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’ll 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 busy streets and navigating unfamiliar spaces felt impossible without assistance. When she was partnered with a trained guide dog through the South African Guide-Dogs Association, her world opened up 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 the heartbeat of a powerful new partnership between the Lions Karoo to Coast and the South African Guide-Dogs Association. To celebrate the event’s 25th edition, organisers are launching a campaign that transforms every race entry into an opportunity to make a real difference.

Here’s the challenge: if the event reaches 2,100 riders, organisers will donate R100,000 toward the training of a guide dog for someone in need.

For a person living with visual impairment, a guide dog is far more than a companion — it represents independence, safety and dignity. It offers the freedom to navigate the world with confidence.

“Every guide dog represents years of dedication, care and specialised training — and ultimately, a life transformed,” says Vanda Harries, Head of Marketing at the South African Guide-Dogs Association. “This partnership gives the cycling community a direct way to help us place another guide dog with someone waiting for greater independence. One event can truly change one life.”

To reach the goal, riders are encouraged to take part in the “Challenge a Chommie” initiative — rallying friends, family and colleagues to enter and be part of something bigger than sport.

“The Lions Karoo to Coast has always been about community and shared experiences,” says Gert Olivier, President of the Uniondale Lions. “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.”

Just as cyclists push through challenging terrain from the Karoo to the coast, SAGDA works tirelessly behind the scenes to train dogs that help people overcome daily obstacles and reclaim their independence.

Whether you’re riding for a personal goal, for adventure, or for community, this year your entry carries extra meaning. Every kilometre ridden brings someone closer to freedom.

Enter now: www.karootocoast.com
Learn more about SAGDA: https://guidedog.org.za

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter as a group for the Lions Karoo to Coast, and is there a group discount?
Yes. Groups of 20 or more riders receive a 5% discount on each entry. To arrange a group booking, contact zandile@karootocoast.com for assistance with the entry system.

What services does the South African Guide-Dogs Association provide?
SAGDA offers several specialised services:

  • Guide Dogs — trained to safely guide people who are blind or visually impaired, helping them navigate their environment independently.
  • Service Dogs — trained to assist people with physical disabilities by performing tasks that improve daily living and mobility.
  • Autism Support Dogs — trained to support children on the autism spectrum with calm companionship and everyday assistance.

Will South African Guide-Dogs Association dogs be at the K2C event this year?
Yes. Each year SAGDA brings puppies, working dogs and trainers to the event. Riders can meet the dogs, ask questions and learn more about the training and impact of the programme.

What’s happening over the Heritage long weekend at Karoo to Coast in 2026?
The 2026 event will elevate your long weekend experience with upgraded glamping options in Uniondale and the Wine and Wheels Expo running on Friday and Saturday at the Showgrounds. Visitors can enjoy live music, a separate wine bar, the unique K2C Showgrounds bar and great coffee and many local food and cycle related vendors. The festive finish village in Knysna will feature a full race village with a bar and food stands to celebrate riders at the finish line.