Anglia Leisure chiefs have put their words into action and both successfully completed the challenges they had been set last month.

As Tony Bass, the Chief Executive of Anglia Community Leisure (ACL), prepared for the five mile National Lottery Run around the Olympic Park, he was delivered a personal challenge by the company's chairman, Richard Balfe.

Richard challenged Tony to run five miles in 45 minutes while Richard ran five kilometers in the same time on a treadmill at Newmarket Leisure Centre.

Prior to the challenge, Richard Balfe said: "As I am in my late 60s, I will run five kilometers in 45 minutes. Tony, who is in his 50s, is challenged to run his five miles in the same time. The message we are sending is that there is something for everyone in the Olympics, so I hope as many people as possible will use this event to take up exercise again."

The challenge took place on Saturday 31 March with both runners starting at the same time, 2.09pm.

The Olympic Park run started at the side of London's newest landmark, the spiralling red ArcelorMittal Orbit. The five mile journey then snaked around the Olympic Park before finishing inside the Olympic Stadium - the first time the public will have gained access to the centrepiece of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Richard ran his 5K in 44 minutes and 54 seconds, just squeezing in to meet his 45 minute target.

Tony Bass excelled himself by running his five miles in a personal best of 39 minutes and 39 seconds - well within his 45 minute challenge time.

Tony says: "It was an exciting day and entering the stadium with 12,000 cheering fans gave me such a fantastic boost that it spurred me on for a sprint finish! I'm delighted to have achieved my challenge to keep up my side of the bargain with Richard, but even if I hadn't it was just an incredible experience to take part. I'm now geared up to get more people running in Forest Heath."