Guam is gearing up for its biggest race weekend, but all eyes are on the weather.

While it’s clear skies Thursday, Guam Homeland Security and the National Weather Service warn a tropical disturbance could bring heavy rain and gusty winds starting Saturday, the same day the anticipated Ko’ko’ Road Race events begin.

“We’re in direct communication with NWS. We have been getting twice daily reports,” said Kraig Camacho, GVB Senior Destination Specialist. “We will be officially releasing information as soon as we realize the developments of the depression. At this point, there’s no need to make that decision right now, but we are monitoring it very closely.”

The Ko’ko’ weekend draws both local and international runners, to include familiar faces like South Korean Celebrity Kang So-Yeon and Guam Olympians Derek Mandell and Manami Iijima-Martin.

Visitors from Guam's biggest markets are already making the trip to the island, and welcomed in true hafa adai fashion.

Organizers certainly aren’t letting the uncertain weather dampen their spirits for the major tourism event.

KUAM asked, “For now the race is still on?”

“The race is on. We’re praying for light showers for all of our runners at the event,” said Camacho.

GVB hopes Guam gets lucky, for good reason.

The signature event, now in its 20th year, is held to raise funds and awareness for the endangered Guam Rail, or Ko’ko’ bird.

It’s now more critical than ever with federal conservation funding in limbo.

“Across the nation, a lot of conservation funding has been cut. Our funding and our grant have just been in limbo for the last how many months of the fiscal year,” said Department of Agriculture Biologist Megan Volsteadt.

“This weekend’s race is much more than just an endurance challenge. It’s really about our community and conservation. It’s a vital platform for both of these things. Our core mission really remains the same. Raising crucial awareness about our beloved Guam rail, our ko’ko’ bird and supporting our efforts to bring back this magnificent bird from the brink of extinction,” added GVB President and CEO, Regine Biscoe Lee.

And the star of the show making its appearance Thursday just happens to be named ‘Suette,’ which means ‘lucky’ in CHamoru.

No doubt, many are hoping this Ko’ko’ brings good fortune and weather on race day.

For now, the race is still on.

GVB says all Ko’ko’ races: Guam Ko’ko’ kids fun run, half marathon, and ekiden relay are officially sold out.

Runners are advised to stay updated and prepare for changing conditions throughout the weekend.