When Curt Muramoto was 11, he asked his dad to take part in the Great Aloha Run so they could spend more time together. He never thought their quality time would extend over 25 years as they prepare to run in the annual event Monday.

Curt and father Mel Muramoto are among 81 runners who have run every race since the first one in 1985, said race director Carol Jaxon.

“;It meant a lot to me to hang out and talk story with him. I really cherished the time I had with him,”; said Curt, who celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday. Now the Aloha Run is the only time he gets to talk with him alone anymore, he added.

Curt's mother, Lorraine Muramoto, and his brother Todd are always waiting at the stadium to take pictures after the race and greet them with refreshments, Curt said.

Seeing his mother there “;gives you that extra boost to finish strong,”; he added.

Mel Muramoto, 64, who used to participate in other long-distance races, said he and his son trained together the first 10 years or so until Curt got stronger and faster.

“;He (Curt) tries to see if he can run (the 8.15 miles) in 60 minutes. My best is 69-plus minutes, but that was the first five or so years,”; said Mel, who now takes about two hours to finish. Curt said he has averaged 61 to 70 minutes for 24 years.

The father and son used to try to stay together in the race the first few years, but now they just start out together, then say, “;See you at Aloha Stadium,”; Mel said.