The Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden relay race will be staged March 8 and organizers have put out the call for individuals and teams of five to come to Hawaii from around the globe to participate.

The course, from the ocean side of Kapiolani Park, stretching alongside Diamond Head and looping back around, is 25 kilometers, or about 15-and-a-half miles long.

Runners as young as 12 can participate in the second annual race, and individuals will be placed on so-called Friendship Teams with runners from Hawaii, Japan, and other locations.

Following the race, organizers will stage a food festival and entertainment for runners, their families and friends.

The entry fee is $150 per team through Friday, Dec. 27, or $100 for student teams.

The Rainbow Ekiden will be a highlight of the 20th annual Honolulu Festival from March 7 to 9. This year’s event is themed “Jubilation, One Heart, One Pacific, One World,” and the festival will include cultural dance, music and crafts, as well as a parade through Waikiki and a fireworks show.

http://honoluluekiden.com/