Double Dash FAQs
Find the answers to the most common RNIB Double Dash questions.
Event overview
What is Double Dash?
Double Dash is our 5k fun run. Inspired by blind and partially sighted people running with guides, it’s a unique spin on a classic 5k, where you sign up with a partner to double up and run connected.
You’ll have a tether which keeps you attached by the wrist all the way to the finish line, a popular way to run with a guide, and whether you need a guide or not, running with a friend is lots of fun, egging each other on all the way to the finish line.
There’s no running event like it in the UK – it’s not just about fitness, it’s about co-ordination and collaboration too. You’ll run together, fundraise together, and together we’ll break down the barriers faced by people with sight loss.
Where and when does Double Dash take place?
Double Dash is taking place on Saturday 7 May 2022. We’ll be hosting a physical event in Regent’s Park London, but if you can’t make it to London you can also take part virtually and choose your own 5k route closer to home.
Who can take part in Double Dash?
Double Dash is a fun and easy run designed to get everyone involved, whether you see 5k as a walk in the park or a new personal fitness challenge. Even if you’ve never run before this is a fun and easy run designed to get everyone involved.
We want everyone to get involved and have planned this event to attract people at all levels of experience and fitness, varying sight conditions or no sight condition at all, and all ages.
Do I have to be blind or partially sighted to take part?
No. This event is for everybody, whether you require a guide runner or not. It’s the perfect opportunity to understand the skills required to run in partnership with someone else.
If you’re a beginner runner this is a perfect short distance to start your running journey. If you’re a keen runner, then it’s a unique challenge; either way it’ll give you the motivation to find a running buddy.
Logistics
How long does it take, and do I have to run?
Depending on your fitness, how much you train and whether you run, walk or jog, it could take anything between 25 to 75 minutes.
We will ensure everyone gets to complete the event, even if you walk the whole way.
Will I get a race time?
Yes. Although this is not a race, every pair will get a timing chip on race day, so you know how long it took you to complete, as we know there’ll be some keen beans who want to get competitive!
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fee for a pair is £20 and you pay this upfront when you register. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
Registration for the Virtual Double Dash Challenge is free.
What if I can no longer take part and need to withdraw?
We understand this happens, as life can get in the way. So just get your Double Dash buddy to find a replacement and get in touch with the challenge events team on [email protected] or call 0303 123 9999 to get your replacement registered.
What if my Double Dash partner can no longer take part and they need to withdraw?
We understand this happens, as life can get in the way. So just find yourself a replacement Double Dash buddy and get in touch with the challenge events team on [email protected] or call 0303 123 9999 to get your replacement partner registered.
Are there any age restrictions?
Anyone 18 and over can sign up for Double Dash.
Participants under the age of 18 (and aged eight or over) can enter Double Dash but must be registered (and accompanied on the day) by an adult who has the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian.
A parental consent form must be signed for each participant under the age of 18 by such participant’s parent or legal guardian and received either before, or on the day of the event.
If you are an adult taking part with someone under the age of 18, we ask you to complete the second stage of the event registration on behalf of the child. It is also critical that you take all responsibility for the child’s participation in the event; this includes any pre-event training, fundraising activity and on event day. As the adult in your pair, all event communications will come directly to you; we will not send anything directly through to your buddy if they are under the age of 18.
Unfortunately, anyone under the age of eight cannot take part.
Registration
How do I sign up for Double Dash?
It’s really easy to sign up for Double Dash, just fill in your details and pay your registration fee. Once you’ve completed your registration, you’ll receive a unique link to share with your buddy so they can sign up too. It’s important that they use the link you send them so that your registrations are linked to one another.
What if I haven’t found a partner to take part with yet?
Unfortunately, we can’t match individuals up, so you need to find a running buddy to take part with before you sign up. If you’re struggling for ideas, here’s a few to get you started; your best mate, a work mate, your partner, a parent, a sibling, your next-door neighbour or your boss!
Training and support
How do I train to run together with someone else?
This event is a fun run and although many will be looking to achieve a good time, it’ all about completing the challenge together, having fun and raising money for RNIB.
Running tied by the wrist to your Double Dash buddy definitely adds more of a challenge than a typical 5k run and we recommend practicing and including tethered running as part of your training, which is a great excuse to buddy up in training! Plus, once you sign up we’ll provide you with advice and training support of how to do this, and nearer to the event we’ll also provide you with a RNIB tether for you to use.
Running with a guide for professional and competitive runners requires significant technique and training, with a big focus on co-ordination and synchronisation of arm movements and stride, to find the most efficient way of running together. So keep this in mind, and we’ll be sharing top tips of people with experience of this throughout your Double Dash journey.
How do I train for Double Dash?
After you sign up, we’ll send you a 5k training plan and will be in regular contact with our top tips and hints on how to make the most of your training. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a basic level of fitness to take on Double Dash and if in doubt consult your GP.
What support can I expect from RNIB?
Our friendly events team will be there every step of the way to support you. We’ll make sure you are fully prepared for Double Dash, help you to raise as much money as possible and make sure you have an experience you’ll never forget.
Once you’re signed up, we send you a fundraising pack full of our top tips, and will be in regular contact with expert fundraising and training advice, giving you all the inspiration you need to smash your personal and fundraising goals.
We’ll also give you a RNIB t-shirt to wear on the day and an RNIB tether to use to train.
Fundraising
How much money do I need to fundraise?
For our event in Regent’s Park, we ask that you jointly raise £200 per pair (£100 each). If you’ve opted for the virtual challenge, we’ve set a target of £100 per pair (£50 each).
Reaching this pledge means we have enough money to put on a great event, whilst ensuring we raise lots of money for RNIB to continue our work. Not reaching your sponsorship pledge impacts on what RNIB can achieve, so please ensure you are confident in reaching your pledge before signing up for Double Dash.
How do I fundraise online?
It’s really easy, just set up a JustGiving fundraising page.
How do I make the most of my online fundraising?
Fundraising online is the quickest and most effective way to get donations rolling in; be sure to personalise your page and explain what fundraising for RNIB means to you, and don't forget to share your page far and wide.
How do I send cash and cheque donations to you?
Please bank cash into your own account and then send it to us via one of these three easy ways:
- Call 0303 123 9999 to make a card payment over the phone
- Email [email protected] for bank transfer details
- Write a cheque to ‘RNIB’, including a note with your name, address and supporter reference, and post to:
RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NE.
How do I make sure you receive Gift Aid?
If your sponsors are UK taxpayers, we can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 they donate. For online donations Gift Aid is automatically sent to us, but if you collect cash or cheque donations, follow these steps to make your fundraising go even further:
- Always use our official sponsorship forms (you can photocopy them or contact us if you need more)
- Ask your sponsors to complete their details clearly
- Make sure they complete all the details on the form
- Most importantly get them to tick the Gift Aid box
- Don’t forget to post us your sponsorship forms back to us
My employer offers matched giving, how do I send this to you?
You'll need to check and agree this with your employer in advance. After the event, confirm the amount you've raised with them and they'll organise for the money to be sent to RNIB. Make sure they give your full name and a reference to Double Dash to ensure the money is correctly attributed to you.
Further information
If you haven't found the the answer you're looking for, contact our challenge event's team who'll be happy to help. Please email [email protected] or call 0303 123 9999.