Two friends, Mark Hoadley and his friends Nick, are preparing to push themselves and a Triumph TR4 – to the absolute limit this October, as they join 100 Triumph enthusiasts for the legendary Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run (RBRR).
The challenge is simple to explain, but brutal to complete: drive nearly 2,000 miles around Britain in just 48 hours, without stopping overnight, in cars that pre-date modern motoring luxuries such as power steering, ABS or cruise control.
The pair will start from Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on Friday 3rd October, heading north through the night to John O’Groats for breakfast, before turning south to Land’s End, and then back to Knebworth on Sunday 5th October. It’s a relentless route, but one with a long and proud history. Since its first run in 1966, the RBRR has raised over £800,000 for UK charities – and with the 2025 event, organisers are determined to hit the £1 million milestone.
This year, all funds raised will go to Parkinson’s UK, a charity that provides life-changing support and funds vital research into new treatments.
Listen to Mark chat with Ben on Andover Radio:
A Change of Wheels – and a Lot of Pressure
Between them, Mark and Nick have already completed nine of these marathons on wheels. But for 2025, they’re swapping cars: Nick is stepping out of his well-worn 1972 Triumph 2000 Mk2 saloon (affectionately described as “trusty, if a little rusty”), while Mark is bringing along his own pride and joy – Flora, a 1965 Triumph TR4A.
Mark admits the pressure is on this year. “This is the first time I’ll be doing the event in my own car rather than as a co-driver. Flora’s had a lot of attention from my dad, who’s been working hard on the electrics. We’ve done plenty of short test drives to iron out the rattles and knocks, but you can never foresee everything. That’s part of the challenge – and the fun.”
More Than Just Cars
While reliability is never guaranteed with classic vehicles, what the event does guarantee is camaraderie. Around 100 Triumphs will be on the road, supported by fellow enthusiasts carrying spare parts and a wealth of knowledge.
“The Triumph community is fantastic,” said Mark. “You’re never on your own – there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. It’s what makes the event addictive. You suffer together, laugh together, and in the end, you’ve done something really special for a good cause.”
Driving for a Cause Close to Home
Club Triumph selects a charity partner for each run, and this year Parkinson’s UK will benefit from every mile driven. Parkinson’s affects around 153,000 people in the UK, with the charity funding vital research, campaigning for better care, and providing everyday support for those living with the condition.
For Mark and Nick, the motivation is clear. “We’re covering all our costs ourselves – fuel, repairs, and everything else. That way, every penny donated goes directly to Parkinson’s UK. It’s about making every mile count.”
How You Can Help
The duo are hoping that the people of Andover – and beyond – will get behind their epic road trip. Donations can be made through their fundraising page at:
👉 wonderful.org/fundraisers/NWj21
Mark and Nick will also be sharing updates from the road, giving supporters a glimpse of life inside a 59-year-old sports car tackling Britain’s longest drive in the space of a weekend.
The challenge may sound mad, but for these two, it’s the perfect mix of grit, grease, and generosity. And with Parkinson’s UK set to benefit, it’s a ride worth taking.
