Le Jog 2012

XVlllth Land's End to John O'Groats Reliability & Touring Trial

1st to 4th December 2012

"Brilliant". "Tough", "A pleasant nightmare". "Challenging", "An awesome experience". What a challenge!"

These were just a few of the comments made by competitors as the chequered flag fell across their bonnets at John O’Groats on the conclusion of the 16th Land’s End to John O’Groats Reliability & Touring Trial. Considered by many as the toughest event of its kind in Europe, the customary severe wintry weather that hits the UK in December is always at hand to prove Le Jog worthy of it's reputation.

Still considered as a definite on your “must do” events list, the 2012 Land’s End to John O’Groats Reliability & Touring Trial is once again open to cars built before 1984. With entries expected from across Europe, demand is expected to be high, so to ensure your place contact HERO without delay.

Le Jog ranks high in the list of "must-do" events and year after year, crews from all over the world pit their skills against some of the toughest driving roads and weather as they compete against the clock to drive across Britain.

Every competitor dreams of collecting one of the elusive golds (three were earned in 2010), but crossing the finishing line is the main aim of many, particularly novices. The sense of achievement is immense and most crews pass under the finish banner with huge smiles on their faces.

As always, the aim of LE JOG is to allow crews to experience the heydays of British Rallying by day and night with long regularities and navigation sections, driving tests on private land, and the occasional section of smooth forest – with overnight halts on the Saturday and Sunday. You will cover approximately 1500 miles from the extreme south west of the UK to the north of Scotland using as many minor roads as possible.

The weather in early December is unpredictable and can range from glorious sunshine, to torrential rain and blizzards – all conditions experienced on the 16th LE JOG, that ran in the worst weather conditions to hit Britain in 40 years! The challenge is meant to be tough, but no specialist preparation is required, just a well prepared car. LE JOG has always attracted novices, and recognises their achievement with an award for the best performance by a beginner. The LE JOG training day covers various topics such as car and crew preparation, map reading, and dealing with regularities.

Approximately two weeks before LE JOG, entrants are provided with a set of General Route Instructions to plot the location of main controls, rest halts, driving tests and regularity starts/finishes. For competitors who may not have time to plot this information, a specially prepared map book is issued to all. Additional route information is issued at the start of each leg. Navigation is pretty straightforward and no trickery is involved.

You will need a set of Ordnance Survey maps, and HERO has arranged a special deal with one of the UK main suppliers. OS maps can be purchased through the HERO on-line store.

During the event, HERO Assist provides a team of experienced mechanics who will work through the night if necessary to help keep you going. A characteristic of LE JOG is that crews forced to miss a leg can rejoin later.

The HERO Arrive and Drive program can help if you don’t have a suitable car.

The Touring Trial is a non-competitive but challenging event guaranteed to test the stamina of the crew. Calling at the Reliability Trial Main Controls and with 'code board' questions between controls, there are no time penalties, regularities or tests.

Competitors on the Tour receive finisher’s awards and are eligible for the Concourse and Spirit of the Rally Awards.

An entry can be secured at the Early Bird fee level by making a payment of £600 deposit by 30th May 2012 with the additional benefit that the balance will not be due until 1st September 2012. HERO Premier Members get up to 10% discount on the entry fee and everyone can have the peace of mind of knowing that their money is safe with HERO as entries are paid into an Escrow account held by our solicitor. Entry fees include participation for two, accommodation on Saturday and Sunday nights (1st and 2nd December), welcome and prize-giving black tie dinners, and a generous awards list. (Supplements are available for single rooms and additional crew members).

The provisional route for 2012 will as always include new venues and tests. A qualifying round of the HERO Cup, LE JOG has been described as an adrenalin rush from start to finish. For information on all HERO events and services visit the HERO website or contact