Ironkids strut their stuff at Taupo
Many of the 2015 Ironman competitors were on the short side – short in stature, but not spirit.
While most eyes were focused on the Taupo Ironman last weekend a few, possibly more doting, eyes were watching an equally important event – the Ironkids.
Early on Friday supportive parents, friends, guardians and grandparents gathered at the Taupo Great Lake Centre to watch excited 5-12 year olds from all over New Zealand run the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Kids Fun Run.
Now in its second year, the race was one of many smaller events leading up to the main Ironman New Zealand 2015 event the following day.
For many it was the first taste of the international event that is Ironman. Warm-up exercises to popular Taylor Swift music were led by 2011 Ironman winner, Samantha Warriner.
Then, from a sea of matching red Ironkids t-shirts, competitors were split into three groups, according to their pre-chosen running distance of 750m, 1400m or 2000m.
Grown-up Ironman event runners encouraged and ran with each group, making even the slower competitors feel special.
Each finisher was awarded an Ironman medal and sweet treats.
Ironman MC, American Mike Reilly welcomed children over the finish line. Professional New Zealand Ironman athletes Gina Crawford and Terenzo Bozzone were on hand to pose for photographs.
