Classic Marathon

The 31st Classic Marathon will feature the exciting mountain roads and glorious Alpine scenery of France and Spain taking in the Jura Mountains and the Ardeche, driving on roads made famous by the Monte Carlo Rally; then into the Massif Central of France, before the last 3 days takes us into the Pyrenees. This well-renowned classic car rally last ventured over these roads back in 2010; such is the quality of this area for rallying that it has also featured on other successful HERO-ERA events, the Alpine Trial, the Winter Challenge and London to Lisbon to name just a few and including the legendary Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.

Although the Marathon has evolved since the original event created by Philip Young back in 1988, it 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 motoring challenge. However, the event also allows for a good social side as it is essentially a daylight rally. Navigation, provided in Route Books issued 30 minutes before the start each day, will be in the form of easy-to-read Tulip instructions or descriptive information. These will be supplemented by daily overview maps. The event caters both for those wanting to venture out onto their first long distance European event as well as the old hands searching for their biennial Marathon fix.

The start with be in Divonne-le-Bains, allowing for easy access via Geneva airport for those flying in or a one day drive from the Channel ports. The finish will be on the Atlantic coast, at the elegant seaside town of Biarritz, with options to travel home via ferry from Santander or Bilbao, fly via the international airport at Biarritz or leisurely drive back through the Bordeaux region.