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JCB running race raises £4000 for charity

Almost 320 runners took on JCB's annual Lakeside 5 race and fun run despite one of the hottest evenings of the year.

Although more than 420 people had registered, temperatures approaching 30°C reduced the number of starters. Those who did line up tackled the demanding five-mile course around JCB's World Headquarters at Rocester, including the climb up Stubwood Hollow, where JCB Worldwide Marketing Director Adrian Hall helped cool competitors with a hosepipe.

JCB Deputy Chairman George Bamford completed the course alongside members of his family. He said: "It is just amazing to see so many people here, and so many families. I'm proud to be running with my family. We talk so much about JCB being a family business and this event is proof of that."

The two-mile fun run also attracted families, with three generations of the Sowter family crossing the finish line together. JCB employee Billy Sowter said: "It was fantastic to run this as a family. The atmosphere was amazing and I'm proud of little Rosie for completing the course."

Former JCB employees Charles Bevan and Mick Grindey maintained their record of taking part in every Lakeside 5 since the inaugural event in 1983, with Charles, who turns 80 in September, running dressed as Woody from Toy Storyalongside his son Jason as Buzz Lightyear.

Tom Bill claimed victory in the men's race in 28 minutes 43 seconds, while Hollie Wall was the first female finisher in 34 minutes 33 seconds. JCB Golf & Country Club Greenkeeper Ruarc Grant was the first JCB employee home, while Electrical Engineer Emma Langford was the leading female employee, receiving the Steph Cordall Memorial Trophy after completing the course in 44 minutes and nine seconds.

Emma said: "I don't know how I've did it. Getting up that hill in this heat was so tough."

The event also raised £4,000 for The Queen's Reading Room charity, while retired Staffordshire firefighter Kelvin Chell raised around £500 for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal through sales of his bespoke JCB-themed poppy badge.