Wet conditions failed to dampen sprits at the popular JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – which saw a bumper field raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC.
For the first time in the race’s 41-year history it rained – but that did not deter more than 360 competitors from around the UK and overseas from taking part.
The event, which brings together some of the area’s best club runners with JCB employees and their families, also raised £4,150 for the NSPCC.
Race organiser Mick Grindey, who has taken part in every Lakeside 5 since it was first run in 1983, said: “It is amazing to see such a big field and supporters, who have come along despite the wet conditions and created a really great atmosphere. When the Lakeside 5 started in 1983, just 95 competitors took part, which shows how far it has come.”
The fundraising total was boosted by a sponsorship from Cheadle-based Ecam Engineering.
First across the line was City of Stoke Athletics Club runner Chris Gidlow who completed the five-mile main course around JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, in a time of 26 minutes 57 seconds.
First female across the line was Chris’ fellow City of Stoke AC runner Chloe Hawkins in 32 minutes 28 seconds. First JCB Man was Jason Burgess in a time of 29 minutes, 32 seconds – for the second year running – and First JCB Lady was Liz Plant in 42 minutes and 26 seconds.
Also in action was Charles Bevan, of Abbots Bromley, who has also taken part in every JCB Lakeside 5 race. The former JCB Electrical Engineer always runs in fancy dress and this year it was Charlie Chaplin. Charles, 77, said: “It is just great fun to keep coming back and taking part. I have no plans to stop any time soon – there is a great spirit surrounding this event.”
There was a good international representation too. The field included JCB Netherlands employee Michel Jansen who was taking part in his seventh event. The finance expert flew over to the UK just to take part. He said: “I love coming back – and this one is special. It marks my 20th year working with JCB in the Netherlands, so this is my birthday present to myself.”
Also running was JCB India employee Umesh Sakore, who is on a two-year-placement in the UK. He ran the two-mile fun route with his wife Smita and their daughter Asmi, 10, and three-year-old son Ansh.
The Design Engineer said: “It is a brilliant family occasion so what better than to run it with my wife and children. We all thoroughly enjoyed it – a great JCB occasion.”
