Celebrating the Great Aloha Run
The 39th Annual Great Aloha Run held on February 20, 2023 marked its final year with Carole Kai, the run’s co-founder and president. She stated, “Since the first Great Aloha Run in 1985, we have been able to raise $16 million in support of more than 150 nonprofits.”
The annual 8.15 miles run started at the Aloha Tower and ended at the Aloha Stadium. As a member of the GAR Presidents 100 Club since 2003, Local 675 has been hosting the run and breakfast for its members and ohana for the last 20 years. “The only time we didn’t do the run was the years during the Covid pandemic, so it was good to do the Great Aloha Run again in person this year,” said Business Manager Valentino Ceria.
First to enter the Aloha Stadium Hospitality Room were part of the Gordon and Alecia Caughman family, Brian and Heather coming in at just under 90 minutes. Ted Kaneshiro replied, “As a family we came in around 1 hour and 20 minutes, just missing the downpour.” Kelly and Jill Miyahira have been doing the race for 3 years but first time for the kids, Jence and Skyler. Kelly said with a smile, “The shade from the rail really helped.” Alec Hamaguchi has been doing this race for the last 13 years and said, “It’s always fun and we get to eat a great meal at the end, thanks to the Union.” At 1 hour and 50 minutes, retired training coordinator, Chuck Shima declared it was his personal best. Doug and Kathie Steward have been doing the run for at least 5 years and looked forward to the Hawaiian food hosted by Local 675. Craig and Terry Yanagihashi were doing the run for 12 years but said, “With the rain and hills, it’s getting harder and harder.” Ernie Theodore said he’s been doing this for 11 years, 1 hour and 40 minutes is his personal best. He reminded us that, “Our own union, Local 675 was the first construction union to sponsor the GAR and may be the only construction union to be on the Presidents 100 Club.”
Local 675 Randy Hiraki with Commercial Plumbing, is currently the GAR Vice President and sits on the Board of Directors. Commercial Plumbing has been a major sponsor of the Great Aloha Run since its inception.
“I don’t know if it will be the final race but I know it may be the last time we set foot in this old Aloha Stadium,” said Valentino Ceria. It was a great day for a great cause, representing Local 675 with pride.
