2005 Britballrun             

As you may know and for those of you who don’t, 3 years ago I dreamt of holding an organised car tour solely on British soil that could incorporate a complementary mix of different event types and accessible to anyone that would be interested. So with the help of a few friends, we started to plan the Britballrun.

Along the way we were dealt with a number of challenges, one of which was the forced cancellation of Britballrun 2004. Despite this disappointment, we worked hard with our friends in 35 police constabularies throughout Britain and the relevant authorisation bodies. After two years of dedicated hard work and passionate belief, our efforts were rewarded with two licences to hold a 3-day 1,200-mile authorised event throughout England and Wales (RAC) and Scotland (RSAC).

Britballrun 2005 proceeded under the following licences:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one who was involved in making Britballrun 2005 a major success. This includes organisers, suppliers, media crew, family, friends and most of all the entrants who without, non of this could have been possible. Dreams can come true.

An account of the 2005 Britballrun follows...

Britballrun 2005 took place during the August Bank Holiday weekend and received comments such as "Value for money", "Can I pay now for 2006" and "Forget the other events, Britballrun is the new and best name around". A fantastic weekend had by all - our efforts seemed to work!

Britballrun involved a variety of challenges and control points. All of which were rewarded with incentives, the objective being to collate the lowest points by travelling the shortest route over the three day period. Teams could improve their points by undertaking as many of the treasure challenges along route.

DAN (Oct 2005)
DAN@Britballrun.co.uk

Day One

Started near Coventry, England, with sign-in, bacon sandwiches and coffee. The final control point was in Stirling, Scotland, via Wrexham, Wales. Only one car broke down, Team 13, The Gruesome Twosome! It was soon replaced by Mac's better-half (Glynis), who drove 200 miles to drop off an MX5, and she was left at the services waiting for the tow truck! Evening meal and drinks were laid on and some challenges were set using some of the items the Team had collected during the day.

Day Two

Early in the morning the navigation briefing took place and the days control points revealed. In pouring rain, [typical Scotland!] the cars set off at one minute intervals. As soon as the cars touched back on English turf (down the twisting East coast), the sun cleared the clouds, and they drove towards the end point, Warick Castle.

Once all the teams had arrived, the location for the evening's entertainment was revelaed: a private night-time party inside Warwick Castle (a supurb photo shoot particularly from the tower, if you could make the 500 steps to get to the top!)

After a 5 course banquet, unlimited drinks and entertainment, everyone made their way back to the hotel to watch, for the first time, some of the footage the film crew had taken, along with some of the participants own clips. Everyone was in hysterics, particularly after seeing Maverick and Goose trying to resuscitate a dead pheasant and Team CLIC (the fully ordained Vicars) buying a certain magazine from a service station!

Day Three

Another early start from the Stables at Warwick Castle with more control points and challenges. More miles later, the cars started to arrive at the end location. Teams were welcomed with some drinks and a meal. All cars made it back to the end venue (3 cars broke down but all were replaced or repaired and the participants carried on).

An amazing weekend and thanks to each and everyone of the participants for making it such a successful event. In addition, a very special thanks goes to all the Britballrun 2005 teams who collectively raised £3000 for Children in Need.

Congratulations goes to the winning team car no.86 the 'Big Johnson Recon' Team (Mr T, Ben & Big D) aka the Americans with a boot full of ordnance survey maps! Watch out for the Britballrun DVD

Many Thanks

Andy

January 2006