Principal Tom Flahive and Athlone Mayor Aengus O'Rourke pictured with pupils from Coosan NS ahead of Sunday's 'Run with Robbie' fundraiser.

Locals invited to 'Run with Robbie' for Coosan NS this weekend

Fresh from celebrating Ireland's Grand Slam success last weekend, Robbie Henshaw will be on home soil this Sunday for a 'Run with Robbie' 5k fundraiser in support of the new Coosan National School. 

The event will consist of a chip-timed 5k race and a family fun run, starting from Coosan Church at 3.30pm. It will help raise funds for sports and PE equipment in the new school. 

There will be a 5k loop around Coosan and a shorter 2k route for families with very small children. The start line will be at the Church and finish line at The Bounty, where there will be refreshments for all and treats for the children.

All registered racers can get their photos taken with the Irish rugby star on the day and will be automatically entered into a draw to win some super prizes including: Robbie Henshaw Vodafone wireless sport headphones (worth €100); Jamie Heaslip Vodafone Power Bank (worth €25); Dinner for two at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Window Cleaning voucher, Boots hamper, Citylink bus tickets, signed rugby balls, and more!  

Registration for the event can be completed online - at www.popupraces.ie/run-with-robbie/ - or at The Bounty from 2-3pm on the day. 

Paris Greene was the winner of a 'design a logo' competition for the Run with Robbie gathering. Her logo is being used on all t-shirts for the race. Here is Paris being congratulated by Athlone Mayor Aengus O'Rourke:

Meabh Kelly, aged 5, and Fearghal Kelly, aged 7, also completed the following questionnaire ahead of Sunday's event.

Q: What does it mean for the pupils that Robbie went to your school?

A: I am happy that Robbie went to my school. He is famous so now our school is famous too. Maybe other people like me could be famous too like Robbie.

Robbie must train very hard and every day to be that good. I was sad when he was injured but I’m happy that he can come to our race on Sunday so I can get his autograph.

Q: Why is being active important for kids?

A: So they can get exercise, so they don’t get fat, your legs and arms and bones are stronger, breathing is easier if you are more fit.
 
Q: Why is it important for kids to be involved in sport from a young age?

A: To get fit and healthy, to make friends in school and ones that aren’t in your school too.