Following in the footsteps of greatness is exactly what Newham residents are going to be doing this summer as our legacy from the London 2012 Games gets going.

We were able to secure 750 exclusive places for our residents in the National Lottery Anniversary Run on Sunday, July 21, which is the first big event at the stadium since the Paralympic closing ceremony.

It was a direct result of our decision to invest in the stadium. Having members of our community joining in a prestigious event to finish on the iconic track where history was made is part of the return on that investment.

So much has happened since the Games ended but our promise that we would make a lasting legacy from the Games didn’t die with the Olympic and Paralympic flames. Better still, during the last year we have moved a lot closer to making that promise a reality.

It’s important that we come together as a community as both participants and spectators to celebrate what I hope will become an annual event.

They are going to be crossing the finish line the week before stars like Mo Farah, who joined me at the finish line in the stadium to launch the run, rekindle the magic by making their return to the stadium which will be another magnificent occasion.

We have worked tirelessly to secure a lasting legacy from the 2012 Games for our residents. This has included delivering a range of community benefits and fulfilling the key promises of the 2012 Games to inspire a generation and encourage more people to take up sport.

We’re doing this in a practical way through our programme called Every Child a Sportsperson where we are giving our school children the chance to try different sports and join clubs to take it further. Creating the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians will take actions not just words.

I’m looking forward to welcoming you all on Sunday, July 21. It’s time to dig out your running shoes and get involved.