There are only three rules for the 10,000-mile Mongol Rally car rally from London to Mongolia: you can take any car you want, as long as it has an engine of one liter or less; you can’t have a support team or road back-up; and you have to help save the world (or, to be more specific, you have to raise at least £1,000 – about $1,500 – for the rally’s environmental charity, Cool Earth).
Other than that, you’re on your own. Literally. Once you’ve decorated your car, charted your route and packed your suitcases, you point your car towards Mongolia and leave. Along the way, you cross more than 17 countries, head through mountains and deserts, cross a sea or two and skirt several war zones.
The rally is not without it’s risks – it has resulted in some injuries and at least one death. But most participants do arrive safely, (if not a little dusty and weather beaten) from the journey.
One of this year’s participants is 20-year-old Amherst College student and Massachusetts resident David Lander, who is partnering with three of his friends – Zeke Vainer, Percy Stogdon and Sam Stogdon – to raise money for the international streetfootballworld charity, in addition to the race’s official charity. He discussed the rally with Here & Now’s Robin Young.
Guest
- David Lander, student at Amherst College.
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