The UK to Spain Rat Run Banger Rally 2026

Welcome to our JustGiving page for the EE Merthyr Tydfil team taking on the UK to Spain Rat Run Banger Rally 2026 — all in aid of the fantastic Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil.

In September, we’ll be swapping sensible transport for a questionable car, questionable fashion choices and an even more questionable belief that our bargain-priced banger will actually make it all the way to Spain. Our challenge is to drive approximately 1,300 miles from the UK to Benidorm, tackling daily Top Gear-style challenges along the way and trying not to break down, get lost or accidentally become part of the roadside scenery. The event is expected to involve around 200–250 teams and includes prizes for the best challenges, best-dressed car and best fancy dress.[bbc +2]

The challenge

The Rat Run rules are simple — although keeping an old banger running for five days may be considerably less simple:

• Buy a car for no more than £600.

• Decorate it, dress it up and make it as unsuitable-looking as possible.

• Drive it across Europe from the UK to Benidorm.

• Complete daily challenges to earn points.

• Try to reach Spain under your own steam rather than being escorted there by a recovery truck.

• Raise as much money as possible for our chosen charity.

Our route will take us from Dover to Rouen, then on to Bordeaux, Zaragoza and finally Benidorm. That means ferry crossings, French roads, Spanish highways, long days behind the wheel and plenty of opportunities for the car to develop a personality — or a serious mechanical problem.[theratrun]

Why Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil?

Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil is a grassroots, independent charity providing practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer across the Merthyr Tydfil borough. Its work helps patients, families and loved ones through what can be one of the most frightening and difficult periods of their lives.[gov]

This rally may involve silly cars, ridiculous outfits and the occasional argument over who forgot the map, but the reason behind it is very serious. Every donation will help Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil continue its valuable work supporting local people when they need it most.

So please give whatever you can. Your donation could help keep us motivated when the car is overheating, the Sat Nav is having an existential crisis and Spain still appears to be several hundred miles away.

Thank you for supporting our team and Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil. Together, we’re hoping to turn one very cheap car, one very long journey and a lot of questionable decisions into something genuinely worthwhile.

Benidorm or bust — preferably Benidorm!