More than 1,000 aspiring Ironman competitors took part in the IronKids fun run on Saturday morning at McEuen Park. Over the past few years, the number of IronKids participants has more than tripled. Younger kids raced around McEuen Park once on a half-mile course while older runners took two laps around the park. Participants received a T-shirt, official bib number and medal for finishing. The $5 entry fee goes to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to help fund trails and bikeways. Saturday’s event was sponsored by Regence Blue Shield and coordinated by the city.

“It’s fun to get kids involved early on in wanting to participate in bigger races later on,” said Monte McCully, trails coordinator for the city. “It’s all about health, fitness and having fun.”