The Olympics may be over and the Paralympics in full swing, but there’s one more major sporting competition about to catch the nation’s attention.
The annual MPG Marathon on 18 and 19 October will highlight the benefits of fuel efficient, economical driving, while at the same time providing a shop window into some of the most innovative, eco-friendly and diverse vehicles on sale – and even some not yet on sale – in the UK.
Based at Heythrop Park Resort in Oxfordshire, competitors will be tasked with planning their own routes to four different venues across the heart of the country, including a visit to the iconic Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, home to the British Grand Prix.
Their aim will be to achieve the highest possible MPG figure for their vehicle of choice, with prizes being awarded for those that achieve not just the best overall MPG figure, but also the most significant improvement over the manufacturer’s quoted figure.
“The fact that drivers are judged on how much they can improve a car’s fuel economy over the official figure is massively important for the event,” said event organiser Jerry Ramsdale.
“It means you can enter the event in an outlandish sports car or a huge SUV, yet still show the world the benefits of driving economically, both in terms of environmental impact and cutting fuel costs, which are just as important to private motorists as they are to fleet managers and business drivers.”
Highlight categories of the event for 2016 will include motorcycles and scooters, multi-seat MPVs and electric cars, pick-ups, five separate van categories, hybrids and a special award for the most parsimonious performance car.
To find out more about the event, visit www.thempgmarathon.co.uk .
