Cycling to Restore the Gift of Sight - Dis-Chem Ride for Sight Marks 37 Years of Inclusion and Impact

Boksburg, South Africa — One of South Africa’s most welcoming cycling events returns on Sunday, 15 February 2026, as the 37th Dis-Chem Ride for Sight takes place at Boksburg City Stadium — a race uniquely organised and led by people who are visually impaired themselves.

For nearly four decades, the Ride for Sight has stood apart in the local sporting calendar. Since its inception, the event’s race director has always been visually impaired, supported by an organising committee consisting of many members living with vision loss (Our current race Director, Linsay Engelbrecht is affected by Stargardt Disease which leads to severe central vision loss). It is believed to be the only major cycling event in the country — and among very few globally — run by those who personally understand the realities of sight loss.“This is not just a cycling race,” organisers say. “It’s a living demonstration that visual impairment does not limit leadership, excellence, or impact.”

All proceeds from the event go directly to Retina South Africa, the country’s only organisation dedicated exclusively to supporting people with retinal conditions and funding research into treatments and cures. The beneficiaries are people just like the organisers — individuals and families navigating life with retinal diseases.

The 2026 event offers three routes catering to both competitive and recreational cyclists:116km Super Classic by Ensure Gold, starting at 06:1562km Challenge by DS24, starting at 07:3010km Fun Ride, starting at 08:15

All routes include dedicated para-cycling categories, reinforcing the event’s long-standing commitment to inclusive sport. Tandems, handcycles, and other adaptive cycles are actively welcomed. In addition, the Dischem Ride for Sight is also considered to be South Africa’s most welcoming race to new cyclists as many professional and recreational cyclists started their road cycling career at this iconic race.

The Dischem Ride for Sight 116km Super Classic is also a seeding event for the 2026 Ride Joburg and the 2027 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

After steady growth in recent years, organisers expect the 2026 edition to attract a record number of participants. Entries are now open viahttps://online.entries.co.za/entries/findperson.aspx?pa=se&eid=5226

Riders and supporters can also look forward to a lively race village featuring entertainment, refreshments, technical support, and major prize draws — including an Orbea bicycle sponsored by Cycle Lab and a luxury getaway at Pezulu Tree House Lodge.

Corporate partners are invited to support the event, with premium sponsorship opportunities available for the 10km Fun Ride and Para Categories, offering meaningful brand exposure while directly contributing to disability inclusion and retinal vision loss research.

New Supporting Sponsors Join the 37th Dis-Chem Ride for Sight

Pulse FM, Skohl,Strata Logistics, Virtual Castings & Net Labels and Vital Distribution Solutions, strengthen the event experience.

The 37th Dis-Chem Ride for Sight is proud to welcome several new supporting sponsors who will play a vital role in delivering an exceptional experience for thousands of cyclists and supporters.

Pulse FM, the official Media Partner, will keep cyclists and the public informed with the latest news and updates about the ride, both in the lead-up to the event and on race day, ensuring the excitement reaches far and wide.

Skohl Beer Tent will be providing the central Beer Garden tent and seating, offering a dedicated space where riders and supporters can unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking up the energy of race day.

Strata Logistics joins as the official goodie bag distribution partner, deploying a fully branded truck across Gauteng in the days leading up to race day. Their expertise in time-critical transport ensures every rider’s race pack arrives safely and on time.

Virtual Castings & Net Labels will sponsor this year’s newly designed medal, giving riders a unique and memorable keepsake to celebrate their achievement.

Vital Distribution Solutions comes on board as the Cold Chain Partner, supplying refrigerated trucks to ensure cyclists receive refreshing cold drinks throughout the event — a critical element for rider comfort and performance.

Together, these new partners join our existing sponsors in making Ride for Sight one of South Africa’s most iconic cycling events. About Retina South Africa

Retina South Africa (NPO 003-184, PBO 930001585) is the only national organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by retinal blindness and funding scientific research into treatments and cures. The organisation is a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, with 100% of funds raised directed toward member support services and research advancement.

Fast Facts

Event: Dis-Chem Ride for SightDate: Sunday, 15 February 2026Venue: City Stadium, Jubilee Road, Boksburg

Distances:116km Super Classic62km Challenge10km Fun Ride

Entries: https://online.entries.co.za/entries/findperson.aspx?pa=se&eid=5226