29 April 2015

European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey (coach: Gavin Pavey) has today encouraged workplace and company colleagues to sign up to the inaugural Diamond Relays event, which takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the evening of Monday 27 July.

The brand new event comprises a 5x5km road relay, for runners of all standards including beginners, around one loop of the iconic Park and takes place on the Monday after the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games Weekend (24-26 July).  Those who take part will have the opportunity to run on the historic Olympic track for the final time before a new surface is laid in preparation for the 2016 outdoor season and the London 2017 IAAF and IPC World Championships. 

Pavey said: “The Diamond Relays are a great opportunity to race on the same track as the likes of Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Jess Ennis-Hill, David Weir and many more, who graced the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I treasure my memories of 2012 and feel that I can share in a part of the history that was set here.

“At around 9pm on the evening of the 27th July, the last runner for the final team will come into the stadium and enjoy their moment of glory. Their final lap may not be as quick as some of the great names that have run before them, but they will no doubt experience the goosebumps taking in a historic moment at such an iconic venue.”  

Runners will take in landmarks such as the Orbit Tower and the Aquatic Centre and will be chip-timed as they pass their gold relay baton from one runner to another. 300 teams of all standards have already pre-registered for the Diamond Relays, and places are filling quickly. The basic entry price of £400 includes five runners, as well as spectator places to cheer them on as they come sprinting down the home straight in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Places for the first ever Diamond Relays are available on first come first served basis until capacity is reached or by 5pm on Monday 1st June 2015. Entry is online only via the entry link at http://www.loveathletics.uka.org.uk/diamondrelays/