When Anthony Goodman starts the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run on July 2, he’ll be filled with pride as he sets off alongside his son and grandson.

He takes joy in watching his family take part in the sport he loves so much and feels responsibility as a father to make sure his children positively view their health and wellbeing.

The Middlesex University Professor wants more parents to get active with their children and says it’s the perfect way for fathers and sons to bond.

He said: “Running with your son definitely helps bonding. I have another son who runs and a son-in-law who runs and a nephew who runs, so I’d like to take some credit for getting them all stuck in!

“They all run regularly and I like to think it was become of something we did together all those years ago.”

Anthony and his son will take on the 10k Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run while his grandson will take part in the 2k Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run.

The Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run is organised by the Great Run Company, leaders in mass participation events and is organised in partnership with Newham Council.

This is the only event where members of the public can run across the famous finish line in the former Olympic Stadium, which Anthony says is the perfect way to inspire children into a lifetime of sport.

“I think my grandson will remember the day forever. Where else could you run on the same track that Mo Farah and Usain Bolt have competed on?” he said.

“It encourages young men and women to run. It’s brilliant that it ends in the stadium because I’ve never run in anything like that before.”

For Anthony, the thrill and sensation of completing a race is even more important given the digital revolution and the effect it has on all of us.

He said: “So much of the digital revolution is electronic and it doesn’t always encourage you to actually do things.

“As a child I was always outside running around and playing with friends and I think in general there is a danger that young people could become much less fit than their parents and grandparents.

“It’s important we encourage all generations to look after their health and wellbeing.”

Anthony has spent much of his life as a Newham resident trying to effect positive change for young people in his role in the New Choices for Youth charity.

He believes that events like the Simplyhealth Great Newham London Run are important for inspiring young people into the next generation of leaders.

He said: “I think the run is so important for the legacy of Newham. I’ve been involved with New Choices for Youth for over 20 years and it’s a charity working in projects to help grow young people into the next leaders.

“It’s so important that people in the community get involved to help future generations and get stuck in with great projects.”

The Simplyhealth Great Newham London Family Run is organised in partnership with Newham Council and takes place at the London Stadium on July 2. Sign up at www.greatrun.org/newham