Classic Marathon

When the first Pirelli Classic Marathon competitors were flagged away from London’s Tower Bridge on a bright and sunny Sunday in June 1988, it was the start of something very special. The ambitious plan was a drive across Europe to Cortina – the Jewel of the Dolomites – and all the way back again for a prize giving at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. As the promotional brochure at the time put it, “This event is rather unique – there is nothing as long, demanding or as challenging in the world calendar for classic cars”. It was a plan that captured not only the imagination of countless enthusiasts -but also many of rallying’s past heroes – Stirling Moss, Roger Clark, Timo Makinen, Paddy Hopkirk, Paul Easter and Willy Cave to name but a few were all keen to come out of retirement to relive former glories.

Although the event has evolved in the thirty years since that date, the Marathon still holds endurance at its core, driving and navigating across some of Europe’s finest roads and mountain passes are the heart and soul of this event. However, the event does allow for a good social side as it is essentially a daylight event. Navigation will be in the form of easy to read tulip instructions or simple Jogularity information. These will be supplemented by daily overview maps. As such, the event is ideal for those wanting to venture out onto their first long distance European event.

Breaking new ground in 2018, the Classic Marathon will explore the birthplace of western civilisation, Greece. This mountainous country lends itself to fantastic driving roads, each turn bringing a challenge for both driver and navigator. We aim to bring you a real flavour of the Aegean and a rare and unique chance to compete against like-minded crews over this fabled rally ground. Scrutineering takes place on the 9th of June 2018, with the event starting on the 10th of June 2018.

The event starts at an historic site in the Athens area and, from there, a straightforward first day on the road takes us north west to Delphi and a chance to consult the Oracle… The terrain then becomes more rugged on Day Two as we explore the mountains of Central Greece before finishing in the shadow of the amazing clifftop monasteries at Meteora.

Climbing ever higher, a challenging third day behind the wheel sees the route rise to over 2000 metres as we enjoy a series of lonely mountain roads through the spectacular Pindos Mountains before descending to the coast and the overnight hotel close to Patras.

Day Four combines the mountains of the Peloponnese with the opportunity to visit a few historic sites as we head for the coastal resort of Kalamata, famous for its olives. Here crews can enjoy two nights in the same hotel, as the next day sees us discovering the wild and rugged coastlines of the beautiful Mani region before returning to Kalamata.

For more information please speak to Jeneen for more information:

Jeneen

Straight Eight Logistics Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0)203 540 4929
Mob: +44 (0)7535 759494
Skype: StraightEightLogistics
Web: www.straighteightlogistics.com