With the first stage of transformation work now complete, the stadium will open on Sunday for the sold-out Great Newham London Run.

Fifteen thousand will run, jog or walk 10k around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and get a chance to have their own ‘Olympic’ moment as they cross the finish line.

I know many residents are taking part and I hope your training is going well. I’m delighted we’ve been able to pause our work in transforming the stadium for this great event.

Less than a week after the Newham run, the roar of athletics fans will fill the stadium during the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games from July 24 to 26. British Olympic champion Mo Farah will be a star attraction on a fantastic Friday night that will also see the world’s best sprinter, Usain Bolt, take to the blocks in the men’s 100m. Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford will line up in the stadium on Saturday, July 25, while British Athletics’ newest superstar Katarina Johnson-Thompson and local hero Christine Ohuruogu will grace the track and field. The icons of the Paralympics will take centre stage on the Sunday for the IPC Grand Prix Series, as part of National Paralympic Day. With tickets priced from £10, the whole family can cheer on their favourite sporting heroes. Tickets are available here: queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/sainsburys-anniversary-games

We’ll then pull forward the retractable seats at the end of August for the stadium’s first ever rugby match, when the legendary Barbarians play Samoa. The stadium then hosts five Rugby World Cup matches followed by international Rugby League when England take on New Zealand. Finally, the world’s greatest motor-sports drivers will assemble for the Race of Champions. After all this, the stadium will close as we finish our transformation works, reopening fully in 2016, when West Ham move into their new home. More from David Goldstone