Veteran runner and keen baker Mick Grindey has cooked up a recipe for rewarding success in this year’s 31STannual JCB Lakeside Five and Fun Run. The JCB engineer will be making a batch of his favourite raspberry-filled cupcakes to hand out to the first 31 runners across the line – one for every year the race has been run.
A field of around 400 is set to start the five-mile senior race and 2.3-mile fun run, which takes place on a scenic course around JCB's World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffs, on Thursday, July 17th.The line-up will feature a host of runners of all ages and abilities. They will include Mick, of Uttoxeter, who is one of only two people to have competed in every race so far – the other being retired JCB colleague Charles Bevan, 67, of Abbots Bromley.
Mick, 52, who also helps to organise the event, said: “I’m hoping the cakes will be a sweet reward for those front runners who need a little more incentive to get over the finish line. I have been baking for my family, my work colleagues and to raise money for charity for around 15 years now and one of my favourites is the raspberry-filled cupcake – they always seem to go down well. After the runners have used up all those calories they should be a nice way to boost their energy levels."
This year's event is sponsored by JCB Agriculture and everyone who crosses the line will receive a special medal to mark the occasion. In addition, all proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the NSPCC in Staffordshire. More than 150 people have already registered for the Lakeside 5, which costs £10 to enter for non-affiliated runners and £8 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