Alongside members of the public, five British Triathlon staff also took part including Tommy Davies who was the first runner across the Olympic finish line in a time of 25 minutes and 11 seconds. The 26-year-old from Loughborough was faster than the current Olympic record of 25.11.2 set by Emil Voigt at the 1908 Olympics in London which was the last time the distance of five miles was run at the Olympic Games.

 

He said: “It was fantastic. I am so overwhelmed by all this attention. It’s such a great opportunity to have been able to take part. The Park looks fantastic and I'll feel great watching the games knowing I’ve crossed that line first today.”

 

The runners, who were picked at random from almost 43,000 entrants, took part in a five-mile run around the Olympic Park, taking in landmarks such as the Velodrome and Aquatics Centre, before finishing inside the iconic Stadium.

 

Princess Beatrice, who started the landmark event at 2pm on Saturday before completing the five mile course, said: “I am thrilled to be able to play my part in such an historic occasion and it is fantastic to see the incredible transformation that the Olympic Park has undergone.

 

“I, like so many others running on the day, know that the experience of being one of the first to cross the Olympic finish line is an extraordinary moment in what promises to be a memorable year for the nation.”

 

Dianne Thompson, Group CEO of National Lottery operator Camelot, which organised the event, said: “The regeneration of the Olympic Park, the building of the iconic venues and the legacy they will leave long after the Games have only been made possible by the outstanding contribution of National Lottery players. Whether they’re coming to the Games or watching at home, they should feel proud that none of it would have been possible without them.”

 

While the 5,000 runners tackled the Olympic Park course, around 12,000 family and friends got their first glimpse of the Olympic Stadium track as they were entertained by dance troupe Flawless and electronic string quartet Escala amongst others, which was hosted by TV presenter Holly Willoughby and GB sprinter Iwan Thomas who knows a thing or two about triathlon having competed in Hyde Park in 2010.

 

The Olympic Park Run was staged to celebrate the National Lottery’s contribution of up to £2.2 billion towards the funding of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games including the venues and infrastructure where Britain's athletes hope to fulfil their dreams this summer.