Every Entry Counts: Lions Karoo to Coast Riders Unite to Raise a Life-Changing Guide Dog

When riders line up for the 25th edition of the Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge on 27 September 2026, they won’t just be chasing the finish line — they will be riding to change a life.

For people like *Thandi (*name changed for privacy)*, a guide dog represents a turning point. After losing her sight in her early twenties, everyday tasks became overwhelming. Crossing a busy street or navigating public spaces felt impossible without assistance. When she was partnered with a trained guide dog through the South African Guide-Dogs Association , her world expanded again.

“My guide dog didn’t just help me move around,” she says. “He gave me back my confidence. I can work, travel and live independently. He gave me a piece of my life back.”

Stories like Thandi’s are at the heart of a new partnership between the Lions Karoo to Coast and the South African Guide-Dogs Association. The campaign transforms every race entry into an act of purpose. If the event reaches 2,100 entries in 2026, organisers will donate R100,000 to SAGDA — towards the cost of training a guide dog for a person in need.

For someone living with visual impairment, a guide dog is far more than a companion. It is independence, mobility, safety and renewed confidence. It is the freedom to navigate the world with dignity.

 “Each guide dog is the result of years of commitment, expert training and compassionate care — and the impact is life-changing,” says Vanda Harries, Head of Marketing at the South African Guide-Dogs Association. “Through this partnership, the cycling community has a meaningful opportunity to help us match another guide dog with someone seeking greater independence and freedom. A single event really can make a life-changing difference.”

The Lions Karoo to Coast organisers are calling on riders to turn the campaign into a movement by challenging their friends and colleagues to enter. Branded the “Challenge a Chommie” initiative, the campaign encourages cyclists to rally their networks and be part of something bigger than sport.

“The Lions Karoo to Coast has always been about community and shared experiences,” says the President of Uniondale Lions, Gert Olivier. The event is owned by both the Lions of Uniondale and Knysna – the respective start and finish venues for the K2C. “As we celebrate our 25th edition, we wanted to create a legacy moment. If every rider inspires just one more person to enter, we can reach 2,100 participants and fund a guide dog that will change someone’s everyday reality. That’s an incredibly powerful reason to ride.”

The campaign highlights the deep connection between perseverance and possibility. Just as riders push through challenging terrain to reach the coast, SAGDA works tirelessly behind the scenes to train dogs that help people overcome daily obstacles and reclaim their independence.

Participants of all abilities are invited to join one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events — and in doing so, become part of a collective effort to make a tangible difference.

Entries for the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge are now open. Riders are encouraged to sign up, spread the word, and challenge their communities to help reach the 2,100-rider goal.

For more information and to enter, visit www.karootocoast.com. To learn more about the South African Guide-Dogs Association and its work, visit https://guidedog.org.za.