British athletics star Jo Pavey joined five London families for a training run ahead of the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run last Friday.

Pavey, one of Britain’s greatest ever Olympians, went running with parents and their children and spoke about the importance of encouraging children to exercise.

She also talked about the benefits of taking part in fun family events like the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run on July 2.

The five-time Olympian said: “As parents it’s really important for us to be good role models to our kids and show them it’s enjoyable to be active.

“Children often respond to what their parents do and if their parents are sitting around and not getting active then they’ll probably think that’s normal.

“But if their parents are getting out and being active then they’ll do that and the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run is a brilliant event because it’s giving families the opportunity to get out there and enjoy being active together.”

Thousands of runners will have the opportunity on July 2 to run around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and into the London Stadium.

Participants will get the chance to have their own golden moment as they cross the finish line in the same stadium as their heroes from the London 2012 Games.

Julia Omari, a Newham mother running with her two children, said: “The Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run is really good for the community because more and more people are getting involved.

“My daughter, Halima, 5, is part of a home education group and quite a few of them are doing the run and my son, Luqman, 12, is doing the run with a few of his friends, so it’s a fun activity for everyone.”

Newham Council have also secured places for at least 1,250 Newham residents, who will take advantage of 1,000 free places in the 10k race and 250 free places in the Family Run, as part of Newham’s 2012 Games legacy.

Families can also join a free weekly Family Club Run, for Great Run Local 5km and 2km sessions at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, to help them prepare for the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run.

Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said: “What better incentive could there be for people to take part in the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run than the opportunity to finish in the stadium where Olympians and Paralympians have won gold and where world champions will be crowned.

“I am delighted that we have again secured places for Newham residents and families to take part in this unforgettable experience for free, where they can make their own memories in this truly iconic venue.”

To sign up for places in the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run and Family Run on 2 July visit greatrun.org/London