A Commonwealth gold medalist was one of many petrol-heads gathering to take part in a classic car endurance event.

Chris Sherrington, who is also a Royal Marines Commando, brought his 2014 judo gold medal along with him for the 2000-mile Round Britain Reliability Run when in started in Enfield yesterday.

The 31-year-old was joined by his wife and co-driver Zoe Sherrington at the start line in Crewes Hill.

Coaxing and nursing a vintage car around the UK takes preparation, dedication and patience, and Mr Sherrington said he used the discipline he learnt in the military and athletics.

Mr Sherrington said: “To do judo at my level you need to be a thoroughbred. It is absolutely ruthless so I applied the work ethic from the Royal Marines to it.

“To build this car I had to do the same thing.”

The set of wheels he was getting ready to drive were originally bits and pieces in a box, bought for £450.

After an IKEA-like set-up Mr Sherrington invested a further £25,000 on modifications to the Triumph Spitfire MK2 until he was happy the classic sports car would take him over the line on Sunday.

Mr Sherrington wanted to take part in the bi-annual event in 2012, but his Olympic judo commitments got in the way.

For the classic car rally the martial artist says he has swapped his competitive nature for team work, as he wants all 105 drivers to finish the course.

He said: “I bought tools not for myself, but so that I can help other people around.”

Co-driver Mrs Sherrington was amazed by the friendly atmosphere, and believes a combination of personal pride and collective spirit will get drivers over the line.

The wide array of vintage cars set to cover both John O'Groats and Land's End included the chairman of Club Triumph Derek Pollock's 51-year-old Triumph TR4.

Mr Pollock expects between £60,000 and £70,000 will be raised for cancer charity Macmillan just from this event.

One of the weekend's organisers, Tim Bancroft said: “We are all here because we want everyone to raise money, pass the finish line and have fun."