Historic ‘Beaujolais Run®’ once again supports the RAF Family

The world-famous Beaujolais Run® once again travelled across France in November, bringing together a community of motoring enthusiasts as they raced to be among the first to sample the newly released Beaujolais Nouveau – all while raising vital funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The historic event originally began in the 1970s as a race to return the first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau to the UK after its midnight release at a ceremonial event in Burgundy. Since 2017, under the ownership of Run Director, Rob Bellinger, the event has evolved into a unique, week-long lifestyle event, combining motoring navigational challenges with tastings at some of the finest vineyards across Champagne, Burgundy and beyond. '
Open to all types of vehicle – from 'daily drive' to 'hypercar' – The Beaujolais Run® attracts competitors from across the world. Seasoned participants return year after year to welcome new ‘Runners’, forging lasting friendships through shared experiences in motoring, wine and fine dining, while simultaneously paying their respects at historic RAF sites.

This year’s Run, themed ‘Merlin’, was launched from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. ‘Runners’ were welcomed by the Officer Commanding and the engineering team, who opened the doors to their Squadron at RAF Coningsby for a private viewing of the RAF’s most treasured historic aircraft. Engineers offered rare insights into the challenges of maintaining these iconic machines before guiding guests aboard the DC3 Dakota for a behind-the-scenes look at its fascinating history.

After a buffet lunch and a celebratory glass of Taittinger, raising a toast to the Flight’s successful display season, the ‘Runners’ departed for Folkestone in preparation for their journey across France. Their route took them through Reims, the heart of Champagne, onward to Burgundy and Alsace.

RAF Benevolent Fund Area Director, Neil Tomlin, who both supported and took part in the event, said: "The Beaujolais Run® provides a unique opportunity for people from all backgrounds and interests to combine their love of wine, travel and fun while raising vital funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Many participants return year after year to enjoy this wonderful programme of events and to visit and pay their respects at sites of historical RAF and military significance. We are very proud of our relationship with this unique event.

"Since choosing the RAF Benevolent Fund as its charity, The Beaujolais Run® has raised tens of thousands of pounds, enabling us to support the RAF Family in need. We are immensely grateful for their continued enthusiasm and support."

For more information about The Beaujolais Run® or to enquire about entering the 2026 event, visit: www.beaujolaisrun.com.