HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s official, the annual Great Aloha Run is no more. The founder announced her retirement on Sept. 3 in a press release, stating the beloved run finished its last race in February 2025.
The fundraiser has been a local tradition for over four decades.
“The Great Aloha Run has always been about bringing people together, supporting causes that matter and creating something positive year after year,” said Carole Kai Onouye, founder and longtime organizer of the event.
For the past 41 years, over 700,000 runners have participated in the race.
Almost $20 million has been raised and distributed to 200 non-profit health, human service and community organizations in Hawaii.
The Keiki Great Aloha Run, which started in 1993, raised more than $250,000 for local schools with the help of almost 40,000 youth participants and their families.
“My heart is grateful for everyone who showed up year after year with running shoes, open hearts and a shared love for this community,” Onouye said.
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The Great Aloha Run is an 8.15 mile race that starts at Aloha Tower and finishes at Aloha Stadium.
It’s a race that was open to all types of runners. Divisions included: elites, age groups, wheelchair and hand-cycle competitors, Sounds of Freedom with military running in formation and those who walk the course and socialize.
While the Great Aloha Run has come to a close, the founder maintains hopeful its impact will not be forgotten.
“Though the race has come to an end, I truly hope its spirit of giving, connection and aloha lives on,” Onouye said. “Maybe one day, someone will carry the torch and continue the legacy in a new way.”