Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

The Jingle Bell Beach Run is a great way to kick off Christmas week with a bang - with a primary focus on "family fun". The event has quickly become a local favorite with outstanding awards and the much-anticipated "costume contest". The 5k event starts and finishes at the beautiful Coconut Grove Marketplace in downtown Kailua-Kona along the legendary Ali'i Drive, made famous by many of the world's greatest triathletes.

Open to the community, seasoned runners, health enthusiasts, dog runners, or those looking to start the new year right are welcome to participate! Partnering with Aloha Tri Sports and JTL Timing, runners will get their "cold start" with a splash of HOST Park's deep seawater while running along the Kona coastline and end with a "warm finish" as they cross the line and join the energetic celebration, complete with music and a community wellness party! The starting point is near the Mauka Research Campus gate. Makako Bay Drive will be closed to the general public for this exciting event. Let's rock this place! While the runners and dogs hit the course, you can join the party at our Health and Wellness Fair! Everyone is welcome to join the fun and discover local wellness programs, healthy dietary goods, and mental health resources available right here in our community. Keikis can join in the bubble party after the keiki dash, courtesy of Hawaii Keiki Museum.

Details available at www.playtri.com/hawaii.

DATE: Saturday, April 25, 2026LOCATION: HOST Park (NELHA) in North Kona, HIDISTANCE: 5kFEATURES: SWAG bags for race participants, lucky number drawings with fabulous prizes, a post-race ocean conservation education area, and wellness vendors 365 Hawai‘i Island Community Fund presents the 4th Annual Race for the Reef, a 5k community run/walk dedicated to protecting our nearshore reefs, improving ocean health, and uplifting community-led stewardship efforts that mālama ʻāina and kai for future generations. This event brings together families, students, scientists, cultural practitioners, and local businesses who believe that caring for our reefs requires both awareness and action. Proceeds Support The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Mineral Sunscreen Dispenser Program — promoting reef-safe sunscreen use at Kahaluʻu BayʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program — dedicated to restoring Hawaiʻi’s native coral populationsOcean Defender’s Alliance — working to protect Hawaiʻi’s marine environment through

365 Hawai‘i Island Community Fund presents the 5th Annual Race for the Reef, a 5k community run/walk dedicated to protecting our nearshore reefs, improving ocean health, and uplifting community-led stewardship efforts that mālama ʻāina and kai for future generations. This event brings together families, students, scientists, cultural practitioners, and local businesses who believe that caring for our reefs requires both awareness and action. Proceeds Support The Kohala Center’s ReefTeach Mineral Sunscreen Dispenser Program — promoting reef-safe sunscreen use at Kahaluʻu Bay ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program — dedicated to restoring Hawaiʻi’s native coral populations Ocean Defender’s Alliance — working to protect Hawaiʻi’s marine environment through education and action Race Details GOAL: To raise funds and awareness for ocean conservation in West Hawai‘i. COURSE: A 5k out and back on pavement, starting near West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy (WHEA) and heading down to the ocean and back. RACE PACKETS: Available for pickup from 3-6 PM on February 5 at the Ridge to Reef Restoration Center lanai. WATER: Bring your own refillable water bottle. There will be a water station at the turnout point with cups. PARKING: Available along Kahilihili St north of Makako Bay Dr. POST-RACE ACTIVITIES: Stay and enjoy resource tables with ocean conservation exhibitors who will be sharing information and volunteer opportunities. About 365 Hawai‘i Island Community Fund The 365 Hawaiʻi Island Community Fund builds strategic partnerships with local nonprofits and community groups to strengthen and support Hawaiʻi Island. We connect volunteers with organizations in need, amplify outreach through community events, and create new opportunities for civic engagement and collaboration across the island and help with disaster response.