Video Vault: Run the Gauntlet, Pro-Am Special
Here's a rare treat for action sports fans: A complete episode of the original UK run of "Run the Gauntlet" as aired on Christmas Day 1988.
"Run the Gauntlet" was essentially a rugged action sports event involving a variety of off-road vehicles, including powerboats and ATVs. Most of the events were physically demanding in nature. Virtually unnoticed in the United States until ESPN aired re-runs with Joe Fowler presenting from 1995-96, "Run the Gauntlet" was most famous for its planned pyrotechnics that were designed to be set off either to signal the end of part of the race (or the full race) for a team or as the leaders passed by a predesignated spot during the race.
Usually four teams of professional off-road enthusiasts took part: one from the UK, one from the US, a combined Asia/Australia team (Australasia), and the fourth depending on the location of that particular show (Scandinavian countries were often in on the winter episodes).
On this particular taping the teams were instead a combination of the usual pros who competed going alongside well known British celebrities at the time, and only two teams are involved. Usual UK presenter Martin Shaw captains one of the teams this time, and he is opposed by 1983 World's Strongest Man finalist Geoff Capes.
Allison Holloway guest-presents this episode. The links leads to Part 1, and you can find the rest on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ8ixussaCU
"Run the Gauntlet" was essentially a rugged action sports event involving a variety of off-road vehicles, including powerboats and ATVs. Most of the events were physically demanding in nature. Virtually unnoticed in the United States until ESPN aired re-runs with Joe Fowler presenting from 1995-96, "Run the Gauntlet" was most famous for its planned pyrotechnics that were designed to be set off either to signal the end of part of the race (or the full race) for a team or as the leaders passed by a predesignated spot during the race.
Usually four teams of professional off-road enthusiasts took part: one from the UK, one from the US, a combined Asia/Australia team (Australasia), and the fourth depending on the location of that particular show (Scandinavian countries were often in on the winter episodes).
On this particular taping the teams were instead a combination of the usual pros who competed going alongside well known British celebrities at the time, and only two teams are involved. Usual UK presenter Martin Shaw captains one of the teams this time, and he is opposed by 1983 World's Strongest Man finalist Geoff Capes.
Allison Holloway guest-presents this episode. The links leads to Part 1, and you can find the rest on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ8ixussaCU
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