Participants ride, run or walk in support of groundbreaking cancer research
Ride, Run, and Walk to Support Cancer Research in Orange County
The UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge is gearing up for its ninth annual event, rallying thousands to ride, run and walk on a special day dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cancer research.
Event Details: Date, Courses, and Festival Activities
On Saturday, Oct. 11, Anti-Cancer Challenge participants can choose from a 5K run/walk, various road bike routes and a mountain bike course. The day-long event will include a wellness festival, food, awards and musical entertainment for friends and family to enjoy.
A Top Orange County Fundraising Event
The annual ride, run and walk event has consistently ranked among the Orange County Business Journal’s top five community fundraising efforts, holding the No. 2 position in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Community Impact and Cancer Research Advancements
Richard A. Van Etten, MD, PhD, director of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and founder of the Anti-Cancer Challenge is gratified by the outpouring of community support, which he attributed to increasing awareness of the groundbreaking research and treatment offered by the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Orange County.
Why Participant Contributions Make a Difference
“This event not only allows individuals to connect over a shared mission to end cancer, but also provides them with updates on the impactful projects funded by their contributions. Participants can see where their donations are going and know that every dollar they raise directly supports research across all cancer types. This insight into the tangible results of their support has strengthened the community’s commitment and further established the Anti-Cancer Challenge as a beloved annual tradition.”
Record-Breaking Fundraising and Participation
Since its inception in 2017, the event’s popularity has continued to grow. The 2024 event set records of 4,100 participants and $1.5 million raised.
Record-Breaking Fundraising and Participation
“This year, we aim to amplify our impact and drive innovation further in cancer prevention, treatment and cures for individuals in Orange County and beyond,” shares Van Etten.
$6.2 Million Raised for Cancer Research Since 2017
Every participant-raised dollar helps fund cancer pilot projects and early phase clinical trials. Since its inception, the Anti-Cancer Challenge has raised more than $6.2 million for research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health.
For information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Anti-Cancer Challenge Associate Director Amber Lasher at [email protected].
Learn more about the Anti-Cancer Challenge
