
From the Organizer
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
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
79°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
17%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Albuquerque Intl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
562,488
as of 2023
Elevation
4,979 ft
Nearest Airport
ABQ
Albuquerque International Sunport · 3 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Lobo Cancer Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
110
Days to train
Coming Up
Fruit Loop Fun Run
Less than a mile away
Rio Retro 5K Run/ Walk
Less than a mile away
CHERRY GARCIA RUN: 10K, 5K Run or Walk and Kids K
Less than a mile away
LAVENDER RUN
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lobo Cancer Challenge
Sep 26, 2026