The 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge is aiming to fund the training of a guide dog through a new partnership with the South African Guide-Dogs Association.
South Africa (29 April 2026) – This year’s Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge is aiming to leave an impact beyond the race route, with organisers partnering with the South African Guide-Dogs Association to help fund the training of a guide dog for someone living with visual impairment.
The initiative forms part of the event’s 25th edition, set to take place on 27 September 2026, and centres around a simple target: if the event reaches 2,100 entries, organisers will donate R100,000 towards the training of a guide dog.
Speaking about the campaign, President of Uniondale Lions Gert Olivier said the goal was to create a lasting impact through the milestone edition of the race.
“The Lions Karoo to Coast has always been about community and shared experiences. 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.”
At the heart of the initiative are stories from people whose lives have changed through guide dogs.
One beneficiary, identified only as Thandi for privacy reasons, reflected on how being paired with a trained guide dog transformed her daily life after losing her sight in her early twenties.
“My guide dog didn’t just help me move around. He gave me back my confidence. I can work, travel and live independently. He gave me a piece of my life back.”
Head of Marketing at the South African Guide-Dogs Association, Vanda Harries, said each guide dog represents years of specialist training and care, but ultimately gives people living with visual impairment greater independence, confidence and freedom.
The campaign also highlights the shared themes of resilience and determination between endurance sport and guide dog training.
Entries for the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast MTB, Gravel and E-Bike Challenge are now open, with organisers hoping the anniversary edition will rally the cycling community around a cause that stretches far beyond the finish line.
Sources: Supplied
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