, from picking up the packet in Waikiki to finding parking on the day of the race! My daughter wasn't happy about waking up so early to get to Kualoa Ranch, but once we got on the trail with the magnificent landscape and cool movie set locations, she was smiling from ear to ear. The Boneyard, with huge skeletons of a triceratops and ape skull, will definitely cut into your race times because you'll want to stop to take pictures! The 5k trail can be a little demanding on the uphill sections but those are few and far between - you'll have enough time to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. I saw several racers with babies on their backs and little ones in tow, so you can definitely do this with kids. Highly recommend this race - great activity if you've got guests on island at the time!

It was raining and it was muddy! It was exactly what I signed up for. The course this year was…read moreabout 3.6 miles long. The first mile was brutal and the muddiest. I couldn't exactly run through the mud because my shoes would sink so far down. It was a great workout! They have obstacle courses throughout-- like a big slide, over and unders, monkey bar things, tire obstacles, and climbing on the beach. The combination of people that go are super awesome. You have military people, groups dressed up, families, and those people who like to just scream randomly! They gave oranges and bananas at the end for all race finishers. MONSTER gave out some drinks for free too. I usually don't drink that, but the zero sugar ones tasted pretty good. It was great to see the yelp family there too. Yelp had a booth that took your picture at the end! If you plan on doing this-- wear your bathing suit underneath. Wear knee high socks (if you don't wear pants) and I recommend bringing a towel, change of clothes with you and flip flops. You have the option to hose off all the mud/dirt at the end. Oh and I borrowed duct tape from some nice strangers. (Thank you to them!) The website and information packet say don't use duct tape on your shoes, but it's necessary if you want to keep your shoes from sticking in the mud. Overall it's a fun run! I only ran parts of it, yet managed to finish in the top 25 for the women's division. So if I can do it-- you can too!

Had a great time. Super muddy due to all the rain. Great workout even though I couldn't run the…read morewhole thing...not sure if anyone actually can with all the water and the wait to go through some of the obstacles. Male sure you bring a towel, a change of clothes and some flip flops for the end.

After completing the Kapilina NiteRun earlier this summer, I got emails about the Kailua NiteRun…read morehappening on October 10, 2015. Since I didn't want to pay to actually run the 5k, I decided to volunteer instead. I eagerly signed up to volunteer from 4pm to 9pm as a Family Fun Fair Attendant. As a volunteer, it was pretty unorganized. They didn't have any work available so they had us sit around for a substantial amount of time. I even asked if I could grab a bite nearby and come back! Even after being gone for more than 30 minutes, still no work. LOCATION/PARKING: The run was held at Kawainui Marsh (the closest address is 910 Kailua Road). They had tents set up for easy spotting! Parking available on the streets or at Kailua High School. Shuttle buses were available to bring runners to the start line from Kaiser High School. ACTIVITIES/VENDORS: This particular NiteRun does not have all the vendors and inflatables like Kaka'ako, Kapilina or Haleiwa! Many people were disappointed in this. However, DNLR does not allow much on their protected lands. They did however have Jamba Juice and Coca Cola, free smoothies/coffee/Powerade/coconut water/Honest Tea, etc. Informal costume contest at the end of the run! RACE INFO: If you're running no need to come really early but if you haven't already picked up your packet before race day, come a little earlier so you can put your packet away! They don't really hold anything for you! You receive a free headlamp with entry and some coupons for Sports Authority and Jamba Juice! Race length is 5k or 3.1 miles! Not officially timed (no timing chips). Run begins once it gets dark and often starts later than scheduled. :( On this particular route, be sure to have enough lights! You run along the marsh, partly on the pavement and a good amount of time on gravel! Since it wasn't busy, the volunteer coordinator let me run! Let me tell you, running on gravel with little to no light is worse than walking in heels! Wobble this way, wobble that way! Just be careful. People are running with costumes and everyone is soooo friendly! I kept pace with several guys and they were cheering everyone on! How do you talk and run at less than an 8 min mile pace! Gah I'm panting! And of course, I try to not sound like a gorilla so I'm breathing quietly as I pass people and as soon as I'm a good distance away, GASP FOR AIR PLEASE! Inhale like there's no tomorrow! SNACKS: Grab more Jamba Juice smoothies or Coca Cola products to replenish your energy stores after the run! Muffins, oranges, bananas, trail mix, and cookies were available also! Nom nom nom. Especially when you're panting because you're so out of shape that a 5k makes your squirm. PRICING: Entry fees are $39.50 for adults, $25.50 for children ages 10-17. Same day registration is $49.50. Save $10 if you are a student, military, or HGEA member! Look on Groupon for specials to save money too for individuals like me who are too old to be considered a child, is unfortunately a wannabe student, is to weak-minded to be in the military and I don't even know what HGEA is. Time to Google! RANDOM FACTS: Each NiteRun benefits a different organization. This particular run benefitted the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaii - Windward. Come to the next event, Haleiwa NiteRun, on December 19, 2015 at the Haleiwa Beach park! This one should have all the festivities! Any takers?! :D

5k fun run in dark, lit by glowsticks? Sign me up!…read more I couldn't make either packet pickup and arrived an hour ahead for late packet pickup. I was surprised to find no line, just walked right up, signed the waiver on an iPad, and had my bad and t-shirt within a couple of minutes. It was smooth, definitely something other events could replicate. I walked around the fair / market for a bit. Luckily, I had come early because traffic was looking like a mess. The start was a bit confusing though - everyone had naturally lined up at the starting gate, then we were moved towards the mauka side near the stage. I couldn't hear anything, then we all started walking back to where we were...then right out of the road! The course map then made sense - we walked across the street to another starting area, complete with an inflatable arch and tents. It was dark by the time we started, which was good. It kind of lost steam though. The first part of an event is usually energy charged and exciting, this one wasn't. A few people were commenting on this, but oh well. We were off! I heard about the Seattle night run and was expecting some strobes, flashing lights, or something. The course was mostly just a jog in the night, with an occasional halogen light. The aid station at the halfway point was nice though, plenty of volunteers, a band, lots of cold water. The cold water was welcome - and full bottles of water! Think that's the first time I've seen that at an aid station. Then, just the light jog back. I was expecting a small congregation, but most people just walked back. I'm guessing there were 200 people, mostly teens (fitting though, given all the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club). Was a cool idea and if they could find out a way to pump some more energy in it, might go again.

I have not done a 5k in a long time. I usually sign up, when I find out there is a very pretty…read moremedal involved;) Well, the patriot vet glow run was a good place to start! The proceeds raised would be aiding homeless vets. So your doing good while having fun being healthy! It's a great annual event for family and friends. It was their 11th year, which took place at Barbers point. The pre-run started at 4pm and the official at 6pm. Red, white and blue colors were encouraged. Each branch of service compete against each other to win the hawaii hardware of excellence. Last year the ARMY took it home!! Yeaaa!! I ended up wearing my favorite ARMY STRONG pink shirt in support. The atmosphere was exciting. There was positive energy in the crowds and a good turnout. There was one Food truck available, and keikis were running around laughing. Great entertainment with a band, students from Waianae dancing cultural Hawaiian music, and extreme cheerleading with tons of flips and cartwheels. There was glow sticks everywhere, hence glow run. It was pretty sweet to see runners being enhanced by the neon lights in the dark. I think I did ok on the 5k. What I learned running today, was that I need to run more. I had burning sensations in my throat, and was heaving heavily as I tried to increase my speed. I really doubt that's a good sign.....There were moments where I said to myself, why did I eat so much? I'm running incredibly slow...darn you pizza and fries. Would I do it again? Of course!! Next time with my hubby in tow:) I had a lot of fun. Each branch decorated their booth along the course with music, neon lights, beads, and a couple of guys in a huge bubble ball. It reminded me of the American globetrotter show with them trying to block and knock you down. It took some time for my eyes to get accustomed to Running in the dark. All of a sudden a camera flash went off, and I became blinded lol. I ended up being caught in the huge balls. I was laughing so hard, because I think I looked ridiculous on how I was jetting right and left trying to avoid them. Overall it was a great 5k and organized! I had a Krispy Creme donut that was flown in from Maui! Holy moly! Soooo good it's bad;) They need a Krispy Kreme here in Hawaii!! Thank you to all military personnel for the sacrifices you have made for our freedom!! Thank you for serving our country!! Thank you vets!!

3.1 mile of glowing fun featuring multiple black light, a glowing finish line tent as well as…read morehundreds of runners decked out in red, white, and blue glow gear. Weather 5K seems like short dash or a far distance, this year's Patriotic Glow Run is about going at your own pace while having fun. Costumes contest prizes will be given to the individual or group who comes dressed to impressed. Along with glow gear and costume contests, The Patriotic Glow run will also feature music at multiple spots along the course as well as an on course DJ pumping out tlatest top 40 dance mixes to keep you motivated.