Runners from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire are under starters’ orders for one of the area’s most popular and well-established charity road races.

The 28th annual JCB Lake Lakeside 5 and fun run event takes place on Thursday, July 14th when a bumper field of in excess of 600 participants are expected to pull on their running shoes for both a five mile race around JCB’s picturesque World Headquarters in Rocester and a separate two mile fun run.

All proceeds for the event will go to JCB’s NSPCC appeal which the company is spearheading to help vulnerable young people in Staffordshire who are in need of help and protection from cruelty.
Race organiser Charles Bevan said: “The JCB Lakeside 5 and fun run has always been a popular event but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and as a result applications to take part are on a first come first served basis. I would urge anyone wanting to take part to submit their application form now to avoid disappointment as we can make no guarantees that places will be available as we get closer to the date of the race. There will also be no entries accepted on the night.

“This is a fantastic summer event with a great family atmosphere, which reaches further than the boundaries of Staffordshire. This year we already have an entry from a JCB employee and his family in Holland!”

Charles, 64, of Abbots Bromley, retires from his role as a JCB engineer this year but will be keeping up his remarkable record of running in every one of the JCB Lakeside 5 races, a feat he shares with fellow JCB employee Mick Grindey.

Charles also recently completed the London Marathon, finishing the 26.2 mile course in six hours and 16 minutes.

This year’s race will be sponsored by JCB Heavy Products which manufactures tracked and wheeled excavators from its £40 million factory in Uttoxeter. The two mile fun run starts at 6.30pm and the main five mile race starts at 7pm.