Lobo Cancer Challenge Opens Registration

Fundraising event slated for Sept. 8 includes bike rides and run/walk

Registration is underway for the second annual Lobo Cancer Challenge, a combination bike ride and run/walk event to benefit The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The event will take place Sept. 8 at Dreamstyle Stadium. In addition to the 100-, 50- and 25-mile bike rides, the organizing team is adding a 5K run/walk this year.

Cheryl Willman, MD, Director and CEO of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, said that the Lobo Cancer Challenge supports areas that revenue, grants, and other funding do not cover. Programs that benefit from the event's proceeds, she said, include those that help cancer scientists to conduct research pilot projects and those that help patients travel to and from their treatment.

Organizers added a 5K run/walk to include those who don't ride but who still want to take part. The event will once again offer fully supported bike rides of 25 miles along the Rio Grande bosque and 50 and 100 miles through the East Mountains.

Last year's event raised more than $164,000 from sponsors and riders, and included 168 riders and 173 volunteers. Sponsors support ride expenses, allowing every dollar that the riders, runners and walkers raise to support the UNM Cancer Center. Participants are required to meet a fundraising minimum and can direct their fundraising to support one of 17 cancer areas.

"This fundraising event helps us to deliver the best cancer care in the world," Willman said. "We are deeply grateful to our community for their tremendous support in helping all New Mexicans facing cancer."

About The Lobo Cancer Challenge

The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a fundraising event to ensure that New Mexicans have access to outstanding cancer care and benefit from the latest cancer research right here, in their home state, at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. All proceeds support cancer treatment, cancer research, clinical trials and education for cancer health care professionals. Each of these components plays a significant part in delivering the world-class cancer care New Mexicans deserve.

The 2018 Lobo Cancer Challenge will take place Saturday, September 8, 2018, and is presented by Blake's Lotaburger. All routes begin and end at Dreamstyle Stadium, 1414 University Blvd. SE.

To learn more and to register as a rider, runner, walker or volunteer, visit www.LoboCancerChallenge.org.