Event FAQs

What is the 100 Miles in October Challenge?

100 Miles in October is a fundraising challenge for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Join other DSAA supporters in taking on 100 miles throughout October. You can complete your miles however you like - run, walk, hop, skip or any way you want to! The important thing is getting out and clocking up miles to raise awareness and funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

What are the dates for the 100 Miles in October Challenge?

Wednesday 1^st October – Friday 31^th October 2025. We encourage everyone to complete this challenge throughout the month of October but as this is a personal challenge, you can start/finish your challenge at a time that is convenient for you. So, if you would like to get a head start, go for it! Complete your miles whenever you like to best suit your lifestyle. 

How do I complete my 100 Miles?

It’s entirely up to you! You can run, walk, cycle, swim, row, complete it in your wheelchair or roller skate your way to your target. The choice is yours. The most important thing is to post updates and distances covered to your fundraising page and share your progress within the Facebook group!

Can I do more/less than 100 miles?

Absolutely. This challenge is for everyone. Every mile you complete will make a difference. We want the 100 mile target to be more of a guide for you to work with – it will be the perfect distance for many but might not suit some and that’s ok! Please adjust your target to suit your ability.

Do I have to do the 100 miles all at once?

No! That would be quite a challenge. You have the whole month of October to complete your 100 miles. It is up to you how fast you complete the distance and how often you rack up your miles. The best thing to do is plan around your lifestyle and what best suits you. Whether that’s 3.3 miles a day or longer distances at the weekend.

Is it free to sign up?

Yes! It is completely free to sign up for our 100 Miles in October Challenge. Participants are required to fundraise or donate to DSAA through their Facebook or JustGiving fundraising page. 

How far is 100 miles?

100 miles is roughly:

• 3.3 miles a day
• 25 miles a week

The average person walks 2-3 miles a day, the miles can rack up quickly without you noticing – a few lifestyle changes and walking whenever possible will get your total flying up.

How can people take part as wheelchair users?

We welcome everyone to take part in the challenge. For wheelchair users you can challenge yourself to getting out and completing a set distance each day. The challenge is flexible and we advise you to set a challenge that’s suitable for you as an individual.

How can I track my miles?

• Paper Tracker: Tick off your miles as you go. We will also send out a paper tracker to you with your t-shirt.
• Digital Tracking: Use smartwatches, FitBits, or apps like Strava. Share screenshots of your activities in the Facebook group!

Do I need to provide evidence that I have completed the challenge?

No, but updating the Facebook group with photos of your activities during the month is important. Supporters who regularly post their progress raise on average 40% more!

What do I do if the weather is too bad outside?

Complete miles inside on a treadmill or rowing machine.

Consider the following equipment for adverse weather:

• Waterproof clothing
• Correct footwear
• Warm clothing and layers (thermals, gloves, hats, fleece, long trousers)
• Water and food
• Mobile phone

Fundraising FAQs

Why should I take part?

The money you raise will enable us to be there for patients when they need us the most. 

Our crew are called out to around 8 missions per day; with each mission costing approximately £3,500. Operational for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, they work tirelessly to save lives.  

Your support will enable us to be there be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future. Learn more about the charity and our life-saving work, visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/about-us

How much do I have to fundraise?

There are no minimum fundraising requirements - each fundraising page has a default target of £150 but you’re welcome to edit this to a more suitable target.

Can I still take part if I don’t have Facebook?

Yes, of course! We understand that not everyone is on Facebook and would hate for you to miss out. Sign up and use a JustGiving fundraising page to take part.

What percentage do JustGiving and Facebook take in fees?

• JustGiving: 1.9% + 20p per donation (2.9% + 20p for non-GBP donations).
• Facebook: 1.4% + 20p per donation.

When are the donations sent from JustGiving and Facebook to the charity?

Both JustGiving and Facebook send donation payments directly to the charity's bank account every week.

Can I collect donations in-person?

Yes! We provide you with a sponsorship form for supporters who would rather give cash donations. It would be easier to pay these directly to your page once you’ve received them.

I’ve shared my fundraising page but no one has donated – is there anything I can do?

The easiest way to prompt your family and friends to support your challenge is to directly invite them to your fundraising page. Click on the invite button and select who you think is likely to donate. We are aware that this is a difficult time to be asking for sponsorship so please just ask your network to donate if they are able to – we really do appreciate any support. 

I have set up a Facebook fundraiser but now I can’t find it?

To find your Facebook fundraising page, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Newsfeed
2. Look on the left side of your screen for the ‘Explore’ section
3. Under the Explore section, click the ‘Fundraiser’ tab
4. Your fundraising page should appear here

Can I amend my Facebook fundraiser?

To amend your fundraising page, please follow these steps:

Phone/tablet:

1. Open your fundraiser
2. Press the pencil button
3. Press ‘edit fundraiser’

Laptop/desktop:

1. Open your fundraiser
2. Press the three dots
3. Press edit fundraiser

How do I order my t-shirt?

We're delighted to offer a free T-shirt to wear while completing your miles. This comes at a cost to the charity. We kindly ask that you only request a T-shirt if you intend to fundraise - every penny helps us provide critical care to those in need.

Can I receive a t-shirt without creating a fundraising page?

Unfortunately, no. This is a charity fundraising event, and we only send a free t-shirt and tracker to those raising money for DSAA.

I don’t want a t-shirt, what should I do?

Select ‘I don’t require a t-shirt’ from the drop-down menu when signing up.

When will my t-shirt arrive?

Expect to receive your t-shirt in 7-10 business days after registering. If it has been more than 14 days since you registered, please email: [email protected].

Please take note of the following before signing up to the challenge:

• If you have any underlying health conditions, seek appropriate medical advice before participating.
• Never put yourself at unnecessary risk.
• Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Always use equipment safely and be considerate of others when completing your challenge.
• The legal bit: You enter the challenge entirely at your own risk and so far as permitted by law, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur as a result of your participation.

Sign up today