Register for Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVII

By: Stacey Bomser | August 07, 2026 | 11 min. read |

Registration is now open for Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVII, giving South Floridians the opportunity to ride, run or walk in support of lifesaving cancer research and patient programs at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

A biker high-fiving the UM mascot Two bikers locking hands at the finish A boy in the crowd waving a supportive sign at Dolphins Cancer Challenge XV

Registration is now open for the Feb. 27, 2027 Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVII, inviting the South Florida community to once again come together for the Miami Dolphins’ signature fundraising event benefiting Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

With its signature motto, “One Team, One Fight,” the DCC brings together cancer survivors, their loved ones, friends and many people who participate to honor those lost to the disease. The DCC embraces the South Florida community with a shared mission to tackle cancer.

From DCC XVI

A cyclist stands with a bicycle at the DCC finish area, raising one arm in celebration as spectators watch from behind trackside barriers.

Spectators lean against a trackside barrier, including a child holding a handmade “Go Papa” sign, as participants move through the Dolphins Cancer Challenge course.

Two cyclists ride side by side on the course, wearing matching University of Miami–themed jerseys and raising arms in celebration as they pass trackside barriers.

A cyclist stands with a bicycle near the finish area, wearing a Dolphins Cancer Challenge medal as spectators and event signage fill the background.

A participant runs along the DCC course and exchanges a celebratory high‑five with the Miami Hurricanes mascot near the finish area, with spectators lining the barriers.

Several Miami Dolphins cheerleaders ride in a golf cart alongside a child wearing a Dolphins Cancer Challenge medal during the event.

A large group of cyclists gathers at the Dolphins Cancer Challenge start area, wearing helmets and event jerseys while cheering and raising hands before the ride begins.

Two cyclists wearing Dolphins Cancer Challenge medals stand together with their bicycles near the finish area, with other participants and spectators behind them.

A Community United Against Cancer

DCC has been growing steadily since its inception in 2010. This year, DCC XVI saw record-breaking participation, with 8,600 participants. One hundred percent of participant-raised funds support lifesaving cancer research, clinical innovation and prevention and survivorship programs at Sylvester.

Dr. Stephen Nimer and a cyclist stand close together with bicycles after completing the DCC ride, wearing matching event jerseys and medals near the track. — Dr. Stephen Nimer (right) at Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

“The partnership between the Miami Dolphins, DCC and Sylvester is one of the most powerful relationships impacting the South Florida community,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester, the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and executive dean for research at the Miller School. “These vital fundraising efforts helped Sylvester secure and maintain its prestigious recognition as South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center and, most recently, to be recognized as the No. 1 cancer center in Florida by U.S. News & World Report. This honor reflects our commitment to providing patients access to the most advanced cancer care, leading-edge clinical trials and pioneering research, including access to innovative therapies and clinical trials that are often unavailable elsewhere in the region.”

Cancer Survivor Julianne Dobkin’s Journey to the Finish Line

As participants begin signing up for the DCC, metastatic tongue cancer survivor Julianne Dobkin knows firsthand what saying yes to the challenge can mean. According to Dobkin, there’s a unique parallel between navigating the cancer journey and participating in the DCC.

“You need to push through and not give up,” said Dobkin.

She completed her first DCC this past February as part of Believe in You, Sylvester’s wellness program for cancer survivors. It helps prepare participants to complete a 5K walk/run or a 13-mile bike ride for the DCC.

Cancer survivor Julianne Dobkin stands beside the Dolphins Cancer Challenge "Living Proof" bell display while wearing a participant medal and event bib. The display features Dolphins Cancer Challenge branding and a ceremonial bell used to recognize cancer survivors and participants in the event. — Julianne Dobkin trained for DCC with Sylvester’s Believe in Your program.

“When I started the workout program, I didn’t think I could ever do it,” Dobkin said. “I was usually the last to finish the walk, but gradually I got stronger. Crossing the finish line at DCC and then standing up on the stage with the Believe in You group felt great.”

Dobkin was among the 583 cancer survivors who participated in the 2026 DCC. The experience was so meaningful, she plans to participate in next year’s event as well.

Choose Your Challenge

DCC XVII will feature four bicycle ride options with ride lengths honoring Miami Dolphins Hall of Famers:

• A 13-mile Dan Marino Ride

• A 39-mile Larry Csonka Ride

• A 54-mile Zach Thomas Ride

• A 99-mile Jason Taylor Ride

DCC XVII also has a 5K walk/run. DCC XVII will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2027, at Hard Rock Stadium’s Miami International Autodrome. Whether you’re riding, running, walking or cheering from the sidelines, every participant plays a role in advancing lifesaving cancer research.