JCB Parcel Stores employee Karl Sutton is hoping to deliver a first class boost to children’s charity the NSPCC – by competing in JCB’s Mud Run twice on the same day.
The 32-year-old father-of-three will first run the five mile course at 9am on Saturday, June 27th in an attempt to beat his time from last year of 49 minutes seven seconds, when he came 22nd out of more than 2,700 entrants.
Three hours later he will set off from the starting line again, this time leading a team of four friends over the 35 obstacles that are dotted around the picturesque course close to JCB’s World HQ at Rocester.
And Karl’s efforts are all set to give a boost to the NSPCC’s work in Staffordshire as he is raising money to support Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the charity’s service centre which provides a range of services for children at risk of harm or abuse.
Karl, who works at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester, said: “Last year was the first time I’d competed in the JCB Mud Run and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I met people I wouldn’t have met in the course of my normal working day and had great fun.
“I want to beat the time I achieved last year and I couldn’t do that if I was running with friends so I have decided to do it twice in one day so I can attempt to set a new personal best time and have fun running with my mates too.”
And he added: “I’ve decided to raise money for the NSPCC because I want to make a difference to children who aren’t as lucky as my own.”
The first JCB Mud Run was staged in 2012 and attracted a field of around 500 competitors. Last year the number of entrants rocketed to more than 2,700 and this year’s total has already passed the 2,400 mark. Now competitors wishing to take part in 2015 have until midnight on Saturday, June 20th to register.
Mud slides, a 100ft underground tunnel, monkey bars and climbing walls are already confirmed as obstacles competitors will have to tackle as they negotiate their way around the course.
Mud runners, who must be aged 16 or over, will be bussed to the course where they will find bag storage and washing facilities. Spectators are welcome, and there will be a mini obstacle course for children.
Registration must be completed in advance at www.thejcbmudrun.co.uk. For all the latest JCB Mud Run news find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thejcbmudrun or follow us on twitter @thejcbmudrun.
The JCB Mud Run has raised more than £120,000 over the past three years for Carole House, which was set up after JCB and its employees completed a £2 million fundraising campaign.
Donations to Karl’s appeal can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/karl-sutton82/.