The Crumball Rally - Banger Rally

THE GREAT ESCAPE

About The Great Escape

First run in 2011, and themed loosely on the sixties film depicting the true life events of the mass breakout of 76 allied airmen from a German POW in March 1944, the route took in a number of historic wartime locations (and plenty more besides)... en-route to one of the world's best known festivals, Munich's legendary Oktoberfest... A great place to unwind at the end!

This was a rare opportunity for fans of the film to appreciate the real life events of courage and sacrifice that inspired the universal favourite epic... ...and have a jolly good time taking part in a unique driving experience in a ridiculously priced car valued at £200 or less!

The Great Escape Route

Our most challenging but rewarding route so far, designed to give teams the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit several iconic wartime locations but have serious fun on the way. In fact you don’t need an interest in history to appreciate this event. If you like driving, cities and enjoy the nightlife, breakout a can of Dulux and paint up your car!

For this event we started not in France but in Belgium, and then onto former East Germany and the infamous Colditz Castle before heading into Poland and then back into Bavaria.

Day 1: Antwerp to Leipzig (Approximately 410 miles)

Starting out from a large car park on the outskirts of Antwerp where as usual all the teams can admire / laugh / take bets on the durability of each other's vehicles! The first days route takes us through Belgium and central Germany onto the famous university city of Leipzig in Saxony, via the Mohne Dam, famously breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron in May 1943.

Day 2: Colditz Castle to Poland and Dresden (Approximately 315 miles)

A short drive from Leipzig to the days start in the shadow of the famous Colditz Castle, before heading east to Poland and the site of another famous prisoner of war camp, Stalag Luft 111, from where the largest mass escape by allied prisoners of war occurred in March 1944 as featured in The Great Escape Film. Finishing in the rebuilt City of Dresden.

Day 3: Dresden to Berchestgaden and Munich (Approximately 480 miles)

Mountains have always been part of the Crumball Rally and this third day provides an optional opportunity to visit Hitler’s Mountain Retreat in the Bavarian Alps, “The Eagles Nest” at Berchestgaden, now a mountain top restaurant with spectacular views over the national park. A final memorable day that challenges car and participants alike before the party begins in Bavaria's capital.

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