Port Macquarie youngsters Max Hoeft, Vilius Philp and Amira Grech give their take on the 500m family race, 1500m dash and three kilometre run held from 9am on Saturday, May 4.

Max, 10 is on his fifth start for the event, Vilius, 9 on his second and Amira, 7 is on debut.

What makes the IronKids events so interesting?

"It's quite short and not too difficult," said Max.

"You get to run through the Ironman arch and get a medal".

Is it similar to the 5km Port Macquarie Parkrun held on Saturday mornings?

"It feels different because in IronKids I will try to beat everyone but in Parkrun I just go at my own pace," said Vilius.

"It's more of a jog, sometimes I do have to swerve around people at IronKids," said Max.

And what about that coveted finishers medal and shirt available at the finish?

"I'd like a medal to add to the medals I keep in a special place at home," said Amira.

"I'm a bit scared (because it's my first run on my own)"

Registrations for the kids event can be completed online at ap.ironman.com under the Events tab or at the event from 7am at Town Green.

The adults will hit the road from 6am on Sunday, May 5 for the 2019 Ironman Australia race and half Ironman 70.3 at Westport Park.

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