Inspired by Aloha

20,877 turn out for 24th annual Great Aloha Run

During the five years Michelle Benavides lived in Hawaii, she never ran in the Great Aloha Run. But now after moving to Southern California, she finished Honolulu's popular 8-mile run yesterday.

On the Net » www.greataloharun.com

"I've always wanted to do it," said Benavides, 27, who is staying with a friend in Kapolei. "The funny thing is as soon as I leave, that's when I run in the Great Aloha Run. I just needed some motivation. I miss Hawaii and my friends here."

Benavides was among the 20,877 registered runners, joggers and walkers who participated in yesterday's 24th annual Great Aloha Run, which starts in downtown Honolulu and ends at Aloha Stadium.

The run, which raises funds for Carole Kai Charities, draws a range of Hawaii residents and tourists, veterans and newbies, grandparents and babies riding in strollers.

It was also the first time running the race for Mililani-Mauka resident Kelli Behrend, who was greeted by her two kids, Kameryn and Matthew, in the stands of Aloha Stadium. She said the songs of Madonna pumping through her iPod helped get her through the run.

"I've been trying to get out more and exercise," Behrend, 40, said. "This gave me to the push to do that."

John Cheung of Pearl City said his inspiration this year was his patients at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Cheung, a personal trainer and dietitian, helps his patients train for the run and wanted to support them by running as well.

Last year they all walked the route together. This year, however, Cheung set his own goal of running 10-minute miles.

"I decided to set my own goals," said Cheung, 32. "Last year it was (my patients') first year, and they finally realized they can do something like this. It's very encouraging and motivating."

Kaui Alohikea-Betham wanted to turn Presidents' Day into a family affair. She and her four children, ages 11 to 15, ran -- actually, mostly walked -- the race together. The family wore bright orange shirts along with about 125 students and family members affiliated with James Campbell High School's junior Reserve Officer Training Corps team.

"It was horrible for me, long for them," joked Alohikea-Betham, 45, of Ewa Beach. "I'd like to do this every year."

Her two daughters, Jasmine and Jade, who run on their school's track and cross-country teams, shook their head at this statement.