Cricket lovers run 5k every day
Two cricket lovers who are running 5k every day of 2026 to help bring cricket back to an historic city ground are nearing their fundraising target.
Lincolnshire Cricket’s Community Coach Steven Crossley and CEO Martyn Dobson are taking part in Project 5k365 to redevelop the historic Sobraon Barracks Ground, now renamed as the Barracks County Ground.
To kickstart the campaign Steven and Martyn have challenged themselves to run a minimum of 5km every single day throughout 2026.
The pair want to raise £2,000 for essential equipment and practice facilities at Lincolnshire Cricket’s new home, which will be formally opened on April 23 in readiness for the cricket season.
At the time of publishing this article they had raised ÂŁ1,730.
After more than two years of inactivity, the ground off Burton Road had fallen into disrepair, but with help from Sport England’s Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, restoration work began in late 2025.
Once complete, the Barracks County Ground will become:
- the home of the Lincolnshire Women’s County Team
- a base for male and female county age‑group cricket
- a centre of cricketing excellence for future generations
- a hub for community programmes, giving young people greater access to cricket
“The formal opening will mark a major milestone in the project, symbolising the return of cricket to one of Lincoln’s historic sporting sites, said Martyn.
“Every penny raised through Project 5k365 will go directly toward creating a high‑quality performance environment for players across the county.
“The Barracks County Ground has historical significance here in Lincoln and bringing cricket back here is about more than facilities — it’s about community, opportunity, and pride. Project 5k365 is our way of showing total commitment to that vision.”
Steven added: “Running 5K every day for a year will be tough, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. We want people across Lincolnshire to feel part of this journey - whether they join us for a run, follow our progress, or donate to support the project.”
Throughout 2026, Steven and Martyn will be completing their daily runs alongside as many members of the Lincolnshire cricket community as possible. Regular updates, photos, and progress reports will be shared across Lincolnshire Cricket’s channels.
Donations can be made via the Project 5k365 fundraising page https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/project-5k365