The Park welcomed over 30,000 guests of all ages and nationalities to compete on the 2.2km urban race track that was laid across the Park. Teams were given 12 months to build, design and test their cars for the competition day at the Park that challenged the students to travel the longest distance possible with the least amount of fuel.

The 200 student teams representing 29 different nations were welcomed to the event that was ‘kicked off’ by Brazilian football legend Pelé as the Park was transformed into an advert for a greener future of fuel. Countdown Queen Rachel Riley was on hand to give the teams support at the event held at the site of the London 2012 Olympics, with singer Pixie Lott performing to close the event.

F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen was on hand to pass on his racing expertise to the teams at an event in which he praised the “amazing, complex” work completed by the youngsters. Global Technical Director for the Shell Eco-marathon, Norman Koch, said he had witnessed “incredibly high standard of performance, as well as the determination and team spirit of champions.” 

There couldn’t have been a more fitting venue than the Park. The site has played host to so many heroic sporting moments, from Mo Farah’s double gold in 2012 to South Africa’s triumph over Argentina in the Rugby Union World Cup over the past four years. It’s clear to see that the legacy and values of the 2012 Games continue to live on, on and off the sporting scene, as events like this truly reflect.

Find out more about the event here.