Keep on running

On Sunday 27th March 2011, nearly 4,000 runners took to the streets of East London for the 10km Newham London Run. The route started and finished in Stratford and covered some of the new Olympic Park.

Locals from across the community came together to get active, cheer on the runners and soak up the lively atmosphere. Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales commented: "To see people of all ages and abilities running through the streets of Newham with a smile on their faces was fantastic."

Powerade ION4 sports drinks and bottles of Schweppes Abbey Well water were handed out to those taking part. As an official partner of the event, Powerade ION4 also set up tents at the start and finish lines where runners could calculate how much fluid they’d lost during the race and get advice on how to stay well hydrated.

Did you know? When you do more than 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise, such as a 10K run, drinking Powerade ION4 replenishes fuel and 4 of the minerals you lose in sweat

We caught up with some of the runners at the start and finish line:

Helen, resident of Newham
Why are you taking part in the Newham London Run?
I’m running to support my boyfriend who’s got rheumatoid arthritis. We thought it would be an incentive to try and get fit again.

Sophie, student at the University of East London
What are you most looking forward to today?
I’m looking forward to pushing myself a bit. I normally go for a run on my own on a Sunday so it’ll be good to have a bit of a race.

Shabiha, running for Cancer Research
What are you most looking forward to today?
I’m most looking forward to the atmosphere and everyone running together. This is my first run, so I don’t really know what it’s like and I’m a bit nervous.

Roy Gayle, warm up instructor
What makes the Newham London Run special?
The atmosphere and the people. Taking the warm up here, the energy I was getting from the people was amazing. Doing the warm up is so important. It’s about motivating [the runners], and also about preparing the body – not just the muscles, but the heart and lungs, and to get the blood pumping fast.

Jamie and Caroline, representing the East London Runners club
What’s the best thing about the Newham London Run?
Caroline: I think it really taps everyone into the Olympic spirit. It gives residents access to the Olympic Village - we ran past some of it, which was really exciting. It also brings everyone together and makes you realise what a wonderfully diverse place Newham is.

Jamie: It’s important to get everyone [in Newham] involved in sport even long after the Olympics have gone.

Titi, from Manor Park in Newham
What do events like the Newham London Run do for the local area?
Events like this are very important as they encourage fitness in the community.

Shim from East Ham in Newham
How was the run?
It was really fun and challenging at the same time. The last two kilometres were really long, but I enjoyed it. It was my first 10K. It’s very well organised, lots of goodies in the bag and I’m proud of my medal too.

Jason (centre), resident of Newham running for The Silver Smile Foundation
How was the run?
There was a great atmosphere on the run today, it was my first time doing it. Everyone was spurring each other on, it was a really nice day and I’ll definitely be doing it again next year.