National Lottery Olympic Park Run ballot opens

3 October 2011

The ballot for places in The National Lottery Olympic Park Run, which takes place on March 31, 2012, has launched. Members of the public have until October 27 to apply to take part in what will be the very first public event staged in the Olympic Stadium.

5,000 lucky applicants will have the chance to be the first runners to cross the Olympic Stadium finish line in this historic five-mile run, which celebrates the contribution of The National Lottery and its players to London 2012.

Launching the ballot in the Olympic Park were athlete Christine Ohuruogu; Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Dianne Thompson, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator, Camelot.

The online ballot can be entered by visiting www.national-lottery.co.uk/run (opens in a new window) between now and the closing time of midnight on October 27, 2011. The National Lottery Olympic Park Run is open to anyone aged 16 or over, of any running ability. The 5,000 hopefuls chosen from the ballot to tackle the run will also be allocated a pair of spectator passes each to the Olympic Stadium, so that two friends or family members can cheer them on and be part of this memorable occasion.

The five-mile course will traverse the Olympic Park and offer access across it on a scale not yet experienced by the public. The route will pass alongside the other iconic Olympic and Paralympic Games venues that The National Lottery has helped fund.

The run will reach its thrilling conclusion on the home straight in the Olympic Stadium. Vying to cross the finish line first will also be a host of former and current Olympic and Paralympic athletes and celebrity runners.

Dianne Thompson, Chief Executive of Camelot, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most thrilling events in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The chance to take your place in history as one of the first people to cross the finish line in the Olympic Stadium is what dreams are made of. The National Lottery is proud to make that dream a reality for those who are lucky enough to win a place in the run.”

Sebastian Coe said: “The National Lottery and its players have made a significant contribution in helping us realise our vision for the most spectacular Olympic Park, which will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. I’m delighted that The National Lottery will give members of the public the chance to be the first to cross the finish line in the Olympic Stadium.”

The cost of entering The National Lottery Olympic Park Run will be £15 for successful applicants. This entry fee covers a race number, two spectator passes for the Olympic Stadium, a full information pack, an event T-shirt to run in on the day, computer chip timing for a completely accurate running time, a souvenir finisher's medal, on-course refreshments and a finisher's pack.

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