FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2020
2020 Keiki Rainbow Run goes virtual due to COVID-19 concerns
Virtual participation encouraged to continue effort to raise funds for
school physical education and nutrition programs
HONOLULU – The 2020 Keiki Rainbow Run, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Clarence T.C. Ching Field, will take place virtually, rather than in-person, out of an abundance of caution and due to rising concerns around coronavirus, or COVID-19. Instead of hosting the event onsite, participants are encouraged to participate virtually in their own communities.
One hundred percent of participant registration fees will still go back to each student’s school to support physical education and nutrition programs on their campus. More than 2,400 runners representing 110 unique schools are registered to participate in this year’s run, raising more than $30,800 for these vital health and wellness programs.
“In the spirit of supporting an active lifestyle and healthy choices, we are going virtual and encouraging all our registrants to join us for a fun run wherever they are,” said Colby Takeda, president of Kaho‘omiki, one of the main organizers for the Keiki Rainbow Run. “The health and safety of our participants are our top priorities, and we are fully committed to creating a fun and healthy experience for our youth while raising critical funds for our local schools.”
To participate in the virtual event, registrants can run in a nearby park, jog around a high school track, or even walk around their neighborhood, and do so by getting the entire family involved. All registrants will still receive their running bib and finisher t-shirt, and parents will be able to download a printable finisher certificate to present to their child following their virtual Keiki Rainbow Run.
To further promote healthy lifestyles, families will be encouraged to post photos and videos of their run on social media and use #KeikiRainbowRun. Additionally, registrants who send in a photo of themselves running will be sent a free commemorative Keiki Rainbow Run finisher medal.
Mini-grants will also be available for schools to receive additional funds and support fitness activities—exercise challenges, school runs, wellness education, etc.—on their campuses.
Takeda added, “We are so grateful to all of our registrants for their flexibility and understanding. We also want to thank our leadership team, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente, for their unwavering support and making this all possible.”
For more information, including the latest updates, running ideas, and links to resources, visit www.keikirainbowrun.org.
This event is presented by Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i and proudly supported by ‘Ohana Health Plan, Kama‘aina Kids, Motiv8 Foundation, LeaLea, Island Insurance Foundation, Locations Hawai‘i, First Hawaiian Bank, HMSA, and Servco, and is being organized by multiple community partners, including Kaho‘omiki, Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance, Hawai‘i Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HAHPERD), Blue Zones Project, Hawai‘i 5210, YMCA of Honolulu, UH College of Education, UHealthy Hawai‘i, and UH Food Science and Human Nutrition Council.
