IRONKIDS Keiki Dip-N-Dash Highlights IRONMAN Week in Kona

Kids ages 5 to 15 will get a small taste of what the IRONMAN is all about during the UnitedHealthcare IRONKIDS Keiki Dip-N-Dash, held Tuesday at Kailua Pier.

The goal of the Dip-n-Dash is to raise awareness for childhood obesity by taking hundreds of young athletes through a shortened run and swim on the same course that pro triathletes grind through every year.

On Monday, over 60 Kama’aina Kids keiki participated in a rally and training event at Kahakai Elementary School. Led by UnitedHealthcare mascot Dr. Health E. Hound, the youngsters were led through games, exercises, and healthy activities to prepare for the following day’s event.

All members of Kama’aina Kids participating in Tuesday’s event were allowed to register for free, courtesy of UnitedHealthcare and IRONKIDS.

Registration for the Dip-n-Dash begins at 3 p.m. The race begins at 4 p.m.

Before the start of the race, pre-event activities will be held, including a kick off program, warm-up exercises with IRONMAN and IRONKIDS athletes, along with Dr. Health E. Hound, and a check presentation from UnitedHealthcare to Kama’aina Kids for $3,000.

Several community leaders will be on hand to support the keiki, including County Councilwoman Karen Eoff, State Representatives Cindy Evans and Nicole Lowen, and Barbara Dalton, West Hawai’i representative for Governor Neal Abercrombie.

Following the race, the IRONKIDS will lead the IRONMAN parade of nations, which starts at 5 p.m.