Run for the Dry Forest
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Run for the Dry Forest at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a
The 19th annual Run for the Dry Forest takes place on October 17, 2026, at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve in Hawaii. The event supports conservation, research, and management at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a and adjacent Pu‘uanahulu, and features outreach booths, a silent auction, door prizes, and age-group awards.
Race distances
- 10K run with significant elevation gain and technical, rocky trail sections.
- 5K run/walk on mixed surfaces with moderate elevation change.
- Keiki runs two non-competitive events including a 1/4-mile loop and a field dash.
The 10K includes about 1,200 feet of elevation gain in the first three miles and narrow, loose-footing trails; jogging strollers are prohibited. The 5K features roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and loss over dirt paths, paved road, and coarse rock; jogging strollers must have large wheels. Keiki events are free and non-competitive; the longer keiki loop is suitable for older children and parents may accompany them.
This is a cupless event. Each registered 5K and 10K participant receives a reusable SpeedCup in their race packet. The featured plant for the year is Koʻokoʻolau (Bidens menziesii), an endangered perennial shrub native to Hawaiʻi Island noted for its yellow flowers and traditional use as a herbal tea.
Pets are not allowed on site to protect endangered nēnē geese and other native wildlife. Registration is required in advance and there will be no race-day registration. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
