THE ATL-inspired inter-parish cross-country road challenge, Ram Goat Run, is scheduled for Saturday, November 23.

Auto speaks with Natasha Chang, marketing coordinator at ATL, to get the story behind this inaugural event.

Q. So, what exactly is the ATL Ram Goat Run (RGR)?

A. In short, it’s like nothing Jamaica has ever seen before! It’s an exciting cross-country road challenge that will test the wit and creativity of the entrants. Competitors will drive a pre-determined route that starts from the Caymanas Polo Club, then to the Buccaneer’s Jerk Centre in St Mary via Ocho Rios, and then back to the Polo Club via the Junction, completing hilarious and wacky challenges along the way and keeping an eye out for ‘the goat’. All of this fun is for a very good cause as well, because proceeds will benefit the We Care For Cornwall Regional Hospital Group.

Q. Who can enter the RGR?

A. Anyone with a valid driver’s licence, a reliable and road-worthy motorcar or bike and most importantly, a sense of adventure. We’re inviting everyone to get together with their friends and come for the day, celebrate the open road and have a great time!

Q. How much does it cost to enter, and how can one sign up?

A. Persons should register at www.ramgoatrun.com and payments can be through the website or at ATL Automotive locations at Oxford Road or Hagley Park Road. The entry fee is J$15,000 per car (maximum of four occupants) and J$7,000 per motorbike (maximum two persons). These fees include breakfast, lunch and entry, and food and drinks at our hot after-party.

Q. Is there a cut-off for registration?

A. Yes. There are limited spaces available and registration ends at midnight on Monday, November 18.

Q. What sort of challenges can participants expect?

A. Let’s just say competitors should come prepared for anything! An open mind, creativity and quick thinking will serve competitors well in the RGR. Since we know a lot of people want to know what the challenges will be like, we’ve decided to give your readers a little sneak peek. One challenge may be … ‘Convince a store owner to let you dress a mannequin, then take a picture with your model.’

Q. What happens on the day of the event? How will it work?

A. Contestants will gather at the Caymanas Polo Club in St Catherine at 6:00 am for breakfast, registration and to have their documents and cars examined. By 8:00 am, they will head out to Buccaneer’s via Ocho Rios and should arrive there by midday for a lunchtime extravaganza that will feature an outside broadcast with Fame FM, food and drinks, as well as the opportunity to test-drive a few of the latest vehicles from the ATL Automotive fleet. Contestants will then leave Buccaneer’s and head back to the Polo Club via the Junction, for the ultimate after-party. Of course, throughout the day, the contestants will be fulfilling challenges and searching for the ram goat.

Q. Will competitors be looking for an actual goat?

A. If we told you, we’d be taking away all the suspense! But we can safely say that no animals have been or will be mishandled for the purposes of this competition! We encourage competitors to keep their eyes and minds open as the goat could very well be something unexpected and it could be anywhere!

Q. What are some of the prizes?

A. Participants will be competing for a host of prizes. These include luxury-included stays at Sandals Resorts, state-of-the-art appliances and gadgets, such as plasma televisions and tablets from Appliance Traders Limited, free petrol, complimentary tours courtesy of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, complimentary spa treatments, gift baskets and much more!

Q. What should patrons expect at the after-party?

A. What better way to end a fantastic day of adventure than with an ultra- hip after-party featuring the likes of DJ Bambino and DJ Nicco on the turntables? The party is being planned by Main Event Entertainment Group, the masterminds behind the wickedly popular Dream Weekend party series. Tickets for the after-party are $1,000 pre-sold and $1,500 at the gate, and pre-sold tickets are available at ATL Automotive, the Jamaica Observer and Ribbiz.

Q. Is the after-party for road contestants only?

A. No! The party will be one of the coolest events of the year and everyone is invited. However, the Ram Goat Run contestants will receive exclusive VIP admission and food and drinks as part of their team entry.

Q. Who are some of your sponsors?

A. We are very grateful for the support we’ve received from a number of sponsors. These include Rainforest Seafoods, National Bakery, Wray & Nephew, Wisynco, Land Rover, Sandals, ATL Appliance Traders, The Jamaica Observer, Fyah 105 FM, Fame FM, Jamaica National Building Society, CIBC, GraceKennedy and Knightfox AppDesign. And it’s not too late for others to come on board!

Q. What is the We Care For Cornwall Regional Hospital Group?

This group was launched in 2011 by a group of concerned Montegonians who saw the plight of the hospital and decided they had to help. The group aims to strengthen the services and capacity of the hospital through advocacy, financial support and volunteerism. Since its launch, the group has been working to draw awareness to the hospital’s plight, particularly that of its paediatric ward and to actively raise funds to purchase well-needed equipment.

Q. Why should persons enter the RGR?

A. Why should persons NOT enter the RGR? It’s a great opportunity for Jamaicans to hit the road, put their wits to the test, compete for great prizes, rub shoulders with local celebrities and of course, raise money for a well-deserving charity.

Q. If you could say just one thing to Jamaica, what would it be?

A. I’d say get together with your friends and family, get a car or motorbike and join in this event. It’s guaranteed to be one of the best days of your life!