OLYMPIC athlete Colin Jackson will be in the island on Monday to cheer on more than 900 pupils and their parents taking part in the eighth Tesco Great School Run.
Pupils from primary schools including Onchan, Cronk-y-Berry, Foxdale, Manor Park, Willaston and Ballaugh will be completing the 2km run, at the NSC.
More than 1.25m children from across the UK will participate in their own run, between May 8 and July 23. The event, organised by those behind the iconic Great North Run and Tesco, encourages children and their parents to get fit and healthy through exercise and healthy eating.
It is being supported by stars including Olympic medallist and three-time world record holder Colin Jackson.
He said the event was ‘all about getting children engaged in exercise, talking about healthy eating and having fun along the way’. He said: ‘In a year where sport takes centre stage, it’s great to see kids enthusiastic about learning and taking part in sport and exercise.’
Onchan School head teacher Jo Richardson said: ‘The children have been raring to go and it’s a great experience for everyone involved.’
The run is supported by the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.