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Runner Mike wins Olympic glory at 63
MIke Filler (correct spelling) of Eskdale Road Hillsborough
A SHEFFIELD man will be one of the first runners to cross the Olympic Stadium finishing line as part of this summer’s games in London.
But Mike Filler, of Eskdale Road, Hillsborough, is not an athlete and will have his glory weeks before any events even begin.
The 63-year-old marathon veteran has been chosen to join the National Lottery Olympic Park Run – one of only 5,000 people from across the country to do so – on Saturday, March 31.
It will be the first public event to cross the Olympic Stadium finish line before the city is beamed on to the world stage in July and August.
Mike, a salesman, tried unsuccessfully to get tickets for the games but will now play his very own part in them by making sporting history.
He said: “I was so surprised to be involved.
“For this to happen to me I just couldn’t believe it. I’m nobody special and now I’m going to be part of the Olympics.
“That’s all I kept saying when I found out that I was to take part.”
The five-mile run celebrates the contribution of The National Lottery and its players to the London 2012 games.
The athletes who take part will be the first runners to to cross the Olympic Stadium finish line.
Lifelong runner Mike, who excelled at cross country at school, has raised money for charity through running events over the years, including the Sheffield half marathon.
Now he is looking forward to being cheered on by a crowd geared up for Olympic fever.
He added: “My relatives are hopefully going to come and see me, they are really excited about the idea.
“I wanted to go to the Olympics, but I couldn’t get a ticket, so this is the next best thing.”
The run ends in the Olympic Stadium and 5,000 places were available through a ballot.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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