By Ben Roberts
I was absolutely gutted for Jacqui that she couldn’t run the race, but also incredibly excited to get the opportunity to run in the Olympic stadium – warming up the track for the likes of Usain Bolt and Mo Farah.
Arriving at the stadium, it was great to see so many people come out to watch and support the event. I met my fellow ‘athletes’ and, with numbers pinned and stuck on, we made the walk towards the venue. We entered through a discreet side door and were taken to the warm-up track, a place I never thought I’d get the chance to see! The friendly Gold Challenge team took us through a quick warm-up session to loosen the muscles and wished us good luck. While we waited to get out on to the actual track, the conversation was suitably chatty and friendly, but also full of nerves as none of us had ever done anything like this in front of so many people!
Then, as we walked out of the wide tunnel in one of the corners of the stadium, the scale of the arena hit us. Being down on the track you really appreciate the size of the place, and – though the stadium was far from full – you definitely notice the noise (good work on the acoustics!).
As I was wandering down towards the starting line I heard a strange variety of people screaming my name, looking up I noticed the JK support team cheering me on! With such adoring fans, I knew I had to run well!
Down to business. We assumed our starting positions in our respective lanes and waited for the call. On your marks. Get set. *BANG* (wow that gun was deafening!). A reasonably quick runner for most of my life, I made a good start and pulled away in the first 50m or so. But then, as my tired, unfit and frankly past it legs started to tire (I didn’t know it was possible for legs to tire during the 100m!) I noticed a charge on the inside lane. Thankfully I just managed to hang on to the lead and record a very proud Gold Medal finish for Team JK. It was over in a flash, but what an experience! As a massive sports fan this was such an incredible thing to get to do. (I'm the blurry guy in blue, if you're wondering)
After I’d re-joined the JK team and basked in my glory (*ahem*) we treated ourselves to some well-earned food – I was crying out for a hot dog and thankfully was satisfied.
The day was absolutely fantastic with such a great mix of people running and supporting. A huge well done has to be said to all of those involved with organising the event and making sure it ran so smoothly and with such a friendly and warm atmosphere.
With well over 1,000km still to go in our Gold Challenge, we’re still raising money for the NSPCC, so if you’d like to sponsor us please do!
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