Dolphins Cycling Challenge V: 3,000 participants join fight against cancer

The Miami Dolphins hosted the fifth annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge this past weekend, with over 3,000 riders, runners, walkers, and volunteers all working to find a cure for cancer. As of Monday morning, this year's event had raised nearly $3.5 million, and donations are still being accepted through Febraury 28.

The event raises money for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, with 100-percent of the rider-raised funds going direct to the center. In the five years of the ride's existence, almost $10 million have been raised and donated in an attempt to find a cure for cancer.

"We are thrilled with the results of DCC V. In addition to raising a record amount of money for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, we brought the message to a broad range of people in all three counties," said DCC V Chair Richard Berkowitz. "I have been honored to lead the event this year and I'm confident next year's Chair Tom Garfinkel will build upon the momentum we have created. Thank you to all of our returning and new sponsors and teams. We look forward to seeing everyone next February for DCC VI."

This year's event, besides moving to February instead of over the Dolphins' bye week as it had been the previous few years, changed and added a few things. Rather than just three events over two days of riding, riders could pick the option of selecting two of six different routes, choosing to ride just one event on Saturday or adding a second distance on Sunday. There was also a 5K run/walk at Sun Life Stadium added to the DCC this year.

The 2015 edition of the DCC included riders such as former Tour de France rider and professional cyclist George Hincapie, "Survivor Africa" winner and cancer survivor Ethan Zohn, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami Beach Commissioner Deede Weithorn, U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy from Florida’s 18th District, 2013 Indy 500 champion and Racing for Cancer founder Ryan Hunter-Reay, "Paul & Young Ron" show host Paul Castronovo, Local and national hero Jim Sayih, whose story of supporting his son through races has inspired the South Florida community, Miami Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey, DCC CEO Michael Mandich, DCC V Chair Richard Berkowitz, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Stephen Nimer, Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel, Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President for Special Projects & Alumni Relations Nat Moore, University of Miami Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Joe Natoli, Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Community Affairs Twan Russell, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Dr. Jerry Goodwin and Miami Dolphins alumni Zach Thomas, A.J. Duhe, Kim Bokamper, Dick Anderson, Chris Conlin, John Offerdahl, Mark Duper and Troy Drayton.