Angmering’s Trisha helps launch the new Olympic track

Trisha Sharps, of North Drive, was among 5,000 runners, from across the country, who took part in the five-mile Olympic Park race.

The lucky 51-year-old was randomly selected to compete in the fun run from a ballot of almost 43,000 people.

Trisha, who took the trip to the nation’s capital with her husband Mick, and daughter, Laura, said: “It was such an amazing experience.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was told about it.

“The stadium and Olympic Park are absolutely spectacular. It was an incredible day that I’ll never forget.”

Trisha, who is a personal trainer with Active4Life, which is based at her home in Angmering, completed her run in just under 48 minutes.

The route took her through specific sites around the park, including the basketball arena and velodrome, before finishing on the track at the athletics stadium.

An estimated crowd of more than 12,000 people turned out to watch the event, with special guest runners including Princess Beatrice and Spice Girl Melanie C – aka Sporty Spice – as well as former GB 400m runner and Olympic silver medallist, Roger Black.

However, for Trisha this won’t be her last time at the stadium this year.

“I have got a tickets for the Olympic Games, later this year,” she said. “So I will be coming back to watch the athletics.

“It’s quite a nice feeling to know that I have already run on the track that this year’s Olympians will be competing on.”