More than 400 participants endured sizzling summer conditions – on one of the hottest days of the year – to complete the milestone event course. And at the same time they raised a red hot £3,500 fundraising total for the NSPCC.
A field of race stalwarts, first timers and people of all ages and abilities lined up for the five-mile seniors race and 2.3-mile fun run, on a scenic course around JCB’s World Headquarters, Rocester.
With the Mercury still registering 26C, the two evening races were officially started by JCB Group Chief Executive Alan Blake – helped out by two veteran competitors who have run in every race over the last three decades.
Mick Grindey of Uttoxeter, and Charles Bevan, of Abbots Bromley were there at the inaugural event in 1983, and to mark three decades not out, 51-year-old Mick, who is an Engineering PI Co-ordinator with JCB, wore entry number “1” and Charles, 66, former JCB Group Electrical Engineer, number “30”.
Mick, who helped organise the event, said: “I have been involved in the race since 1983. It has been fantastic it to see it grow and grow and become the community event and permanent fixture on the calendar it is today.
“I salute everyone who has come out tonight in very hot conditions to run and raise a great total for the NSPCC.”
First over the line was Ben Gamble in a time of 25 minutes 41 seconds. It was the seventh consecutive victory for the Staffordshire Police Sergeant from Stone.
He said: “It was very hot on the course and it was extremely humid at some points too with very little breeze. So I am glad to have taken the win and put in a decent time too.
“I love taking part in this race, it is such a family affair and I want to congratulate everyone involved in organising it and hope it carries on for another 30 years.”
First woman was Birchfield Harriers athlete Dannii Johnson, of Cheadle, in a time of 33 minutes and 33 seconds. While first JCB man was David Hollins of Stoke-on-Trent, in 29 minutes and 57 seconds. The 57-year-old who works on the JCB Attachments assembly line joked: “I was incredibly warm and at my age should be at home with my feet up rather than running this race.”
First JCB lady was Carolyn Gilligan of Stone. The 41-year-old who works in dealer development notched up a race time of 38 minutes 11 seconds.
This year’s event was sponsored by the Bamford Charitable Foundation, set up by JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford.
All competitors who finished the race received a specially commissioned medal featuring a 30th anniversary inscription.
