27 August to 26 September 2023

Three countries, crossing 38 lines of latitude in 30 days and one unforgettable journey. Pack your determination, competitive spirit, and sense of true adventure.

Alaska & USA, Canada and Mexico

Alaska to Mexico Marathon – Daily Dispatch

Day 30 La Paz – Cabo San Lucas 228km

When we left a chilly and damp Anchorage more than four weeks ago, some of us thought that today would never come given what lay ahead. But time marches on in lockstep with a long-distance rally, and today we crossed into the Tropic of Cancer and finally saw the chequered flag in a very warm Cabo San Lucas.

 

The engines and their cooling systems were working hard today under another sweltering sun, and two alternators just couldn’t take any more. Stephen and Samantha Hardwick’s Datsun was one, and Steve and Ruth Lamberts Ford was the other. However, thanks to Jamie Turner and Russ Smith’s box of spares, both cars were quickly back on the road.

 

Thankfully the rest of the Rally enjoyed a largely uneventful, but impressive run through the hills of the Sierra de La Laguna and devoured a last Mexican lunch at Las Terrazas del Cortés before pulling into the palm-fringed grounds of the Hacienda Del Mar and under the finishing arch.  A five-piece mariachi band and chilled margaritas set the tone for the evening, with the crews being joined by family and friends who had flown in to help celebrate.

For the first Rally the Globe Marathon event, it was somehow fitting that we also have two maiden winners.Manuel and Irene Dubs who clinched the overall prize and first place in the vintage category, having driven around the world in cars of all shapes and sizes for many years. They have also enjoyed some notable success but, its their first win with Rally the Globe and they proved to be very popular victors. Other than a couple of minor mechanical hiccups, their 1940 Ford Coupe behaved impeccably and, with Manuels driving prowess and Irenes mastery of the navigation they were the crew to beat from the very beginning.

 

By comparison, Ean and Alison Lewin are relative newcomers to the long-distance rallying game. After knocking on the door of the winner’s enclosure more than once – and with an agonising near miss for second place in Istanbul – today, they sealed the deal without recourse to the age of the car rule. And, with a neat symmetrical twist to this tale, it was Mike and Lorna Harrison who today had to settle for third. By way of compensation though, Lorna took an award for the best navigator. Both winners were obviously delighted and after soaking the rest of the rally with a couple of bottles of bubbly, began thinking of rearranging their trophy cabinets.

 

 

Manuel said that consistency was the key to winning. We tried to stay on the same level every day whether it was a Test or a Regularity and this approach paid off. I like to drive difficult gravel roads through interesting scenery and with Irenes navigational skills we make a great team. Were delighted to take the overall prize – a first for us and to win the prewar category as well”. “When we signed up as members of Rally the Globe they asked me what I wanted to achieve and, I replied that I wanted to be at least one second quicker than Graham Goodwin, we have achieved that today and we’re very pleased”.

Ean and Alison couldnt hide their delight either and said that since they began their endurance rallying journey with Rally the Globe way back during the Yorkshire Cloverleaf. They’ve had an amazing time, stating “it’s nice to get this win nailed down, we’ve done seven events now and we’ve been close a few times. To win the post-war category of RtG’s first Marathon event is absolutely awesome. This company takes you to places that you’d never get into otherwise, and Fred’s black book gets us into some amazing venues”

 

As well as the overall awards there were some discretionary prizes handed out and the Spirit of the Rally went to Tim Eades for never giving up and eventually bringing his son Patrick to fill the spare seat. The Against All Odds trophy was scooped by Brian and Catherine Scowcroft for getting their old Chevy to the end after an electrical fire, brake failure and several steering issues.

 

Finally, Fred Gallagher thanked everyone for being such good sports – and the winners for their few short words – and then reeled off a few statistics for us. Weve driven over 12,000km through three countries and across 38° of latitude and have seen a low of 4°c with a high of 44°c – and this morning in Anchorage the temperature was 1°c. Natural disasters set a few traps for us in the build-up to the event, but luck was on our side and despite the reroutes for the Canadian forest fires and the aftermath of Hurricane Jova, we only lost a total of 300km of the original route”.

 

Finally, as Tony Brooks and Simon Spinks have birthdays today we thought wed organise a little get-together for them, a few friends with some nice cars, tucked away in a little hotel somewhere ….. many happy returns.

Days 22-30

Days 15 – 21

Days 08-14

Days 00-07

Highlights from the Alaska to Mexico Marathon

For more photos, highlights and high resolution imagery please click on the link below to view Gerard Brown’s website

Click here for more…

Video highlights from the Alaska to Mexico Marathon

Age Category Class Day

Day 30. La Paz - Cabo San Lucas 228km

No.Participants NameVehicleCCYearDay TotalOverall TotalCategory Pos.Class Pos.
2Graham & Marina GoodwinBentley 4½ Le Mans450019270:004:5813
16Manuel & Irene DubsFord Coupe361919400:003:0011
21Mike & Lorna HarrisonVolvo PV544180019590:004:0612
25Neil & Thomas SmithSunbeam Tiger4700196415:005:1811
37Michael & Anne WilkinsonHolden HK410019680:006:2314
41Stephen & Samantha HardwickDatsun 240Z280019700:006:3515
48Ean & Alison LewinFord Escort RS1600198519730:003:2811
4David Roberts & Jo RobertsChrysler 75 Roadster407819290:005:0624
9Andrew & Ann BolandFord V8 Convertible360019360:004:5022
28Steve & Jenny VerrallPorsche 911199119650:005:2023
32William Shields & Alex SchoenauerChevrolet Camero570019670:0023:11217
39James Grayson & Simon SpinksFord Escort Mexico Works176019690:007:3527
53Danny Day & Matthew BrysonPontiac Trans Am573519750:007:2226
3Keith & Norah AshworthBentley 4½ Le Mans450019270:008:2736
12Richard Turner & Nigel LeeFord Model 62 V8370019380:006:3435
31Roy & Rachel StephensonFord Mustang4700196515:0016:29320
34John Henderson & Jeff WestMG BGT180019680:008:0338
40Carl Helmetag & John HouckVolvo 131198619700:0014:17314
56Michael Kershaw & Christopher MallettRange Rover350019810:008:2439
1Clint Smith & Martin JonesBentley 3/4½450019250:0034:14410
14Tony Rowe & Mark DellingFord DeLuxe V8 91A Coupe360019390:0014:5647
24Phillip & Lynda BlundenHolden EH Special293019640:008:54410
38Steven & Midori HitchinsFord Mustang Shelby GT 3505000196815:009:59430
44Otakar Chladek & Jindriska ZemlickovaMercedes-Benz 350 SL350019710:0012:48413
54Fritz & Gabriele KozkaPorsche 9241950197815:001:31422
5Lee Harman & Steve KrippaehneFord Model A Victoria200019310:0037:57513
7Stephen & Ruth LambertFord Fordor 48 Sedan274319350:0019:3958
22Stephen Partridge & Corgi La GrouwFord Galaxie640019610:0033:56531
27Claudine Bloom & Andrew TwortVolvo Amazon 120178019650:009:50511
45Thomas Stern & Frank BertramPorsche 9242000197215:0033:49523
55Gerd Buehler & Christian FranssenMercedes-Benz 450 SLC4498197915:0017:41519
8Brian & Catherine ScowcroftChevrolet Fangio Coupe330019360:0024:2769
20Jeff Urbina & Chris PikeChevrolet 210 BelAir4638195715:0034:15632
36John & Nicole WhitelockMercedes-Benz 280 SL280019680:0011:28612
46Tobias & Silvia KoenigPorsche 9112700197215:0053:51621
49Ivan Pusnik & Boris GruzmanSAAB 991985197315:0037:22628
15John & Daisy PyleChevy Coupe380019390:0050:43711
19Adrian & Christine HodgsonAustin A90 Westminster291219550:0015:46715
51Kilian Kozka & Gian Paulo ScorzoMercedes-Benz 350 SLC3500197315:0012:23725
10Jim Gately & Tony BrooksCadillac 60 series5670193715:0036:51812
35Anthony & Sonja VerloopMercedes-Benz 280 SE274819680:0019:02816
50Andreas Honegger & Peter KruseMercedes-Benz 280 CE274519730:0035:43826
11Christopher & Kathleen GraceChevrolet Fangio Coupe3540193815:005:05914
23Nick & Serita SleepMercedes-Benz 230 SL277819640:0038:16918
43Tim & Patrick EadesFord Bronco570019780:0058:35927
29Stanley Gold & Brant ParsonsPorsche 9112000196515:0039:261024
57Andrew & Freddie McAlpineRange Rover3500198215:0028:201029
30Bernard & Denise MatteiFord Mustang Fastback47001965NLC

CLASS RESULTS

 

DETAILED RESULTS

 

TEAM RESULTS

No.CrewVehicleCCYearClass
1Clint Smith (GB) / Martin Jones (GB)Bentley 3/4½450019251
2Graham Goodwin (GB) / Marina Goodwin (GB)Bentley 4½ Le Mans450019271
3Keith Ashworth (GB) / Norah Ashworth (GB)Bentley Le Mans450019271
4David Roberts (GB) / Jo Roberts (GB)Chrysler 75 Roadster407819291
5Lee Harman (USA) / Winston Conyers (CA)Ford Model A Victoria200019311
7Stephen Lambert (AU) / Ruth Lambert (AU)Ford Fordor 48 V8274319352
8Brian Scowcroft (GB) / Catherine Scowcroft (GB)Chevrolet Fangio Coupe330019362
9Andrew Boland (IRL) / Ann Boland (IRL)Ford V8 Convertible360019362
10Jim Gately (USA) / Tony Brooks (GB)Cadillac 60 series567019372
11Chris Grace (USA)/ Kathy Grace (USA)Chevrolet Coupe354019382
12Richard Turner (GB) / Nigel Lee (GB)Ford Model 62370019382
14Tony Rowe (GB) / Mark Delling (GB)Ford DeLuxe V8 91A Coupe360019392
15John Pyle (GB) / Daisy Pyle (GB)Chevy Coupe380019392
16Manuel Dubs (CH) / Irene Dubs (CH)Ford Coupe361919402
19Adrian Hodgson (GB) / Christine Hodgson (GB)Austin A90 Westminster291219553
20Jeff Urbina (USA) / Chris Pike (NZ)Chevrolet 210 Belair463819574
21Mike Harrison (GB) / Lorna Harrison (GB)Volvo PV544180019593
22Stephen Partridge (NZ) / Corgi La Grouw (NZ)Ford Galaxie640019614
23Nick Sleep (GB) / Serita Sleep (GB)Mercedes-Benz 230 SL277819643
24Phillip Blunden (AUS) / Lyndy Blunden (AUS)Holden EH Special293019643
25Neil Smith (GB) / Trevor Skillen (GB)Sunbeam Tiger 289 Mk I470019644
27Claudine Bloom (GB) / Andrew Twort (GB)Volvo Amazon 120178019653
28Steve Verrall (GB)/ Jenny Verrall (GB)Porsche 911199119653
29Stan Gold (USA) / Brant Parsons (USA)Porsche 911200019653
31Roy Stephenson (GB) / Rachel Stephenson (GB)Ford Mustang470019654
32Bill Shields (USA) / Alex Schoenauer (USA)Chevrolet Camero570019674
34John Henderson (AU) / Jeff West (AU)MG BGT180019683
35Anthony Verloop (NL) / Sonja Verloop (NL)Mercedes-Benz 280 SE274819683
36John Whitelock (GB) / Nicole Whitelock (GB)Mercedes-Benz 280 SL280019683
37Michael Wilkinson (AUS) / Anna Wilkinson (AUS)Holden HK410019684
38Steven Hitchins (GB) / Midori Hitchins (JP)Ford Mustang Shelby500019684
39James Grayson (GB)/ Simon Spinks (GB)Ford Escort176019695
40Carl Helmetag (USA) / Peter Helmetag (USA)Volvo 131198619705
41Stephen Hardwick (GB) / Ashley Bennett (GB)Datsun 240Z280019706
43Tim Eades (USA) / Jim McLaren (USA)Ford Escort200019715
44Otakar Chládek (CZ) / Jindřiška Žemličková (CZ)Mercedes-Benz 350 SL350019716
45Thomas Stern (DE) / Frank Bertram (DE)Porsche 924200019725
46Tobias Koenig (DE) / Silvia Koenig (DE)Porsche 911270019726
48Ean Lewin (GB) / Alison Lewin (GB)Ford Escort RS1600198519735
49Ivan Pusnik (SL) / Boris Gruzman (USA)SAAB 99198519735
50Andreas Honegger (CH) / Peter Kruse (CH)Mercedes-Benz 280 CE274519736
51Kilian Kozka (DE)/ Gian Paulo Scorzo (DE)Mercedes 350 SLC350019736
53Danny Day (USA) / Matthew Bryson (AU)Pontiac Trans Am573519756
54Fritrz Kozka (DE)/ Gabi Kozka (DE)Porsche 924195019785
55Gerd Buehler (DE) / Janine Franssen (NL)Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC449819796
56Michael Kershaw (GB) / Christopher Mallett (GB)Range Rover350019816
57Andrew McAlpine (GB) / Henry McAlpine (GB)Range Rover350019826

Click below to read Fred Gallagher’s Recce Report

Event Highlights

This incredible Marathon event will see crews journeying 12,000km south from the vast wilderness of unique wildlife and striking landscapes of Alaska to the tropical beaches of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. 

The extraordinarily diverse route will traverse asphalt and gravel roads lined with snow-capped mountains, wide open landscapes, alpine scenery, rugged deserts, ancient canyons, towering rock formations, beautiful beaches, giant sand dunes and tranquil fishing villages. 

We begin in Gold Rush country surrounded by snowy peaks with old mining outposts dotting the unspoilt expanse of Alaska and the Yukon, where distances are great, and civilisation is minimal. Snaking south through Canada, the high mountain views give way to lush pastures. We stop in Dawson Creek where all facilities are available. The wine country of Southern Canada will be a surprise to most before we cross into the USA just south of Osoyoos.

Washington State has Pacific rainforests, alpine scenery and wineries and we shall take a rest day in the quaint wine town of Walla Walla. Oregon and Idaho have more of the same, but the climate gradually gets more arid, and race and speedways become more frequent alongside the abundance of gravel roads to keep us occupied. In Nevada and Utah the sky gets bigger, sandy and rugged vistas dominate, and a rest day in Moab will allow crews to explore and appreciate these all the more.

Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona arrive in quick succession and the incredible sand and gravel tracks promise intense competition in the most unreal and picturesque of surroundings and quirky, friendly desert towns will welcome us for refreshments and exploration, with a final day off in a luxurious resort in Tucson.

Everything changes dramatically as we cross into Mexico and our first overnight on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in Puerto Peñasco. From here the scenery becomes turquoise ocean bays, white sand beaches, quiet fishing villages, and colonial architecture. The next five days see lots of dusty tracks, challenging regularities, cactuses, big hats, tequila and great driving.

Finally, after a month of intense driving, competition, adventure and camaraderie we arrive at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. The resort town of Cabo San Lucas will welcome the rally with open arms, and this is where the real party begins!

To see more of the Alaska to Mexico Marathon highlights, take a look at the full brochure available at the bottom of the page.

Where and when…

Sunday 27 August 2023

Scrutineering, Signing-On and Welcome Dinner, Anchorage, Alaska

Monday 28 August 2023

Rally Start, Anchorage, Alaska

Tuesday 26 September 2023

Rally Finish and Prize-giving Dinner, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Eligible Cars:

Cars of a specification produced before 31 December 1976. Separate classification for cars of a specification produced before the end 31 December 1945. Please check with us if you are not sure your car is eligible.

Competition:

You will encounter some Regularity sections, where you will try to arrive at secret checks at a precise time. The technique is easily learnt; mastering them may take a few days. We have also planned tests on private land, tracks and circuits.  Time Control Sections may be included on remote roads. Underlying the competitive elements will be the basic challenge of driving across a continent in a fifty-year-old car. Your preparation, ingenuity and resilience will all be tested.

Roads used:

A variety of terrain, including regular gravel and sandy sections. We use minor roads to explore areas that few tourists will ever see, some of which will present driving challenges. We go out of our way to avoid really rough roads where possible.

Hospitality:

Accommodation is included in a shared room (double or twin). Single rooms are available for a supplementary fee but may be limited at some hotels. We strive to provide good quality accommodation wherever it is available. In some of the remoter parts of the route our options are severely limited, but when we are in more mainstream locations, and particularly during rest days, the hotels will be top quality. Dinner and other refreshments will be provided on most competition days. A light lunch will be included where this is possible.

Navigation:

The entire route will be defined by a detailed tulip Road Book and overview route maps will be provided.

Event Category:

Request an entry form

To request more information and an entry form for Alaska to Mexico, please click on the button below and fill in the required details.

You can also contact the Rally the Globe office on +44 (0) 113 360 8961, or email directly via info@rallytheglobe.com

Reasons to book With Us!

Rally the Globe is a not-for-profit club that exists to support a broad family of motorsport enthusiasts who want to explore the world in historic and classic vehicles. All our club’s rallies come with highly experienced support crew and safety cover including:

Expert teams of sweep mechanics

On-call doctor or paramedic

Recommendations of experts in crew training and car preparation, shipping and insurance

Advice, encouragement and assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable team