THE LEFT LANE
Great Aloha Run to turn 20

Advertiser Staff and News Services

The 2004 Great Aloha Run is celebrating its 20th anniversary Feb. 16. Runners will hoof it from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium.

The race is designed for family fun as much as for competition. Early registration starts Dec. 5, so you still have time to get in shape. It's $20 for general entry, $15 for kids 12 and younger and elders. To register, call 528-7388 or go to www.greataloharun.com.

A few Great Aloha Run facts, by the numbers:

• 18,471: runners in 2003.
• 4,500: Sounds of Freedom runners in 2003.
• 16,776: 2003 finishers.
• $6 million: raised in the past 19 years.
• $240,000: donated to 45 nonprofit groups in 2003.
• 3,000-plus: volunteers required.
• 60,000/25,000: liters of sports drink/bananas consumed yearly.
• 11,500/250,000: gallons of water/paper cups at aid stations and the finish line yearly.

Let there be lights

The Advertiser's annual guide to Christmas displays around the island is coming soon. It's a great tool for those who want to do a circle-island tour of holiday lights.

If you plan a home lighting exhibit — especially if this is your first year — contact us by Nov. 19 in one of the following ways.

• By mail: Be sure to include your name, phone number, address and a brief description of the lights or decorations at your home or on your street. Send to: Christmas Lights, The Advertiser, Island Life, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802.
• y fax: Send to 525-8055.
• By e-mail: Again, include your name, phone number, address and description. Send to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Don't forget that deadline: Nov. 19.

Dine with Santa

Participants have a choice of breakfast (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.) or lunch (noon to 2 p.m.). A donation of $17 per person (children under 2 are free) gets you a meal, a photo with Santa, face-painting, games, entertainment, a magic show and Christmas gift.

Santa will be joined by costumed characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Mickey Mouse, Elmo, Bugs Bunny and Tweety. For more information, call 440-4613.

All things trees

Are you a tree-hugger? Then you'll probably appreciate this Web site: www.treesaregood.com.

Created by the nonprofit International Society of Arboriculture to provide tree care-related information, treesaregood.com offers online links to professional and outside resources, and fun facts about trees.