Duchenne Dash Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
1. Introduction to the Duchenne Dash and Duchenne UK
2. Event overview
3. How can I get involved?
4. Fundraising
5. Event logistics
6. Changes & cancellations
1. Introduction to the Duchenne Dash and Duchenne UK
What is the Duchenne Dash?
The Duchenne Dash is Duchenne UK’s flagship London–Paris cycling challenge, a 300km ride completed in just 24 hours. More than a fundraising event, the Dash is a powerful movement built on teamwork, determination and a shared commitment to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Riders of all abilities come together as one team, supported every step of the way, to take on an extraordinary challenge with extraordinary purpose.
Now in its 15th year, the Dash has raised over £9 million, helping to accelerate groundbreaking research, fund clinical trials and bring new treatments, including vamorolone and givinostat, to families affected by Duchenne. Every rider plays a vital role in driving progress and transforming the future for people living with Duchenne.
The Duchenne Dash helps us to improve the lives of people with Duchenne through groundbreaking research into new treatments and technology, information for healthcare professionals, patients, and families to ensure everyone gets the best standard of care.
Who is Duchenne UK?
Duchenne UK has one clear aim - to end Duchenne: a severe muscle-wasting disease diagnosed in childhood.
As the leading Duchenne charity in the UK, we’re going further to find effective treatments for Duchenne to end its devastating impact. We’re doing it faster, too, by accelerating access to these treatments and therapies for this generation of patients.
Duchenne UK has raised more than £35 million and used this money to:
· Fund clinical trials of medicines for Duchenne, including one that is now available on the NHS.
· Create a Duchenne medical research hub with hospital sites across the country, which has led to more trials for Duchenne treatments than ever before.
· Set up Duchenne Care UK, a national care programme that is establishing best practice across all the disciplines involved in Duchene care, and works to ensure all medical professionals and parents know exactly what treatment children and adults with Duchenne need.
· Develop innovative technologies to support the independence of people with Duchenne.
And we’re here to support every family affected and ensure that they receive the best possible care.
Together, we will end Duchenne.
For more information about Duchenne UK, our mission and our impact, please visit this section on our website.
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne is a devastating muscle-wasting disease that mainly affects boys and rare girls. Children born with Duchenne cannot produce the protein dystrophin, which is vital for muscle strength and function. Without it, their muscles are damaged by everyday wear and tear and gradually weaken, leading to a loss of mobility often by their teens. It eventually affects the heart and lungs, with those affected usually only living into their twenties or thirties. In the UK, there are around 2,055 people affected and around 300,000 worldwide.
2. Event overview
Duchenne Dash 2027
The 2027 Duchenne Dash is our 15th Dash and promises to be as big and as brilliant as all our previous Dashes and we hope you will join us on the journey!
What is the date of the event?
The Duchenne Dash 2027 will take place on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th May 2027.
Where will the event start from?
The Dash will start from the prestigious Herne Hill Velodrome in South East London:
Herne Hill Velodrome, 104 Burbage Rd, London, SE24 9HE.
How far is the event?
The total cycle route is 300km and we split it into two stages:
· London – Newhaven: 100km
· Dieppe – Paris: 200km
Where does the event finish?
The Dash will end in central Paris, around the Eiffel Tower. The exact location will be confirmed in due course.
What are the timings of the event? *
Friday 7th May
10:00 – 11:00 Registration opens, Lunch, welcome, final preparations
12:00-12:30 Cyclists depart in staggered time slots depending on their group speed
18:00-21:00 Arrive Newhaven, shower, dinner
21:00 Depart for the Ferry
23:00 Depart UK
Saturday 8th May
05:00 Arrive Dieppe
05:30-06:30 Depart Dieppe
17:00 Arrive Paris
PM Celebration
Sunday 9th May
Various Return to London via Eurostar
*All timings are subject to change
3. How can I get involved?
Getting involved
The Duchenne Dash is open to keen and confident cyclists over 18 years old, who can commit to the challenge of cycling 300km in 24 hours and pledge to raise a minimum of £4,200 for Duchenne UK.
Beginners are also welcome. With the right training and support, many first‑time riders successfully take on and complete this 300km 24-hour challenge.
Is there an age limit to take part?
Participants must be 18 years old or older on the event day.
If you’re over 75 or have a medical condition that could be affected by strenuous exercise, please provide a medical certificate from your doctor confirming you’re fit to ride. This helps us make sure all riders can take part safely. Duchenne UK may request to see this before the event.
Can I cycle on my own?
Yes, you can join the Dash on your own or with a group/team of friends or colleagues.
If you enter on your own, rest assured you will be part of a brilliant group of friendly people who will offer you support all the way to Paris.
Can I enter as a team?
Yes, we love to welcome teams. Please get in touch with a member of the team to discuss team participation at dash@duchenneuk.org. Please note: all team members are subject to the £4,200 fundraising request.
Do we need a team name?
If you are joining as part of a team or with a group of friends, we will need you to confirm either a team name, or the name of the team/group leader/coordinator. This will enable us to know who is joining with who for planning and organisational purposes.
How can I register?
Please contact the Dash team at dash@duchenneuk.org to discuss participation.
Registration closes on Monday 1st March 2027 at 23:59.
Registration fee
The registration fee for the 2027 Duchenne Dash is £625.
An additional £8.50 booking fee that includes a credit card handling fee, which is imposed by the banks and payment acquirer will be added to the total payable. **Duchenne UK does not receive this administration fee**
Included in your registration fee:
· Total event support, including; medics, mechanics, outriders, Ride Captains and escorts in both the UK and France
· Transport including; night ferry to France on Friday 7th May and return Eurostar to London on Sunday 9thMay
· Return bike transport to a central London location
· Food and drink throughout the ride
· Evening meal and hot shower in Newhaven
· Hotel accommodation (based on a twin room, sharing) in Paris on Saturday 8th May including breakfast
· Dinner at the Duchenne Dash Gala Dinner on Saturday 8th May in Paris
· Exclusive limited-edition Dash cycling jersey
· Pre-event rider pack and information
· Training and nutritional guide
· Access to Dash Skills Sessions with our experienced Ride Captains
· Finisher medal
· Rider registration goody bag
· Digital event photos
· Support from the Duchenne UK Team all the way!
When does registration close?
Registration closes on Monday 1st March 2027 at 23:59.
When do I pay my registration fee?
You will receive a secure booking link to pay for your registration fee online when you sign up. Please contact the Dash team at dash@duchenneuk.org to discuss participation. You will also be required to submit an event registration and medical form as part of the registration process.
4. Fundraising
Do I have to fundraise?
Yes, we ask that all participants pledge to raise a minimum of £4,200 in sponsorship.
Duchenne UK relies on the support of incredible fundraisers like you. Without you, none of the amazing progress over the past 14 years would have been possible. Thanks to fundraising by our Dashers and supporters, Duchenne UK has transformed the landscape for people with Duchenne. Your fundraising allows us to continue our work and go further and faster in improving the lives of people with Duchenne.
Duchenne UK will provide fundraising support and assistance, so you won’t be doing it alone!
Can Gift Aid help me reach my target?
Gift Aid is a fantastic extra boost for Duchenne UK, but it can’t be counted towards your fundraising target. This is because Gift Aid is processed separately by HMRC, doesn’t attribute to your JustGiving page total, and isn’t always guaranteed.
What happens if I can’t raise the agreed fundraising target?
By signing up to join the Duchenne Dash, you have made a commitment to raise £4,200 in sponsorship and donations for Duchenne UK.
We know that fundraising can feel daunting, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our specialist team of fundraisers have a wealth of experience and are here to help you plan a calendar of fundraising events to ensure you hit your target. We recommend aiming to raise the majority of your target before the Dash. This is when your own motivation - and the support you’ll feel from friends, family and your wider community - is at its strongest. Any remaining sponsorship should be covered by proof of pledges and paid to Duchenne UK within four weeks after the event. And if fundraising feels tough at any point, just let us know, we can offer ideas, resources and one‑to‑one support to help you get back on track, and we’ll always work with you to find a positive way forward.
If you have failed to begin fundraising four weeks prior to the event (9th April 2027) we will contact you by phone and by email to offer fundraising support and gain insight into your plans for reaching your pledged fundraising target. If you fail to respond or indicate any positive intention to fundraise, Duchenne UK reserves the right to refuse your entry to the Duchenne Dash. In such circumstances, due to the administration time and expense we have incurred, your registration will not be refunded.
5. Event logistics
Do I need to buy my own travel insurance?
Yes. Duchenne UK provides public liability and event insurance for the Dash, but this doesn’t cover your bike, personal kit, or any travel related issues (such as medical cover, cancellations, or lost luggage).
To make sure you’re fully protected, you’ll need to arrange your own travel insurance, including cover for your bike and any personal equipment you’re bringing with you.
Is there car parking at Herne Hill?
No, there is no car parking available at Herne Hill.
What support will be provided?
The Dash is a fully supported ride. The organisers will provide (included within your registration fee) the following support to help you get to Paris:
· A team of mechanics to ensure your bike is in tip-top working order throughout the ride. This support extends to helping you fix punctures and any other mechanicals you might have en-route. Please ensure you arrive at the event with a mechanically sound bike. There will be extra charges for spare parts provided by the mechanics
· Medics to ensure you are fit and well throughout the ride
· An awesome team of Ride Captains who will support you on the road, providing motivation and support to get you to Paris
· A dedicated support car to each group which will carry your bags, water and snacks. They will also have a spare seat, should you need a break
· All food and drink throughout the ride to ensure you stay fully fuelled.
When will I receive my official rider briefing pack?
The final event instructions will be emailed to you about two weeks before the event day. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact: dash@duchenneuk.org
When will I receive my ride number and cycling jersey?
You will receive a rider pack which will contain both these items (and more), plus any final event information when you register at Herne Hill on the event day.
How/where will I sleep on the ferry?
Bedding down on the ferry is all part of what makes the Duchenne Dash such a challenge. Having a back-to-basics overnight on the ferry is something that donors find really impressive and also helps to build great camaraderie amongst our Dashers.
There are plenty of floor spaces and seating areas with space to settle down to get some sleep. It is recommended that you pack a roll mat, sleeping bag, eye mask and ear plugs for the journey. Oh, and don’t forget your sense of adventure and a sense of humour!
Can I book a cabin directly with the ferry operator?
It is not possible for Dash participants to book cabins directly with the ferry operator. As part of our heavily discounted group booking arrangement, which makes this event possible, Duchenne UK is allocated a fixed, limited number of cabins on the ferry. We allocate these according to the needs of the event. Cyclists are asked not to contact the ferry company directly to try to book cabins as this would put us in breach of the booking terms set out in our agreement and could potentially jeopardise our group booking.
How will I get my bike back to London at the end of the event?
The organisers will make arrangements to get your bike back to London at the end of the event. You will be required to collect your bike from the London-based storage facility the week after the event. More information will be shared about this in due course.
Will there be video content to share with my networks?
Yes, a variety of content, including video content will be shared throughout the campaign.
What kit and equipment will I need?
The Duchenne Dash is an endurance cycling event and as such the suggested kit list is extensive. Top line items are listed below, comprehensive kit and packing lists will be provided in official briefing packs circulated in advance of the event.
· Valid passport, which has at least 3 months' validity (from the event date)
· Required visa documentation to enter France
· A drop handle road bike, with standard wheels, which you can ride and is road worthy
· A bike helmet (which must be worn at all times when on the road)
· Suitable cycling clothing, plus several spare sets so you can change throughout the event
· Wet weather kit: rain jacket, shoe covers, arm warmers, gilet
· Suncream
· Chamois cream
· Saddle pack with two inner tubes, tyre levers, patches, air canisters
· Preferred energy gels/bars, electrolyte sachets etc.
· Any specific medication you require (such as inhalers, hay fever tablets)
· Change of clothes for the night on the ferry, the gala dinner in Paris and the return journey to London
· Garmin/GPS device
· Mobile phone for taking lots of photos and updating your social media channels on your progress
· Portable charger for your phone/GPS
· Roll mat, sleeping bag, eye mask and ear plugs for the ferry crossing
· Credit card/cash.
Will I have to carry all my kit with me?
No, you will need to pack three bags for the challenge; each one will be required at a different stage of the event. More information about what to pack in each bag will be provided in the pre-event briefing pack which will be circulated in April.
· Day bag: Provided at registration; kept in your group’s support car and accessible at rest stops.
· Ferry bag: Small backpack (hand luggage size); available at Newhaven and will be taken onto the ferry with you. Must be easy to carry while cycling.
· Paris bag: Small bag; only available on arrival at the Paris hotel.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes, organisers will provide food and drinks throughout the event. Please notify the organiser of any specific dietary requirements. If you have any specific/preferred food you enjoy/need whilst cycling including energy gels/bars, electrolyte sachets etc. it is recommended you bring these with you.
Will there be showers?
There will be showers available in Newhaven on Friday evening and then again at the hotel in Paris.
Will there be somewhere to change?
Yes, there are changing facilities at Herne Hill and in Newhaven.
Should I get my bike serviced before the event?
It is strongly recommended that your bike is in tip-top condition for your training and of course for the Dash itself. Give it a good wash if it hasn’t had one in a while; treat it to a thorough service at Pearson to ensure that everything is running sweetly.
Do I have to train in advance of the event?
As with any endurance sporting event/challenge, it is paramount that you undertake suitable training prior to the event. This is an endurance event so the more training you do the easier and more fun the ride will be.
We will share a suggested training plan after you have registered and will also run a couple of training rides. Additionally, we can put you in touch with our experienced Ride Captains, if you have any further questions or queries about your training.
Please note: The organiser reserves the right to remove any cyclist who is unable to complete the event safely (for both them and others).
Do I need to have a Strava account?
Strava is a popular social media platform amongst cyclists and it is recommended that you do sign up and create an account. Once you have registered, you will receive a link to the event Strava page. Information on training and training rides will be posted here, along with community-based information from other Dashers including leader boards for those out training/cycling and general advice.
Can I meet other Dashers who live in my area so we can exchange training tips and perhaps train together?
The best way to do this is via Strava, you will receive a link to the Dash Strava account once you have registered. Open a conversation/chat and see who responds.
There is also a Duchenne Dash Facebook group where you can meet other Dashers, share updates, arrange meet ups and ask questions. This will be shared once you have signed up.
What is a Skills Session?
Skills Sessions are hosted and run by our volunteer Ride Captains. It is a two-hour session in and around Richmond Park with the aim of building on your training, focusing on the following specific areas to enhance your cycling skills:
Novice
·Basic gear use discipline
·Following and holding a wheel
·Climbing discipline
·Descending discipline
·Drinking from a bottle when riding
·Basic hand signals
·Group riding and positioning
Advanced
·Riding in proximity to other riders
·Climbing
·Descending
·Taking corners
·Hand signals revisited
·Through and off (rotating lead place)
·Flying lap
Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak to our Ride Captains and other experienced Dashers about what to expect for the event, training tips and kit recommendations.
When and where do the Skills Sessions take place?
The Skills Sessions take place from Forge 1860, 232 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8AG.
The dates for the 2027 Skills Sessions are:
Saturday 13th March – meeting at 8am
Saturday 24th April – meeting at 8am
Will there be set speed groups or can we cycle at any speed/on our own?
There will be set pre-confirmed speed groups. It will be compulsory to always cycle within these groups. There is no option to cycle on your own throughout this event.
We will run four paced groups each cycling at differing speeds for slightly varying abilities. This will allow cyclists to cycle at a pre-determined speed, enabling you to train to set speed and also pace yourself effectively to get the most out of the ride. These groups will be managed by our wonderful, very experienced Ride Captains.
The speeds for each of the groups will be as follows:
Confident riders: average16mph/25kph
Determined riders: average15mph/23kph
Tenacious riders: average14mph/22kph
We will ask you submit your preferred speed group in the spring, once your training is well underway and you have a realistic idea of which group would be most suitable.
Can I cycle in a group with my friends, colleagues, teammates?
Yes, if you all agree to cycle at the same speed, as defined by the four speed groups, then you can all select to ride in the same group.
What transport is included?
Participants are required to make their own way (with their bike and all equipment) to Herne Hill Velodrome in southeast London for the departure of the ride.
All transport between Herne Hill and returning to London on Eurostar is included in the event:
· Ferry to France
· Return Eurostar from Paris to London
· Bike return from Paris to London
You will be required to make your own way home from the Eurostar in London at the end of the event.
You will also be required to collect your bike from the London based storage depot the week after the event.
Where do we stay in Paris?
The hotel, booked for Saturday 8th May 2027, for all Dashers is:
Pullman Eiffel Tower
18 Avenue De Suffren (Entrée Au 22 Rue Jean Rey)
75015 Paris, France
Will I need any extra cash on the trip?
From arriving at Herne Hill on Friday morning to getting into Paris on Saturday afternoon, all food, drink and travel is provided in your registration package.
If you would like to purchase extra drinks at any rest stops or alcoholic drinks at the restaurant in Newhaven, on the ferry or at the dinner in Paris you will need to cover these costs personally.
All costs associated to getting back to London on Sunday 9th May (taxis to/from Eurostar, extra food/drink etc) are to be covered personally.
Will I have time to enjoy Paris before we travel home?
Depending on which Eurostar you choose you can enjoy as much or as little as Paris as you wish. There is no ‘official’ schedule for Sunday and you are responsible for making your own way to your selected Eurostar train.
How do I book and receive my return Eurostar ticket?
Return Eurostar trains are booked for Sunday 9th May 2027. As part of the registration process, you will be able to select from two return Eurostar trains:
· Lunchtime: Departing Paris at 13:02 arriving into London at 14:30
· Early evening: Departing Paris at 19:02 arriving into London at 20:30
If you do not wish to take one of these trains, you will need to make your own arrangements to get back to the UK after the event.
Will I get a finishers medal?
Yes, a finishers medal will be provided at the end of the ride for all cyclists who have participated.
Can my family come and support?
· Herne Hill: Due to number restrictions, we are not able to invite family and friends to the departure event at Herne Hill.
· The route: Family and friends are welcome to support along the route. The route will be shared in advance of the event.
· Paris: Family and friends are welcome to meet you at the end of the ride in Paris.
Please note: any costs associated to supporters travelling to Paris (travel, accommodation, food and drink) are to be covered by the individual
Can family/friends attend the post-ride gala dinner in Paris?
Unfortunately, at this stage we are not able to confirm if this will be possible as it will depend on the number of Dashers who register for the event.
If you would like family/friends to join you in Paris and attend the dinner – please select this option on the registration form and you will be notified in the spring if there is space. Please note: there are supplementary costs for family/friends to attend the dinner/stay at the hotel with you.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted at this event.
6. Changes & cancellations
What if I become injured or need to cancel my place?
Should you need to withdraw from the event due to injury, illness or other personal reasons, please contact Duchenne UK asap. Due to the administration time and expense we have incurred, we will be unable to refund your registration fee. Once your withdrawal has been confirmed by the Duchenne UK team, you won’t be expected to raise any further sponsorship. Donations already made to Duchenne UK will support our vital work even if the participant is unable to take part, unless a refund is requested by the donor.
Can I defer my place to next year’s Dash?
Should you need to withdraw it is possible to defer your place to the following year. You may defer your place only once to next year’s Duchenne Dash, due to take place in May 2028.
If Duchenne UK agrees to defer your place to the following year:
· Your registration fee may be transferred at the discretion of Duchenne UK.
· Any monies you raise in sponsorship can be carried forward to the following year and you must inform your donors of your intention to defer.
Please note: If our registration fees and fundraising targets in the following year have increased, by deferring, you will be agreeing to pay any uplift in registration fee and to meet the new fundraising target.
Can someone take my place if I can no longer take part?
If you are unable to take on the challenge due to unforeseen illness/injury, you must let Duchenne UK know immediately. With the agreement of Duchenne UK’s Director of Income Generation, it may be possible for another person to take your place if you can no longer participate, providing they commit to raising the minimum £4,200 in sponsorship. Where a replacement is arranged, the outgoing and incoming riders typically manage the transfer of the registration fee between themselves. Duchenne UK does not reassign or amend the original registration fee payer in our systems. While we will support the administrative steps involved in transferring a place, refunds of registration fees are not guaranteed.
How could Covid-19 impact the Dash?
As we continue to live with Covid-19, we will continue to monitor how the pandemic could impact the Duchenne Dash in terms of social distancing requirements and international travel restrictions. We will keep our participants updated on any regulations and policies introduced by either the UK or French government which could impact the event.
What if Covid-19 forces the event to be cancelled, will I get my registration fee and/or fundraising money back?
In the unlikely event that the Duchenne Dash is cancelled directly due to Covid-19 and government guidelines or travel restrictions prohibit public events or international travel from taking place, then Duchenne UK will reimburse registration fees, not including the £8.50 booking fee.
However, should you contractor have to self-isolate due to Covid-19 there shall be no obligation by Duchenne UK to refund registration fees.
Donations already made to Duchenne UK will support our vital work even if you are unable to take part, unless a refund is requested by the donor.
What happens if travel restrictions between the UK and France are in force once again, making travel to France at the time of the Dash not possible? Or if there is an enforced quarantine required in either the UK or France?
Our main aim for the 2027 Dash is to cycle to Paris and unless the international border is closed, or unworkable quarantine on either side is required, we will do everything we can to ensure we get to Paris.