Motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss flagged off 50 cars as this years Hackett Beaujolais Run got underway in London. Celebrating 60 years of the Jaguar XK, many of the cars were historic Jaguars. The 100 drivers and navigators headed for Eurotunnel for a four day run which will see them bringing back the Beaujolais and raising £150,000 for charity.

The Beaujolais Run ® began in 1972 when Sunday Times journalist Alan Hall threw down the gauntlet to Fleet Street to "Bring Back the Beaujolais". At that time the object of the exercise was speed and this was brought to an end by the RAF, whom took up the challenge in a Harrier and broke all records!

In 2006, by kind permission by Lord March, The Beaujolais Run ® made its spiritual home at Goodwood. In the same year, the event became a five day event showcasing the best the UK and France has to offer. Hackett is synonymous with this as overall event sponsor.

For 2008 The Beaujolais Run ® hits London and Paris. Starting by kind permission of Sir Terence Conran from Bibendum in Kensington. The 'Run then halts in Paris for a reception at the British Embassy before the following day sees the navigational shoot out at the heart of the event en route to Macon. A black tie prize giving dinner awaits competitors in Paris on the return leg, before returning to London to light up the King Road to celebrate the return of the new harvest.

The Beaujolais Run ® has evolved to become a navigational shoot out over a cryptic checkpoint course in deepest Burgundy. This format ensures Austin and Aston, Jaguar and Jalpa and Porsche and Prius can compete on a level playing field. Maps, Sat Nav and Laptops are all acceptable modes of navigation on the event. Teams compete for the honour of achieving P1 on the grid the following year (highest fundraising team) and P2, the team that covers the shortest distance on the navigational trial.

The Beaujolais Run ® welcomes a variety of metal; we do not actively favour any particular marque. Although we choose a celebrated marque each year, you do not have to drive that marque to enter.

The Beaujolais Run ® aims to provide "money can't buy experiences", which might include unique venues, people, experiences or a combination of all of the above.  For more information Visit the Beaujolais Run website

Pictures by Peter Hall.