- 3 days of epic experiences: Destination Defender is an outdoor adventure weekend festival taking place at Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas from November 10 ‑12
- Honoring modern‑day heroes: On November 11th, the Defender Service Awards winners announcement will recognize the heroic acts of service from US, Puerto Rican and Canadian non‑profit and charitable organizations
- Embrace the impossible: In partnership with Outside, Interactive Inc., guests can participate in curated onsite activities, that range from physical endurance challenges to learning from experts on topics authentic to the Defender lifestyle
- Challenge your off‑roading skills: Guests will experience the legendary capability of Defender, on a specially designed off‑road trail network which highlights its advanced technologies and engineering
- Ultimate Expression of Defender Exploration: The new 2024 Defender 130 Outbound model will be displayed for the first time, featuring seating for 5 and generous cargo space for gear and equipment, ready for just about any expedition
- Icons of Adventure: Classic Series and other Defender models will be on display, allowing guests to celebrate the provenance of these unique vehicles and their journeys around the globe
- Epic days and nights: Guests can enjoy sleeping under the stars with onsite luxury glamping or camping options, while traditional hotel accommodations are offered onsite
MAHWAH, N.J – 3 October 2023: As proud creators of modern luxury adventure experiences, the Defender brand is excited to announce the return of Destination Defender, a weekend adventure festival taking place from November 10 through 12 at the Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas.
Destination Defender was first introduced in 2022 in Saugerties NY, as a way to celebrate the Defender vehicle’s adventure lifestyle and connect with Defender enthusiasts and owners. As the brand continues to redefine modern luxury travel experiences, the return promises to encourage guests to experience the impossible, in the heart of Texas. Set on 2,400 acres of woodlands, lakes and meadows, the location lends itself to exploration, allowing guests to experience the Defender vehicle’s legendary design and capability.
In partnership with Outside, Interactive Inc., guests will be invited to push the limits of their adventuring abilities with onsite activities and offerings authentic to the Defender brand lifestyle. Outside has tapped into their robust network of creators, athletes, and personalities to provide unique, one‑of‑a‑kind experiences including:
- High‑intensity workout classes with 2x Fittest Woman in the World, Katrin Davisdottir
- Guided trail runs and paddleboarding with former NHL Athlete Brooks Laich and his dog, Koda
- Gourmet outdoor cooking demonstrations and tastings with Ashley Rodriguez of the IACP winning and James Beard Award nominated series, Kitchen Unnecessary
Outside will also be providing lifestyle experiences to be enjoyed at leisure throughout the course of the weekend, including kayaking, stand‑up paddle boarding, mountain biking, and more. After a long day of activities, guests will have the opportunity to listen to live music before retiring to onsite luxury glamping, premium hotel accommodations, or their own campsites.
As proud creators of modern luxury experiences, we are pleased to announce the second annual Destination Defender festival, in Texas, to celebrate the Defender lifestyle with our growing community of owners and enthusiasts. We look forward to coming together to honor this year’s Defender Service Awards organizations who embody the Defender spirit of heroism by selflessly striving to improve their communities.
Charlotte Blank
US Chief Marketing Officer, Jaguar Land Rover North America
Honoring the Defender legacy of heroism, the highlight of the weekend will be the announcement of the six winning nonprofit and charitable organizations of the 2023 Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE. Defender vehicles have always embraced the impossible, opening new horizons for humanitarian work on every continent. This year, Defender will be awarding six customized Defender 130 vehicles to U.S. Puerto Rican and Canadian nonprofits and charitable organizations that require a Defender vehicle to further support their communities every day. Category sponsors from Animal Planet, ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Sciences and OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc. will award $25,000 to their respective category winner, and each finalist across the six categories will be given their $5,000 from CHASE and $2,500 from Warner Bros. Discovery to aid in their services. This celebration dinner will take place the evening of November 11 and will feature the winner’s announcement ceremony, special guests and live musical performances.
Equipped for 21st century adventures, Defender vehicles feature modern day technologies and all‑terrain capabilities with the Defender 90, 110, 130 models ‑ allowing enthusiasts to embrace the impossible. Featuring a choice of robust and purposeful interior surfaces, the vehicles will be adventure ready for guests to experience throughout the weekend. A specially designed off‑road trail network was designed to highlight the advanced technologies of the Defender vehicle, including Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, and Electronic Air Suspension (1).
New for the 2024 model year, the Defender family expands with the introduction of the Defender 130 Outbound, the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, with five seats and enough space for all that’s demanded of it. Additionally, the introduction of a 493hp Defender 130 V8 and a new heritage‑inspired County Exterior Pack for Defender 110 will be showcased. The world is full of potential, and the expanded Defender model range provides more choice for Defender clients to embrace the exceptional. Heritage vehicle displays will showcase the legacy of Defender vehicles and illustrate how this model has transformed into the modern‑day SUV of choice.
Information for attending Destination Defender and general event information is available at: www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/destination‑defender.html.
(1) These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention, and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions. The driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult your owner’s manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.