This was my fourth go at the Great Aloha Run and each was a different experience. This year, as my first run of any distance since fracturing my toe in late December, I ran easy and for pure enjoyment.

This was a true “tourist run” with time spent chatting along the way, taking photos, applauding local bands and appreciating the running apparel of other participants.

For instance, this was the first time I have seen the KEN Wear featured in the Barbie movie at a run.

And this tutu duo is cute as can be, right down to the pink socks and leash.

O’ahu and neighboring islands have a number or running clubs. I tried to snap a few identified along the way.

Bands or taiko drums at every water stop.

From start to finish, this was a great run to begin some build up miles. My intention was to pace between 11:30 and 12 minute miles and to leave the course if I began experiencing foot pain. I made it through comfortably, averaging an 11:40 pace.

An easy transport by bus from nearby Aloha Stadium (stadium outline showing in the night sky on video below) began at 5 a.m. toward

downtown Honolulu for the start at the Aloha Clock Tower.

Not concerned with a finish time, I lined up near the back of the pack with 12,000 runners in front of me. I had plenty of company in my age group with 11 other women in F75-79. There was a significant number in the 80’s age groups as well. It’s great for this senior runner to have company.

This point-to-point race started at 7 a.m. in high humidity, the kind that has you dumping a cup of water over your head at the 2-mile water stop. Having a lot of fun along the course, and then with about 2 miles to go, I see the highway sign for Aiea and the Stadium.

Running up the only serious hill on Salt Lake Boulevard, we pass near the harbor entrance for the USS Arizona with a mile to so to go.

Finally, I see amidst threatening clouds the outline of the Aloha Stadium where i began the morning bus trip three hours earlier.

Finish line in sight, I’m ready to join the family for breakfast at the 49er for my favorite, lemon ricotta pancakes.

Congrats to the First place finishers. Seventeen-year old Californian Landon Pretre finished at 42:57. First female, 28 years old and new mother Grace Chow of Honolulu finished in 50:36.

If you happen to be in Honolulu in February, this fun community run is a good way to rub shoulders with local residents as well as other tourists and members of the military. Spend an early morning at this run before heading to the beach. Really, how often do you have the opportunity to run an 8.1 mile race?