Hackett announces sponsorship of the official Beaujolais Run 2006

Hackett London will be involved for the first time ever in The Official Beaujolais Run. The Hackett Beaujolais Run is being held between 14-16 November 2006, to benefit two very worthwhile charitable causes; the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Hackett - the home of Essential British Kit - complements this classic, quintessentially English motoring event. Hackett already sponsors Rugby World Cup winning rugby player Jonny Wilkinson, the GT1 Aston Martin Racing team, the London Rowing Club and British Army polo (as well as polo teams in Spain and France), and is now reinforcing its smart British sporting associations by adding the famous Beaujolais Run.

The unspoilt historic West Sussex-based Goodwood Motor Circuit, home of the celebrated Goodwood Revival, will be the starting venue for The Hackett Beaujolais Run, with a grid restricted to 30 unique vehicles, competing to ‘Bring Back the Beaujolais’ after its launch in Beaujeu at midnight on Wednesday 15th November 2006.

The 30 competitor vehicles will be flagged off at the Goodwood starting point at around 8.30 am on Tuesday 14 November by 1996 Formula One World Champion Damon Hill, (spectators welcome). After a lap of the Goodwood circuit, participants will head off via a South Coast route for EuroTunnel.

The first day will end with a reception at Veuve Clicquot, Reims, setting the participants up nicely for the second day, with a navigational challenge forming the heart of the event. The aim is the shortest distance (via a series of cryptic checkpoints) and not the fastest speed; ensuring all participants reach their destination safely.

The challenge will culminate in Macon, where the teams will be wined and dined in true French style with a celebratory dinner at Chateau des Jacques, Moulin a Vent hosted by Baron Guillaume de Curières de Castelnau, before joining in local celebrations and fireworks at the traditional Beaujolais Release Fete in Beaujeu. The 2006 Beaujolais Nouveau is then released at midnight, after which all participants will return to Calais and the UK at their own pace, before regrouping for a celebratory dinner in London on Thursday 16th November.

Jeremy Hackett; “It seemed a natural fit for Hackett to be involved with the Beaujolais Run and all for a good cause. This year’s event looks like it’s going to be great fun…as long as I get to taste the first bottle when it arrives…!”

Damon Hill patron of the DSA; “The Beaujolais Run 2006 is a fun event in aid of a fantastic cause. Through my 17 year old son Oliver, I am aware of the special love and joy that children with special needs can bring to a family. Having been a patron of the DSA for a number of years, I fully support the causes that the DSA are fighting for. “

The DSA is the only charity in the UK focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. It exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of the condition and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome.

Donations to the above charities can be made via justgiving on the following link; http://www.justgiving.com/beaujolaisrun