MG Cumbria’s Famous Christmas Cracker Run has been re-staged after a last minute postponement in December due to the devastating floods the day previously.

Since then Cumbria has been slowly recovering but the road and bridge network are still in disarray. The event was re-run over a route that had to be revised three times due to ongoing road closure issues.

Most of the original entrants were able to make it for the new date plus a few who were not available in December. The entries ranged from a few pre war cars right through to a few brand new ones, not everyone brought their MG or classics so there was a wide variety of cars.

Many crews still decorated their cars and dressed up in Christmas gear which drew a few amusing looks at the start venue at the Rheged Discovery Centre near Penrith.

The route took the cars to the north and west of Penrith, in the area between the M6 and the fells, via Newbiggin and Lamonby to Hesket Newmarket and then to the first check-point at Caldbeck, birthplace of the legendary huntsman John Peel. Here the crews were questioned on their recognition of photos of motorsport personalities.

The road book them directed the cars via Overwater and Bewaldeth to join the A591 and head south towards Keswick, avoiding some of the bridges that are still closed. The second check point was in the old road at Braithwaite when the crew’s recognition of British sports cars was tested.

The final part of the route was the toughest and most enjoyable. The route took the crews via Braithwaite over the Whinlatter Pass to Lorton and then via Buttermere and over the Honister Pass when there was a small amount of fresh snow at the roadside.

There was another change to the original route here due to roads that were still closed and the enthusiasts drove along the east side of Derwentwater and through Keswick to join the A66 for the short run to the lunch halt at Braithwaite Village Hall, where a meal was awaiting them.

A number of prizes were presented before the crews set off home:

  • Furthest travelled: Nigel Pattinson MG F from Anglesey
  • Motorsport Personalities Quiz: Charles Graves (Jaguar XK150)
  • British Sports cars Quiz: David Agnew (Mini 850)
  • Best decorated car: Bill Sykes (Toyota Celica)
  • Best dressed crew: David Miller
  • Overall winner: Colin Pattinson (MG B)