Telegraph & Argus readers are being given chance to be among the first runners to cross the Olympic Stadium finish line, in a five-mile run celebrating the contribution of the National Lottery to London 2012.

You have until midnight tomorrow ((THURS OCT 27)) to apply for a place in the National Lottery Olympic Park Run - the very first public event staged in London’s brand new Olympic Stadium - taking place on March 31, 2012.

The five-mile course will traverse the Olympic Park, passing alongside other iconic Olympic and Paralympic Games venues that the National Lottery has helped to fund - where hopes and dreams of London 2012 medal success will be realised just a few months later.

The run reaches the home straight in the spectacular Olympic Stadium. Vying to cross the finish line first will also be former and current Olympic and Paralympic athletes and celebrity runners.

Dianne ((CRRCT)) Thompson, chief executive of Camelot, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most thrilling events in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The chance to take your place in history as one of the first people to cross the finish line in the Olympic Stadium is what dreams are made of. The National Lottery is proud to make that dream a reality for those lucky enough to win a place in the run.”

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, added: “The National Lottery and its players have made a significant contribution in helping us realise our vision for the most spectacular Olympic Park, which will leave a lasting legact for generations to come. I’m delighted the National Lottery will give members of the public chance to be the first to cross the finish line in the Olympic Stadium.”

Through mainstream funding, the National Lottery supports Britain’s elite competitors, helping them train as fulltime professionals. Since 2006 and until 2013, the National Lottery is providing more than £310 million to support more than 1,2000 potential Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes as they prepare for London 2012 and beyond.

* The cost of entering the National Lottery Olympic Park Run will be £15 for successful applicants. The entry fee covers a race number, two spectator passes for the stadium, an information pack, an event T-shirt to run in on the day, computer chip timing for an accurate running time, a souvenir medal, on-course refreshments and a finisher’s pack.

* To enter the ballot, follow the link. The closing time is midnight on Thursday, October 27.

The run is open to anyone aged 16 or over, or any running ability.