Inside Look: ESPN 1420 Jersey Fun Run

We get the scoop on the course, obstacles, bonus activities, and which fans you'll see out in force at this first ever fun run.

Saturday, the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and even the LA Lakers and San Francisco Giants will take the field at Aloha Stadium. But the people you see donning the team jerseys may be smaller than you remember.

January 23 is the second ESPN 1420 Jersey Fun Run. This family-friendly event, which will raise money for Special Olympics Hawaii, will send runners (plus stroller- and baby snuggie-riders) on a 5K course through the stands, ramps and concourses of the stadium. That’s just the start of the fun. Prize giveaways, vendors and more will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until the run starts at 10:30 a.m.

Online registration ends at noon, Friday, Jan. 22. 

Here is a look at an interview we did with ESPN 1420’s Colette Corbin for the scoop on the extra obstacles, keiki activities and what to watch for at the Best of HONOLULU Family award-winning run.

HONOLULU Family: There will be interactive stations throughout the run. What specifically will families get to do?

Colette Corbin: There are three activity stations: Varsity prep will have a baseball activity; First Tee will host a putting green; and kids will throw the ball at targets at the football toss.

Don’t forget the sidelines. There you will find over-under drills, a zig-zag maze and agility drills. Sign up for the touchdown dance contest and let the entire family get their groove on in the North end zone. 

HF: The course takes people to some areas of the stadium most of the public never sees. Are there any special spots or things runners should watch for?

CC: Families will get to pass through the player locker rooms and experience the excitement of running on to the field with music and fanfare. They’ll also have the chance to run up the spiral (or walk–it’s a little steep) and enjoy the beautiful view from the Upper Concourse. When you run across the field toward the locker rooms, notice the dugouts on either side of the South end zone. Most people don’t know that Aloha Stadium used to be one of two stadiums in the country with moveable stands that converted to a baseball diamond. It’s where Hawaii’s professional baseball team, the Hawaii Islanders, used to play.

HF: Any specific tips for families with toddlers? Elementary-age kids?

CC: Families with children 5 years and younger in strollers will be staged in the back at the start of the race. But, they are welcome to take the kids out of the strollers or carriers at all the activity stations. Between Gates 2 and 3, elementary-age kids can enjoy three Xtreme Fun Rentals inflatables beginning at 8:30 a.m. In the South Plaza before the race, kids can play games hosted by Special Olympics Hawaii, take a turn on the putting green and try other activities. Sign up to try Knockerball Hawaii after the race. 

Also, spectators with friends or family in the race can watch the action from the stands between Sections A and AA. Remember to bring cash for food concessions or other items. There are ATMs in and around the stadium as well.

HF: Anything else parents should do before the race?

CC: Visit the registration table to enter in contests including Most Spirited, Best Team Uniform and Best Touchdown Dance for a chance to win prizes. People who register on active.com can pick up packets that morning or register on site for $45. Cash only, please.

HF: Which teams have the most fans participating so far?

CC: From the NFL, the team with the most fans attending is the San Francisco 49ers!  

The ESPN 1420 Jersey Run is Saturday, January 23 at Aloha Stadium. Pre-race activities begin at 8:30 a.m. The race starts at 10:30 a.m. Go to active.com for more details.