The 1400-mile Land’s End to John O’Groats rally, aptly known as Le Jog, is world-famous for good reason. It has immense appeal – both as a ‘romantic adventure’ and as a seriously gruelling challenge.

This year will be the 17th time the event has run, and it’s set to be an even tougher challenge than usual. To be held from 10-13 December, Le Jog 2011 will include its longest-ever night navigation section.

Route coordinator John Kiff aims to “make Le Jog as relentless as ever but to add more competitive elements, which will give crews even more satisfaction and sense of achievement.” He adds, “We want to see every crew arrive at the Telford tired but with a big satisfied grin on their faces.”

The infamous Welsh night section will have over 30 time controls – 75% of which will be 4-minute sections while the longest section will only be 3.5 miles – but the route has been designed with loops to allow controls to be cut for those running late. In addition, this year’s Le Jog should have up to 30 tests at 26 venues: more than twice as many as at some recent events.

Le Jog is organised by the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO). Says HERO’s Event Director, Peter Nedin, “Competitors have gone on record to say that Le Jog is one of the toughest events of its kind in Europe, possibly the world, and we constantly strive to maintain this enviable reputation.”

It’s certainly no easy ride. If you fancy the challenge of a lifetime, see www.heroevents.eu/Events/LeJog.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: HERO