Hundreds of runners are limbering for one of Staffordshire’s oldest charity road races – to help kick-start JCB’s 80th birthday celebrations.

More than 130 competitors have already signed up for the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run on Thursday, July 10th – with other entrants now being urged to register for the popular races.

The event comprises a five-mile race and two-mile fun run around JCB’s picturesque World Headquarters at Rocester and will raise money for JCB’s £2 million NSPCC Appeal.

And as JCB celebrates its 80th anniversary on October 23rd, race entrants are being encouraged to join in the birthday fun by donning digger-themed fancy dress – with a special prize on offer for the best costume.

A JCB spokesman said:

“The JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run has been a firm favourite in the racing calendar for more than 40 years and it’s a real family event which attracts a huge cross section of entrants, from elite runners to beginners. This year is a very special one for JCB and entrants are encouraged to run in JCB digger themed costumes to help make the event a real birthday celebration.”

The race was first run in 1983 when just 95 competitors took part, including former JCB employees Mick Grindey, 64, and Charles Bevan, 78, who have run in every race since and will be on the start line again this year.