The University of New Mexico
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The annual Lobo Cancer Challenge community fundraiser helps the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center to deliver the best cancer care in the world right here in New Mexico. Our generous Event Sponsors make it possible for 100% of every single fundraising dollar raised by our Challengers to go directly to their choice of program in cancer patient treatment and support, advanced cancer research, community outreach, or education and training — because no one should have to face cancer alone.
The Lobo Cancer Challenge event day, held at the UNM Lobo Football Stadium in September, features a 25 Mile Bike Ride, a 50 Mile Bike Ride, a 5K Run / Walk, a Stadium Stair Challenge, and a Cub Pack Fun Run for children ages 1-10, as well as a Virtual Challenger option. Sponsor booths populate a Participant Village, and games and activities are offered on the festive field in a celebration of community support.
The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only one in the New Mexico region designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center — in the top 3% of the nation’s elite cancer centers! This fundraising event helps us to deliver the best cancer care in the world. We are deeply grateful to our community for their tremendous support in helping all New Mexicans facing cancer.
2025 Event Photography from NM Photos
Free to view and download for personal use.

A One-of-a-Kind Event
“I hope that people, when they come to the Lobo Cancer Challenge, feel that they are part of our family. They are part of our team. That the discoveries we make at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, the people that we help, the lives that we save are all because of them.” — Yolanda Sanchez, PhD, CEO

What Inspires our Sponsors?
Hear personally from a few of our generous Event Sponsors as they share about the meaning of their connection to the Lobo Cancer Challenge. We are proud of our sponsors and their support for the community. They make a difference, and play a part in bringing world-class cancer care to New Mexico.
The Lobo Cancer Challenge is Presented By
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 50 Miles
Type — Running
07:00
$49.50
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — Virtual Challenger
Type — Running
07:00
$22.50
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — Virtual Challenger - set up for test emails only
Type — Running
07:00
$25.00
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 25 Miles
Type — Running
08:00
$49.50
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:15
$40.50
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
08:25
$40.50
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 1K
Type — Running
10:00
$22.50
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, also known as ABQ, is a vibrant, sprawling city near the center of New Mexico. Cradled in the Rio Grande Valley beneath the Sandia Mountains, it is by far the largest city in the state, acting as the media, educational, and economic center of New Mexico, as well as the home of the state's only major airport, making it a common entry point into New Mexico. Despite this, Albuquerque is often overshadowed as a tourist destination by Santa Fe, 60 miles (97 km) to the north.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
calendar_today Sep 13, 2026
location_on Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
calendar_today Oct 04, 2026
location_on Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
calendar_today Sep 19, 2026
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