The 75th Anniversary Run 2nd August 2026
We are currently planning to re-enact the 75th Anniversary of Les Taylor and Dick Rendle’s Darwin – Alice Springs run.
Anyone interested in joining us please email owner@xkejaguar.com
My parents, David and Edna Laird, proudly participated in the 2001 Run, with David also serving on the organising committee. They are now 93 years of age and, while still enthusiastic supporters of the marque, are no longer able to undertake the journey themselves.
This year, I will have the privilege of retracing this iconic route alongside my own son, Thomas. We will depart Darwin on August 2nd, driving a Jaguar built in 1951 a fitting tribute to the spirit and heritage of these remarkable cars. For us, and no doubt for many others, this represents a special opportunity to honour an historic drive.
Preparations are well underway. We are fortunate to have the support of a highly experienced motor mechanic (formerly with Bib Stillwell), a full complement of Whitworth spanners, an additional spare tyre, a dedicated support camper vehicle, and even a drone operator to capture the adventure from above.
We would be delighted to see fellow enthusiasts join us for this memorable occasion and share in the experience of this legendary journey.
COMMEMORATIVE RUN 2026 DRAFT
DARWIN to ALICE SPRINGS
ITINERARY 2nd AUGUST 2026 to 5th AUGUST 2026
- SATURDAY 1st AUGUST
Muster Day and dinner briefing TBA
FUEL UP.
- SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST
8-00 am Marshall cars for departure point-
9-00 am
Depart DARWIN
travel 190 kms-
Arrive KATHERINE for OVERNIGHT STAY.
FUEL UP
- MONDAY 3rd AUGUST
8-00 am Marshall cars for the display area.
9-00 am for departure
Half-day cruise of Katherine Gorge
2-30 pm Depart KATHERINE from display area travel 110kms.
STAY
4-00 pm Arrive MATARANKA
OVERNIGHT STAY
FUEL UP.
- TUESDAY 4th AUGUST
9.00 am Marshall cars for departure.
9.30 am Depart MATARANKA – travel 170 kms
11.30 am Arrive at DALY WATERS Pub for lunch and
a look around
1.00 pm Depart DALY WATERS – travel 150 kms
2.30 pm Stop at ELLIOTT for petrol, Toilet & drinks
3.00 pm Depart ELLIOTT
FUEL UP
travel 250 kms
17.30 pm Arrive TENNANT CREEK
OVERNIGHT STAY
FUEL UP.
Evening meal at the Tennant Creek RSL
- WEDNESDAY 5th AUGUST
8.00 am Marshall cars for departure.
8.30 am Depart TENNANT CREEK travel 300 kms
12.15 pm Arrive TI TREE for lunch, petrol, etc.
FUEL UP.
1.45 pm Depart TI TREE travel 200 kms
4.00 pm Arrive ALICE SPRINGS NOTE: Arrival time
OVERNIGHT STAY.
BRING WITH YOU : Walking shoes, Sun hat, Swim Suit,
Sunscreen, Camera
DRIVERS TO NOTE ROAD TRAINS use the Stuart Highway. When approaching a ROAD TRAIN, leave extra space between your car and the ROAD TRAIN to allow for wind buffeting.
HEAT MIRAGES on the road can be very disconcerting and exceptional care must be taken when overtaking.