A record-breaking field of 3,000 squirmed and splashed their way to a £70,042 charity total by taking on the challenge of the 6th annual JCB Mud Run.
Competitors scrambled over more than 35 obstacles, including monkey bars and water pits, on a specially-created 8-kilometre course, doused with one million litres of water, built on land near to JCB’s World Headquarters, in Rocester, Staffordshire.
It means that a grand total of £300,000 has been raised for the NSPCC in Staffordshire in six years since the JCB Mud Run started in 2012 - when it attracted a field of 500 entrants.
The proceeds of the event supports the work at Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the NSPCC’s service centre which was set up after JCB and its employees completed a £2 million fundraising campaign.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford was there to fire the starting gun for the first race in which his son, George, took part.
Camilla Wood, NSPCC Partnership Manager, who accepted the cheque said: “On behalf of the NSPCC team at Carole House, I'd like to say a big thank you to JCB for putting on a fantastic Mud Run as part of their on-going support for our work with the most vulnerable children in Staffordshire.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who braved the amazing obstacle course and raised vital funds to help keep children safe from abuse.”
From Pamplona bull run to Mud Run
Also taking part was Spanish-born Joe Vazquez of Tean, near Cheadle, Staffs – who, at 71, was the oldest competitor in the field.
Originally from Barcelona, Joe, who is a veteran of the Pamplona Bull Run, joined JCB in 1976 and now works for the company as a factory tour guide.
He said: "To say it was fantastic is an understatement. I ran round with a smile on my face and everyone around me kept talking to me and encouraging me. I was a little embarrassed to find out I was the oldest in the field but I hope I encourage a few more of my age to step up next year. It doesn't matter if you are 71, 80 or even older, if you believe you can do it you can do it."
He added: "I did it the first two years but this time around it is so much bigger and there are so many more taking part – it kind of draws you in and gets you into the spirit.”
In memory of Andy
The event was extremely poignant for Zoe Cooper, 38, of Clayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, who took part in memory of her late husband Andy.
Andy, who worked for JCB as a Backhoe Loader Production Supervisor, took part in every JCB Mud Run since it started, until he tragically died in a road accident in March 2016.
Teacher Zoe, along with family, friends and former colleagues, took on the course for the second year running as a tribute to him.
She completed half the course but had to retire early with an ankle injury - but has vowed to back next year.
The mum-of-three said: “From a personal point of view it is about finding something positive in such a bad situation. And it gives me something to really push for and to motivate me, knowing I am taking part in an event that Andy really enjoyed. I am so grateful to Andy’s former colleagues at JCB who have been there for me and continue to support me.”
