Wet conditions failed to dampen spirits at the popular JCB Lakeside 5, and Fun Run, which saw a bumper field raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC.
It rained for the first time in the race’s 41-year history – 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, 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.
A sponsorship from Cheadle-based Ecam Engineering boosted the fundraising total. 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 26 minutes 57 seconds. The first female across the line was Chris’ fellow City of Stoke AC runner Chloe Hawkins in 32 minutes 28 seconds. The first JCB Man was Jason Burgess in 29 minutes, 32 seconds – for the second year running – and the First JCB Lady was Liz Plant in 42 minutes and 26 seconds.
Also in action was Charles Bevan of Abbots Bromley, who participated in every JCB Lakeside 5 race. The former JCB Electrical Engineer always runs in fancy dress; 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.
Another in action was Ted Prince, a third-generation member of his family to work at JCB. The Sales and Marketing graduate was in his first-ever Lakeside 5. He said: “It is just an amazing thing to be a part of, and I am so pleased we have raised so much for the NSPCC.
There was 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, their daughter Asmi, ten, and their 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.