The ninth annual Jamba BananaMan Chase, a race involving guest runners dressed in banana costumes, will be held May 8 starting at 7 a.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park.

The race is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and the event also features a 500-meter Keiki Fun Run for kids 13 and under. Proceeds will benefit MDA Hawaii and Hawaii Speed and Quickness.

Guest bananas this year include TV personalities John Veneri, Dan Meisenzahl and Taizo Braden. They will get a 30-second head start.

The first three finishers in each of the nine categories will get free Jamba Juice for a year.

Early registration fee (by April 30) is $25. Late registration is $30.

Sign up online by going to www.active.com. Entry forms also are available at Jamba Hawai'i locations (excluding UH Mānoa) and must be postmarked by April 30. Packet pickup will be May 6 and 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jamba Juice Ward Gateway.

BENCH PRESS CONTEST

The eighth annual Hawai'i high school bench press contest will be held today at Ward Warehouse.

The event also will feature the Mr. High School and Miss High School bodybuilding and physique championships. The bench press contest will start at 5:30 p.m. and the bodybuilding and physique at about 7:30 p.m.

The bench press will feature lightweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight for males and females.

For information, call Olomana School at 266-7870; leave message for Daniel Suzuki.