Wet conditions failed to dampen sprits at the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – which saw a bumper 360-strong field from around the UK and overseas raise £4,150 for the NSPCC.
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, 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 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 (77), of Abbots Bromley, who has also taken part in every JCB Lakeside 5 race since the first one in 1983. The former JCB electrical engineer always runs in fancy dress and this year it was Charlie Chaplin.
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. “I love coming back, and this one is special,” he said. “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.
Main picture from left to right: Ajay Patil, Cathy Lawrence and Sue West, with race organiser Mick Grindey, who has taken part in every Lakeside 5 since it was first run in 1983.
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