More than 130 cars have completed the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run, and in the process raised in excess of £62,000 for Guide Dogs UK. In total 119 crews out of 133 starters completed the 2000-mile non-stop drive in less than 48 hours.
The event, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, featured almost every type of Triumph imaginable, from Heralds and Dolomites to TR4s and Acclaims.
Competitors set off from Knebworth House at 6pm on Friday before heading north into Scotland, reaching John O’Groats at 7am the following morning. A hearty breakfast bolstered crews for the run to Lands End, which took participants through some of the most challenging driving roads in Scotland.
Less than 24 hours after leaving the northernmost point in mainland Britain, the first crews rolled into Land’s End, where the earliest arrivals were able to steal a few moments well-earned rest. The last leg back to Knebworth took a further 12 hours, and proved one of the biggest challenges for drivers and cars alike, with many limping to the finish.
Among the diverse entry list was a stunning GTR4 Dove, which showed a clean pair of heels through the nighttime section of winding Welsh roads, while the oldest car to take part – a Triumph Renown – completed the run after being driven to the start from Belgium. An incredible achievement.
Big saloons proved to be the cars of choice, their spacious interiors offering the best chance of sleep for weary crews, but a number of smaller-capacity Heralds and 1300s also completed the tour in good time. Most notable of these was a white Herald convertible, which surprised many with its turn of pace – no doubt helped by its Mazda MX-5 power plant!
The Round Britain Reliability Run takes place every two years and has raised more than £500,000 since the first event in 1966. This year’s total is on target to eclipse 2014’s total charitable donations, which topped £59,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
