JCB’S annual Lakeside Five and Fun Run will take on a real international flavour this year – with entrants from India, France, Holland and Botswana.
Limbering up for the 32nd annual event later this month are Design Engineers Umesh Sakore, 33, Sunil Dhole, 37, and Bhushan Mande, 34, who all work at JCB India’s Design Centre in Pune and are currently on secondment to JCB’s World HQ at Rocester.
‘Flying’ Dutchman Michel Jansen, 54, works for JCB Netherlands and is returning for his third race in seven years, jetting in especially for the event. Also on the starting line this year will be Sophie Cléquin, 21, a global business student from the IAE Pau-Bayonne University, in the south of France, who is on a three-month work placement at JCB Global Purchasing. Botswanian Liam Keevil, 25, will be taking part in the 2.3 mile Fun Run - his first real attempt at distance running since he was at school. Salesman Liam, who works for BH Botswana - JCB's dealer in the southern African state - is on a four-month summer placement at JCB’s World HQ.
They will line up with around 400 runners of all abilities – including many from local road racing clubs – for the event, which takes place on the evening of Thursday, July 16. Also running will be retired JCB Group Electrical Engineer Charles Bevan, 68, of Abbots Bromley, and JCB Engineer and race organiser Mick Grindey, 53, who hold the unique distinction of taking part in every single race since it was first run.
Umesh said: “I can’t wait to get on the starting line. I’ve been in the UK for 10 months now and visited some great places. Recently, I went to see Mick Grindey take part in the London Marathon. It inspired me to start running and I thought the Lakeside Five would be a great starting point. I’ve been out training a couple of nights a week with Mick and I feel a lot fitter and healthier. I know Sunil and Bushan feel the same way too.”
Liam Keevil said: “It's really far too hot to run in Botswana but since coming to the UK I thought I would give it a go as a way of getting fit. The fun run seems the perfect distance to start at so I'm building up my training to match that distance. Mainly, though, it's about having a go and everyone I've spoken to says its great fun to be involved."
Mick Grindey, of Uttoxeter, said: “It’s fantastic that we have so many participants from different backgrounds taking part. It is a great night for the serious runners but also for those who want to have a bit of fun and pull on a fancy dress costume.”
Both the 5-mile senior race and a 2.3-mile fun run will start at 7pm and take place on a scenic course around the JCB World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire.
All proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the NSPCC and everyone who crosses the finishing line will receive a special medal sponsored by the JCB Loadall business unit.
Registration for the Lakeside 5 costs £11 to enter for non-affiliated runners and £9 for JCB employees and registered runners. For those taking part in the fun run, registration costs £5.
To download a registration form visit the JCB Lakeside Club website www.jcb-lakeside-club.co.uk . In addition, people will be able to register on the night.