Ready, steady, go for Guide Dogs!

The 2011 events season has only just started and we're almost out of breath already! From cheering on the fantastic 111 Guide Dogs runners in the Bath Half Marathon to shouting for the 120 participating in the Reading Half Marathon, it's been quite an energetic start to the year.  Now it's full steam ahead to support our 435 runners taking to the streets for the Brighton Marathon or London Marathon.

It’s not just about running events though. Coming up in Spring and Summer this year are swims, overseas challenges, parachute jumps, the Le Tour cycle challenge and our ever popular Coniston Adventure Team Challenge. Information on all of these events and more can be found by following the link to Go for Guide Dogs.

You absolutely don't have to be an athlete to take part in these events. In fact, and they won’t mind me saying so, very few of our participants fall into that category! But if you set an achievable goal, follow the training plans, give your fundraising efforts as much effort and you would your training, you’re sure to have a great experience.

Why is it important?  This year we hope the 3800 people who take up a personal challenge to support Guide Dogs can raise £1.1 million. That's enough money to support 22 life changing guide dogs partnerships.

We’re always inspired by the many people who are registered blind who also take up these challenges. In this year’s London Marathon, Guide Dogs has five blind runners in its team who are taking on the gruelling 26.2 miles with their sighted guides.

One of the runners, Haseeb Ahmad, is hoping to record a personal best by completing in under three hours and grab the attention of the Great British Paralympics Squad.  One thing we know is that his guide dog Quin will be waiting close to the finish line and eager to be reunited with his owner.

Many first time eventers have gone onto increase the size of their challenge.  You may remember Dave Heeley, aka Blind Dave, who achieved the incredible feat of running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. He’d already done six London Marathons and numerous other events.

The lengths people will go to and the boundaries they will cross to show their support never ceases to amaze and in the 22 years I have managed fundraising events, I have never known anyone regret completing a challenge. There have been tears of joy, some of relief, but the feeling of euphoria and celebration at the finish line gets stronger by the year.

So if you are looking for something that will make 2011 truly count, then take up a challenge and make a difference. We can assure you that you will hold that medal with pride and always remembers its worth.

To find out more about becoming a part of the team you can visit Go for Guide Dogs or call 0845 600 6787.  Many key events have post race receptions offering food, refreshments and massage plus the chance to meet guide dogs and puppies in training.