Children who want to get a head start in the world of obstacle course racing should sign up for the Keiki Makahiki Challenge on Sunday at Kualoa Ranch.

The 1.5-mile mud run, open to ages 5 to 13, will feature 10 obstacles such as the tire step, mini slide, mini mud pit, tunnel crawl and beam balance.

“Obstacle course racing has been popular for a while, especially on the Mainland, but there was nothing in Hawaii,” said event co-founder Kapu Gaison. “We said, why not start the Keiki Makahiki Challenge with a team?”

Last year’s inaugural event drew 400 participants, according to Gaison, who has competed on the popular TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” On Sunday, he’s expecting 500.

Keiki will head out in three age groups — ages 5 to 7, 8 to 10, and 11 to 13 — and everyone will get a medal.

“We had a lot of positive feedback,” Gaison said of last year’s event. “People were super excited and said it was super fun. Some wanted to wear their medal every day at school. They said they wanted more mud, so we’ll have more mud this year.”

The course might be challenging for some, so parents can accompany their children and help them though obstacles.

And have no fear of getting good and muddy: At the end of the course, there will be showers.

The keiki race will follow the 3.1-mile Makahiki Challenge for adults, to be held Saturday.

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OUTDOOR CONTEST

What:

Keiki Makahiki Challenge

When:

7 to 11 a.m. Sunday

Where:

Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Highway

Cost:

$66 ($10 parents accompanying children), $10 spectators

Parking:

$10

Info:

keikimc.com