There is no better way to kick off the New Year than taking part in the 33rd annual Aloha Hang Loose Hawaiian Fantasy Run/Walk.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., which gives runners time to recoup from New Year’s Eve activities.

The Aloha Run consists of a 7-mile course for those who can handle the hot sun; a 3.2-mile course for those who need a trailing trade wind and a 1-mile Fun Run for those who had too many Mai Tais.

There are three divisions: Kane (men), Wahine (women) and Keiki (children). The race is run on a flat, scenic course that winds its way through the Hawaiian Islands, including Volcanoes National Park, Diamond Head, Haleakula and Kaanapali (or the hilly, treacherous roads and trails in the Dowagiac area).

The entry fee is a donation to the Track Coaches Retirement Centers on Kaanapali Beach (voluntary donation to the Haitian Children’s Fun of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Dowagiac).

Leis, yes leis, will be awarded to those who run wiki wiki in their division.

The race is limited to the first 50,000 to appear at Ala Moana Park in Nike Air flip flops (running, trekking and walking friends of Ron Gunn meet at St. Paul Episcopal Church).

All participants must use sun lotion with SPF of at least 30 and bring a certificate of falling coconut insurance (sign waiver for treacherous conditions). Hawaiian Airlines are the sponsor, or as it is better known, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Haiti Medical Mission team.

Lua and puu puus at the Royal Lahaina Hotel (bring a dish to pass for an optional post race puu puu party. Kona coffee, pop, Gatorade and yes, wheat juice will be provided.

“This is a fun and positive way to start the New Year and an upbeat fitness note before settling down to watch that minor sport (football) on TV,” Race Director Ron Gunn said. “This is a lowly organized fun run and walk. There will be no traffic control and probably no aid stations. No results will be recorded and times will be called if the race director isn’t too busy doing the hula.”

The race will begin at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 306 Courtland. The course will include a portion of the beautiful trails surrounding Dowagiac, although, in case of a tsunami, the old Run for Hungry Children course will be used.”