An update from Mr. Matt - Chief of India Branch

The Winter 2012 Rickshaw Run is slowly drawing to a close. 65 teams have now crossed the line with many of the vehicles without even a scratch and only one that has taken a bit of a battering. What's more - some teams did the entire Run without a single breakdown. I'll have to have strong words with the mechanic in Jaisalmer as he clearly did far too good a job.

The finishing celebrations have been rocking Cochin for a few days now. After the brave and fearless cricket team finished mopping the Parade Ground with the locals, it was time for everyone to hit the finish party. Boats over to Bolgatty Palace where the party was to be held were packed with excited Runners who had worked up a thirst over the past couple of weeks. The venue had somehow managed to confuse me saying to them 'Don't bother with any of the strong beers as it'll get to messy' with 'please, only stock the strong beer'... oh dear.

The party kicked off with a traditional martial arts and fire dancing display that heartily impressed everyone. One team was heard saying "Wow, that's good, like really f***ing good. Jesus - these guys are mental - even more mental than the bus drivers, well... nearly".

The buffet was soon open and hungry Runners feasted on a plethora of local cuisine. Demolishing the Keralan fish curries like they hadn't eaten since Jaisalmer. The awards ceremony soon followed, with teams receiving awards for that little extra effort.

Ben from 'Ben & Spuds Rickshaw Run' was awarded the 'Mahaf'ingrajah' award for entertaining everyone at the start line with his quite ridiculous alcoholic + royalty related antics.  'Won't Take Naan For an Answer' and 'Oh Ricky Shaw so Fine' were the two teams that had dressed themselves as the characters from Super Mario Bros and won the fancy dress award. The one dressed as Yoshi in a full length woolen getup deserves special mention due to his alarming rate of liquid loss. The lifetime achievement award went to Jakob from 'Agracadabra' for completing his 3rd Rickshaw Run so far! The most money raised for charity award went to 'Cat's in a Hot Tin Tuk' who have so far raised well over £3,600. However, a special mention should be made about Nicolette, Peter and Alessandara, the legends from team 'Like a G6' who have now raised a massive £4,532.

Once the awards were handed out it was time for the bar to open and the dance floor to become embarrassed. Moves like we've not ever seen here (except on some Bollywood movies perhaps) were made and shapes were cut (albeit crap shapes), as our teams partied into the night.

This morning, many teams are wandering around Cochin resting and recovering, and there's a real spirit of Rickshaw Run camaraderie in the air. There's a palpable pong of content-epic-knackeredness.

Just two teams are still out there... somewhere... but all in all, this has been one hell of a Rickshaw Run. A truly incredible group of people, with great attitudes who have collected some incredible memories and stories to bore even their mate's grandchildren's grandchildren with. Congratulations to everyone.

Until the next time,

Mr. Matt

Sign up to Rickshaw Run January 2013 is now open, head on over to the website to nab a spot.

Quotes

Here's some of the best quotes from teams at the finish line:

Real Republicans turned up still wearing their zebra suit onsies despite the fierce tropical heat said (whilst looking at their vehicle): "I can’t believe we drove over 3,000km in THAT!"

Goa’n Coastal: "Ours was a peach, do we have to give it back?!!"

Kormageddon: "I’m in 48 hour pants and I haven’t got a clean pair."

Ben & Spuds Rickshaw Run (Ben): "It's so flipping awesome going from palace to palace - I feel like a bloody king, this royal Rickshaw Run rocks!!" (referring to start line Maharajah's Palace and finish line Bolgaty Palace)

Team Kormageddon: "We did it! We completed the Rickshaw Run after 2 weeks of camels, terrible traffic, monster pot-holes, the freezing cold, the terrible heat, dodgy stomachs, near misses, cows, no lights and much more."

Team Di-Rick-Ulous: "I DEFINITELY think Kochi was chosen due to how confusing it is to get into."

Take a look at the Rickshaw Run in the Hindu Times.