Records broken at 6th JCB Mud Run

Competitors scrambled over more than 35 obstacles, including monkey bars and water pits, on a specially-created eight-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 500 entrants.

The proceeds from the event support the work at Carole House, the NSPCC’s service centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme which was set up after JCB and its employees completed a £2 million fundraising campaign.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford was on hand to fire the starting gun for the first race in which his son, George, took part.

Afterwards, George presented a cheque for the proceeds to the NSPCC and said: “What an amazing total has been raised and what a fantastic day.

"I really enjoyed running the course with my wife, son and daughter. It really is the best one ever. To see how far this event has come in just six years is incredible and makes me very proud. But even though there are so many people here taking part we haven't lost the fun and family atmosphere and that's what makes it special.”

Camilla Wood, NSPCC partnership manager, who accepted the cheque said: “We are overwhelmed by the effort and commitment of the JCB team and mud runners today. 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.”

Also taking part was Spanish-born Joe Vazquez of Tean, near Cheadle – 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.

Others included former Midlands' lightweight boxing champion Jason Burgess, of Leek, who used the Mud Run as a warm up to the Obstacle Course Racing World Championship taking place in Canada, in October.

The 41-year-old, who now works as a site manager at Churnet View Middle School, finished first.

Engineers Dhanraj Veer, 28, and Ajay Mahajan were visiting the UK from JCB India's factory in Pune and decided to take part.

Dhanraj said: "We have both done traditional fun runs back home but nothing like this. It was freezing cold at times and my teeth won't stop chattering but it is a real memory to take back home."

At one point the event was invaded by Darth Vader and a group of around 20 Star Wars stormtroopers – in fact a team from Staffordshire Housing Group.

They donned Star Wars garb to raise money for the homeless support charity Arch North Staffordshire.

IT manager Darren Penny, aged 44, from Abbots Bromley, took on the role of super sci-fi villain Lord Vader.

He said: "We aimed to raise about £2,000 for charity but thanks to every one's support we are on course for £3,000. The force has been strong for our fundraising! The fancy dress costumes are ruined, though. I don't think we will get our deposits back."