Looking for a fundraising event with a sculpture trail twist? Well, we’ve got just the thing.
Lace up those running shoes or walking boots and take part in the Hot Dog Dash, our fundraising challenge, which you can complete throughout the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail.
Walk, run or roll to the beat of your own drum, and our expert team will be here to support you every step of the way. Plus – raise £50 and receive an exclusive running top inspired by our 1950s roller-skating ‘Hot Dog’ Gromit, which you’ll spot gracing TOUT’S Cleeve during our charity sculpture trail.
If you’re planning to visit Bristol as part of a family trip around the art trail, and you’re looking for things to do, the Hot Dog Dash is a great way to bond and spend time together.
You could even plan things to do with kids around some of our iconic sculpture locations!
How to take part in the Hot Dog Dash
How you Hot Dog Dash is completely up to you. Pick your own route, distance and challenge.
It could involve walking or running, dancing or shuffling, wheeling or skating – the possibilities are endless! Your only goal is to get moving and grooving during the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail while raising vital funds for sick children.
To jumpstart your fundraising, here are a few ideas for inspiration:
- Walk, run or jog to every sculpture on the trail
- Challenge your friends or running club to a 24-hour relay
- Weave a running route around your nearby sculptures
- Take a family hike through your local woods
- Complete a Park Run every weekend throughout the summer
- Walk, run or jog 50km or 100km throughout the trail
- Challenge yourself to a 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon or ultra marathon
By taking part, you’ll be changing young lives at Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
FAQs
We want as many people as possible to do the Hot Dog Dash. So, invite your friends, family, colleagues, faith group, running club, skating team, dance troupe, or take it on alone!
How far do I have to run or walk?
You can run, walk, roll or skate as far as you like. The distance and the challenge is completely up to you.
The Hot Dog Dash is free to take part in. Simply pick your route and distance and fundraise as much as you can, and we’ll send you some funky fundraising materials to help you on your way.
Once you’ve raised a minimum £50, we’ll send you an exclusive Hot Dog Dash running top in the post or you can pick it up from The Grand Appeal’s head office on Upper Maudlin Street, opposite Bristol Children’s Hospital. If you’re an avid running top collector, don’t miss your chance to grab this colourful addition – once it’s gone, it’s gone!
You can choose to do your Hot Dog Dash wherever you like – choose your own route. You could visit some of your favourite sculptures, trek through your local woods or take part in your next park run – the choice is yours. We love a creative fundraising idea, so don’t hesitate to reach out and talk us through it.
No, you don’t have to run. The Hot Dog Dash is open to everyone. Run, jog, walk, skate, scoot or cycle your route.
We encourage everyone to sign up and raise as much as they can. Remember – your fundraising directly supports some of the sickest children in Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s NICU. Once you raise £50, we’ll send you an exclusive Hot Dog Dash running top.
After registering to take part in the Hot Dog Dash, make your fundraising smooth and easy by setting up an online JustGiving page. Or get in touch with our friendly fundraising team for support with fundraising materials like sponsorship forms and collection devices.
The Hot Dog Dash is running from 30 June – 30 September 2025 to coincide with the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail and exhibition.
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Register for the Hot Dog Dash
Register to take part in the Hot Dog Dash this summer and grab your exclusive running top.
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Gear up for Gromit Unleashed 3!
We support Bristol Children’s Hospital by funding pioneering, life-saving equipment and research. Look out for our Gromit Unleashed trails!
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