Record Numbers Expected for DCC

More than 7,000 took part in the 14th edition of the Miami Dolphins' biggest fundraiser of the year

While the exact tally might not be known for a couple of days, the Miami Dolphins were expecting a record number of participants for the latest edition of the Dolphins Challenge Cancer.

Dolphins players, current and old, volunteers, participants and fundraises converged at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday and the Dolphins were expected the final tally to exceed 7,000 total participants and more than $12 million raised for the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NIC-designated facility in South Florida.

Even though the event itself is over, the fundraising is not stopping and those wishing to make a donation can do so here.

The DCC, which began under the name Dolphins Cycling Challenge, began in 2010 after former player and radio voice Jim Mandich was diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

14TH EDITION OF DOLPHINS EVENT

The 14th edition, under the new name Dolphins Challenge Cancer, featured a 5K walk/run and four bike rides who length in miles corresponded with the jersey number of four Dolphins Hall of Famers — Dan Marino (13 miles), Larry Csonka (39), Zach Thomas (54) and Jason Taylor (99).

Thomas took part in the event Saturday and naturally did the 54-mile bike ride.

"I remember the first year, 2010, Jim 'Mad Dog' Mandich, rest in peace, he got us started and now look at it," said Thomas, who played for the Dolphins from 1996-2007 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. "It's awesome, man. It's a big event, big production everybody's putting on, but it's awesome. For what it's come, from 2010 to now, it's awesome. I gotta give credit to the Miami Dolphins, man: Best organization in the world."

Among other former players who joined Thomas at the event were Mark Duper, Mark Higgs, Shawm Wooden, Lamar Thomas.

GOOD DOLPHINS PLAYER PARTICIPATION

The list of current players who rode included Christian Wilkins, Jevon Holland, David Long Jr., Raheem Mostert, while Liam Eichenberg and Zach Sieler were among those who took part in the 5K walk/run.

Long said he had never really biked until recently and expected to be sore Sunday morning.

Elizabeth Jenkins, the widow of former senior vice president of community affairs/communications Jason Jenkins, served as Board Chair for a second consecutive year.

Jaelan Phillips again served as a board member, though he could not ride this time because he's recovering from his season-ending Achilles injury. He was on hand in support of the cause.

Owner Stephen Ross and head coach Mike McDaniel both addressed the crowd before the start of the 5K Walk/Race, while Vice Chairman/President/CEO Tom Garfinkel took part in the 39-mile bike ride.

"We just have a really great team of people here that work really hard and do amazing things," said Garfinkel, who joined the Dolphins in 2013. "It's amazing what's happening. The first year I was here, I think we did $3 million. So to be at $12 million, 7,000 people. This is a community event. And it's really a testament to the whole community of people that get behind this.

"This is a total community effort to make this this big and and with Miami growing and changing the way it is, I'm looking forward to seeing it grow even more."

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