The Olympic Stadium will be the setting for one of the biggest mass participation running events in Britain, with the launch of the Morrisons Great Newham London Run.
The iconic venue played host to some of the world’s greatest athletes, and now keen runners of any age will be able to join an illustrious list of athletes.
Backed by Lord Coe, the event will allow participants to run 10km inside the Olympic Stadium. The IAAF Presidency candidate believes the event is brilliant in its distinctiveness:
“The Morrisons Great Newham London Run is a tremendous example of London 2012 legacy in action,” said Coe.
“It is a unique opportunity for runners of all abilities to experience running in the former Olympic Stadium, which no other mass participation event offers.
The Great North Run currently holds the distinction of Britain’s biggest mass participation event with around 57,000 runners, but its creator Brendan Foster believes that Newham’s event can attract upwards of 60,000 in the next five years:
“It took us 30 years to reach 50,000 participants at the Great North Run” said Foster. “We are now aiming to create Britain’s biggest annual running event. It will be spectacular to see 60,000 people running around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and crossing the line in the stadium.”
As well as the 10km distance there will be 10km family fun run and a team relay. European Gold medallist Jo Pavey was present at the launch, and the mother-of two believes it will be a great way to get everyone, both young and old running:
“The 10km distance is achievable for most people and, as a mum, I think the family run is a great way to get kids active at a fun and healthy day out for the all family.
“I will never forget running in the former Olympic Stadium at London 2012, and now everyone has the chance to experience this at the Morrisons Great Newham London Run, which I think is fantastic.”
The event will take place on Sunday 19 July, and those who would like to participate can sign up at www.greatrun.org
