THE chance to run in the Olympic Stadium on a track graced by London 2012 gold medallists Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and Usain Bolt was too good to pass up for a Great Chesterford man who rekindled his love for running.

Barry Benton, of Ash Green, entered a ballot to take part in the National Lottery Anniversary Run at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and was chosen as one of the 15,000 entrants.

He was joined by sporting heroes, including runner Paula Radcliffe, boxer Nicola Adams, and cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, who were cheered on by 30,000 spectators.

It was the first time the Olympic Stadium had opened its doors since last summer’s London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Barry, 52, said: “This was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I enjoyed every moment.

“I might also have caught the running bug again having previously completed a half-marathon which finished on the track in the original Wembley Stadium 20 years ago.

“It was not only a personal challenge to jog non-stop for five miles, but also a fantastic opportunity to raise some much-needed cash for Crohn’s and Colitis UK – a charity very close to my heart, having been an ulcerative colitis sufferer for the past 20 years.”

Barry completed the course in 55mins 8secs.

To donate to Barry’s charity cause, visit justgiving.com/barry-benton2