Challenge Day

Saturday, Oct. 10 at the UC Irvine Campus

5K Run/Walk | 14-, 35-, 60- and 100-Mile Ride | Mountain Bike Ride

In 2026, the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge celebrates its 10-year anniversary of fueling groundbreaking cancer research. Join us as we honor a decade of progress and power the next wave of discoveries through community fundraising.






Ride, run or walk with us on Challenge Day, and enjoy a family-friendly festival featuring musical entertainment, awards and more!

Child/Student: Fundraising Commitment: $25
Adult Fundraising Commitment: $50
Adult VIP Fundraising Commitment: $500

When you raise $500 or more, you'll enjoy access to food, drinks and more in the VIP Lounge on event day.

When you register, you are committing to raise or pay the amount associated with your Challenge. If you do not raise the amount by the fundraising deadline (10/31/26), the Anti-Cancer Challenge will charge the remaining balance to your card on file.

More details are on the way! This page will be updated regularly with everything you need to know leading up to the event. Be sure to check back often so you don't miss any important announcements!




All participants must complete and sign a waiver before participating in any UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge activities.
Your waiver must be signed prior to packet pickup. If a friend or family member is collecting your packet on your behalf, we will be unable to release it unless your waiver has been completed.





Early packet pickup is a convenient option for participants to collect their event packets before the day of the event. This helps avoid the rush and ensures you have everything you need ahead of time. Your event packet will include all necessary materials such as your bib, t-shirt and any additional information relevant to your participation. 

For Teams of 10+ Members - Optional Early Team Packet Pickup*
Thursday, Oct. 8
2 - 6:30 p.m.
*Requests required for team packet pickup. Click here to request.

General Early Packet Pickup
Friday, Oct. 9
12 - 6 p.m.

Newkirk Alumni Center at UC Irvine
450 Alumni Court
Irvine, CA 92697

Early Packet Pickup Parking
Available in Lot 14
Click for Map to Lot 14



Can't make it to early packet pickup? Event day packet pickup will also be available at the registration tent, marked by giant yellow balloons in the festival starting at 6 a.m. on Challenge Day. It is recommended to come at least one hour prior to your ride/run/walk start time to avoid long lines.



          

 

Saturday, Oct. 10 at UC Irvine Campus

6:00 a.m. – Registration Open, VIP Lounge and Rider Central Open*
6:30 a.m. – 100-Mile Ride
7:00 a.m. – 60 Mile Ride
8:00 a.m. - Mountain Bike Ride
8:00 a.m. – Festival Opens
8:15 a.m. – 35-Mile Ride
8:30 a.m. – 14-Mile Ride
8:45 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk Opening Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk
9:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Musical Entertainment**
10:00 a.m. – Complimentary Lunch Available
11:15 a.m. – Awards Presentation 
2:00 p.m. – Festival Concludes
 
*VIP Lounge and Rider Central remain open until last rider returns
**Join us for a fantastic lineup of musical acts and performances featuring:
The Rockafellas
Hunting Waldo
Onco-Ballet
Anaheim Ducks Street Team

Please note that the event day schedule is subject to change.

 

Routes are subject to change. Stay Updated! Check our website regularly for the most current route information. We highly recommend riders use RideWithGPS for the most accurate guidance. Turn by turn route sheets will also be provided at packet pickup.

All riders are expected to maintain a 12-mph pace throughout the course that includes time spent at fluid stations.
Please pace accordingly.​

The Anti-Cancer Challenge road bike routes are rules-of-the-road rides.
All cycling routes and rides are strictly limited to participants 18 years of age and older.

For the road bike routes, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted, while Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed. 
The mountain bike ride has a strict no e-bike policy for all classes. 

14-Mile Ride
Beginner/Intermediate Rider (Estimated 606 ft. Total Elevation; Max Grade 7.5%)
    

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35-Mile Ride
Intermediate/Experienced Rider (Estimated 2,358 ft. Total Elevation; Max Grade 13.4%)
    

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60-Mile Ride
Experienced/Advanced Rider (Estimated 4,640 ft. Total Elevation; Max Grade 12.8%)
    

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100-Mile Ride
Advanced Rider (Estimated 8,009 ft. Total Elevation; Max Grade 13.5%)
     

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Mountain Bike Ride
Experienced/Advanced Rider (Distance:19.6 mi; Estimated 2651 ft. Total Elevation; Max Grade 16.1%)

 

5K Run/Walk
    
  

Will you be competing to win some fun Anti-Cancer Challenge awards on event day?

Top Fundraiser
Top Fundraising Team
Largest Team
Best Dressed Team
Most Spirited Team