Miami Gardens - Opa-locka

Dolphins Cancer Challenge draws thousands as event surpasses $100 million raised

By Devoun Cetoute
Ediana Albert, 51, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her left elbow, celebrates with red roses after finishing the 39-mile bicycle ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ediana Albert, 51, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her left elbow, celebrates with red roses after finishing the 39-mile bicycle ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald

Thousands of South Floridians joined the Miami Dolphins’ annual cancer challenge Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium to help raise funds for cancer research and care. In its 16th year, over $100 million has been raised.

The bike ride and run/walk fanned out across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The bike ride tracks stretch 13 miles on the Dan Marino Ride; 39 miles on the Larry Csonka Ride; 54 miles on the Zach Thomas Ride; and 99 miles on the Jason Taylor Ride.

Many of the participants are survivors or battlers of cancer, such as Ediana Albert, 51, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her left elbow.

Ediana Albert, 51, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her left elbow, cries as she is congratulated by her husband, Cesar Lopez, 47, after finishing the 39-mile bicycle ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ediana Albert, 51, who was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her left elbow, cries as she is congratulated by her husband, Cesar Lopez, 47, after finishing the 39-mile bicycle ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge has surpassed $100 million in funds, a historic milestone, all of which will support the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine.

“This milestone achievement belongs to our entire community of cancer fighters,” said Tom Garfinkel, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins. “Surpassing $100 million is a demonstration of the power of people coming together around a shared mission to fight cancer.” Take a look at the event:

Alyssa Clark, mom of Rylee, 1, left, and Bear, 3, right, cheers for their dad, Miami Dolphins defensive line coach Austin Clark, during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Feb. 28, 2026.
Alyssa Clark, mom of Rylee, 1, left, and Bear, 3, right, cheers for their dad, Miami Dolphins defensive line coach Austin Clark, during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Feb. 28, 2026. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Cyclists participate in a 13-mile ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Cyclists participate in a 13-mile ride during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Runners participate in the 5K race during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Runners participate in the 5K race during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Manuel Nuno, 45, signs a poster before his 5K race during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Manuel Nuno, 45, signs a poster before his 5K race during the Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI event at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Angelica Green, 54, shows the medals from the nine consecutive Dolphins Cancer Challenge events she has previously attended before the start of the 5K run during the 16th edition of the DCC at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Angelica Green, 54, shows the medals from the nine consecutive Dolphins Cancer Challenge events she has previously attended before the start of the 5K run during the 16th edition of the DCC at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald

This story was originally published February 28, 2026 at 8:51 PM.

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