Christy Davis

Photo from Christy Davis

“At Jamba Hawaii, we take a stance on health and getting kids active,” explains director of marketing Christy Davis. “That’s exactly what Hawaii Speed and Quickness does.”

In fact, Jamba Hawaii has been partnering with the group for the Banana Man Chase since 2009. This year, Hawaii Speed and Quickness will host clinics with UH athletes. Participants also can expect the famous Banana Man Chase, in which runners chase life-sized bananas around the 5K course.

Following the 5K run and keiki 500-meter dash, families can enjoy free Jamba Juice smoothies, a costume contest, live entertainment, face painting, prize giveaways and more. This year, the Super Fruit superhero costume winner will take home a trip for two on Alaska Airlines. More prize information and event-day details can be found online at active.com.

The annual race is something special for Davis, as last year she got to see her daughter (Izabella) experience pure bliss and perseverance during the keiki fun run.

“It was her first race, and she was so excited and scared,” she recalls. “Once she saw all the kids running, she just went for it.”

However, 100 meters before the finish line, little Izabella fell and scraped her knee. “I thought she was going to give up,” Davis says. “But she got herself up, dusted herself off and ran to the finish line. She was so proud that she finished.”

Izabella earned her first Jamba medal and hopes to win her second one this year.

“The run is a gateway to other events and just to make sure the kids have that active playtime that’s so important now,” Davis says.

Registration costs $30, and applications will be accepted on race day from 5:30 to 6 a.m. Forms can be found at Jamba Hawaii stores (excluding UH Manoa). Packet pickup is April 30 and May 1 at Ward Jamba Juice from 3 to 6 p.m.