London 2012 blog

Yesterday, eight London 2012 staffers joined what seemed like several thousand other workers from Canary Wharf to go running after work. The Canary Wharf Jog does exactly what it says on the tin - it's an organised 'up-to-10k' run open to people of all abilities. To increase participation, there's no entry fee for the event - and everyone wore the distinctive red t-shirt supplied by the British Heart Foundation.

Being sport obsessives - and working for an organisation led by Seb Coe - the London2012ers were first across the start line and set out at a blistering pace, hoping to speed our way to personal bests. This was thwarted within about four minutes - the route was actually eight laps of the same tiny course, so we were lapping stragglers and caught up in crowds after just one loop.

At first the congestion of people was annoying, as we had to dodge slower runners and walkers. But it dawned that this was actually what we are all about - inspiring those not used to physical activity to try something new, and mixing them with regular runners passionate about their sport. In 2012, let's see how many people we can inspire to unshackle themselves from their Canary Wharf desks and try this out in the summer of 2012.

The warm glow we felt at being part of something worthwhile was helped by a supply of free bananas at the end, and an almost-barmily hot sunny evening. Same time next year?