Jailbreak 2019 began with competitors meeting in Dublin Castle this morning, in what is the seventh instalment of the charity event. With €45,000 raised already, and 140 participants competing, this year’s cross-continental challenge is set to be the biggest to date.
Founded in 2013, Jailbreak is one of the largest, most anticipated charity events in the student calendar. Participants are divided into teams of two, and given 36 hours to race across Europe in search of the elusive Location X, revealed over the course of the competition. However, the teams cannot use any of their own money in their quest for victory, making it an adventure of a lifetime for everyone involved.
The event has enjoyed exponential growth and success and is now a staple in the lives of students from different colleges all across the country. It has also raised €285,000 since its first year of operation, with all proceeds being split between Amnesty International and Vincent De Paul.
Last year offered an unprecedented outcome, with four University College Cork teams winning in the competitions first ever tie, by managing to reach Location X in Pula, Croatia. It was also the first time that a Trinity team has failed to win. As such, this year’s contest has an added sense of excitement, as the Trinity teams attempt to reclaim not only their crown but the varsity bragging rights which come with it.
Anticipation levels are certainly at fever pitch on the competition’s social media platforms, with the official Amnesty International twitter account ensuring followers that the “140 jailbreakers are in serious preparation mode”. Similarly, Jailbreak HQ have offered continuous updates of fundraising targets, along with praise for the “amazing jailbreakers” taking part, ahead of what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for all involved.
For participants and spectators alike, this weekend’s event is one worth paying attention to, and one which is bound to make a tangible contribution to two extremely worthy causes. Let the games begin.
