Double Dash FAQs
Find the answers to the most common RNIB Double Dash questions.
Event overview
What is Double Dash?
Double Dash is our virtual 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 a virtual event so you can choose your own 5k route. Double Dash is taking place on Saturday 7 May 2022, but if you and your buddy can’t take part on that date you can choose a different date that suits you.
Who can take part in Double Dash?
We want everyone to get involved in Double Dash 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 do I track my distance and time?
We recommend using Strava to track your 5k (it’s free). You can link your Strava to your JustGiving page to keep your supporters up to date.
How much does it cost to enter?
Registration is free.
What if I can’t take part on Saturday 7 May?
If you can’t take part on Saturday 7 May you’re welcome to choose a different date that suits you.
Are there any age restrictions?
Anyone 13 and over can sign up for Double Dash.
Participants under the age of 13 (and aged eight or over) can enter Double Dash but must be registered by an adult who has the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian.
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 13.
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. 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 it’s 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?
We ask that you set yourself a target of £100 per pair (£50 each).
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 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.