Ironkids Dip-n-Dash Brings Out Best in Young Athletes

Young athletes of different ages competed in the Ironkids Fun Run and Keiki Dip-n-Dash Tuesday in Kailua-Kona.

Tuesday’s event was run on a specialized course that is a small part of the path that will be run by the professionals in Saturday’s Ironman World Championships, presented by GoPro. For the youngest of keiki, a short fun run was also included as part of the festivities.

UnitedHealthcare was the title sponsor for the Ironkids Dip-n-Dash. The company donated 50 free admission spots to local children interested in taking part in the race, which was not timed. $3,000 was donated to Kama’aina Kids to support its youth programs.

“The fun run and Ironkids Dip-n-Dash give our community in Kona the opportunity to have fun together and end their afternoon being active and healthy.  Walking, running, and swimming are exercises everyone can do to maintain a healthful lifestyle,” said Dave Heywood, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawai’i, the company’s Medicaid business. “UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Ironman to help our island community live healthier lives.”

A young finisher is greeted at the finish line of the 2015 Ironkids Keiki Dip-n-Dash at Kailua Pier. Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.

Young competitors get started on their race in Kailua-Kona. Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.

Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.

Two young kids cross the finish line at Tuesday’s Keiki Fun Run. Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.

Participants of the 2015 Ironkids Keiki Fun Run. Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.

Just before the UnitedHealthcare Ironkids Keiki Dip-n-Dash, UnitedHealthcare mascot Dr. Health E. Hound helps present a $3,000 check to Kama‘aina Kids to support its youth health programs. (Left to right: Mark Nishiyama, Vice President of Kama’aina Kids; Dr. Ron Fujimoto, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Community Plan for Hawai’i; Dr. Health E. Hound, UnitedHealthcare). Photo credit: UnitedHealthcare.