A bumper field of runners is limbering up for JCB’s 27th annual Lakeside Five and Fun Run races – giving a boost to the children’s charity the NSPCC.

The races are set to attract up to 600 competitors and with a record field expected, organisers are urging people to register early to secure their place. Everyone participating in either the five-mile senior road race or preceding 2.2-mile junior race – which takes place around JCB’s scenic World Headquarters in Rocester on Thursday, July 15 – will receive a specially designed medal marking JCB’s 65th anniversary in October.

The medal combines the image of a runner and a 65th anniversary logo and is set to become a sought-after piece of JCB memorabilia. For the second year running, the field is set to be boosted by a host of top athletes after the event was placed on the North Staffordshire Road Runners Association calendar.

Competitors will include last year’s winner Ben Gamble, of the Tipton Harriers, who completed the five-mile course in 25 minutes and 59 seconds. While last year’s first woman past the post, Amy Cope – who is also a Group Financial Reporting Manager for JCB – is helping to organise the event.

Event co-ordinator and JCB Chief Engineer for Group Electrics, Charles Bevan said: “This year we are expecting a bigger field than ever to join in the 65th anniversary celebratory atmosphere. We have set a maximum field of 600 participants and we are confident we will reach that. That is why we are urging anyone who wants to take part in either the fun run or five mile event to register early. Anyone turning up on the night to register may be disappointed.”

Charles is one of the race’s stalwarts – as he is one of only two people (along with JCB colleague Mick Grindey) who have taken part in every Lakeside 5 event. This year he is donning fancy dress, along with his son Jason.

Another participant will be Charles’ inspirational nephew, Simon Beresford, who is taking part in his third fun run despite having Downs Syndrome. Simon, of Lichfield, is the only person with the condition to have completed the London Marathon.

Charles added: “The emphasis is on fun and fundraising. That’s why we always get such a diverse field lining up. It should be a great family event all around.”

Although there will be many dedicated and serious runners taking part, a lot of people will also don fancy dress for the occasion and many more will be raising money for the event’s chosen charity the NSPCC.

The JCB fun run will take place on Thursday July 15 with the junior/open race starting at 6.30pm and the five-mile senior race following it at 7pm.

Anyone who wants to enter the fun run or Lakeside 5 race can download a registration form online at www.jcb.com.