Summer Ride Highlight Video, From the 2016 Team, Which Holds True Today
Overview
Texas 4000 for Cancer is an intensive, experiential leadership development program where UT students raise funds for cancer research and support services by riding over 4,000 miles from Austin to Anchorage. Our students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, project planning, philanthropic giving, community engagement, and physical training. As both a nonprofit and student organization, Texas 4000 for Cancer is a one-of-a-kind learning and leadership laboratory that culminates in the world’s longest charity bike in the world. We know not everyone can bike to Alaska, but our newly expanded student organization chapter allows any UT Austin student to take an active role in the fight against cancer.
2026 Team Application will load by Feb. 25, 2025
Pre-Selection: All UT students who want to get involved in the fight against cancer can join the Texas 4000 for Cancer Student Organization Chapter. The T4K Student Organization is a great way to support the ride team each year, learn more about joining the ride team, and fighting cancer through fitness, philanthropy, and building community. Members can undertake a fundraising campaign to contribute to the mission. Any funds raised in the academic year prior can be considered toward a rider’s fundraising minimum once they make the team. Recruitment for T4K Student Organization AND the Ride Team will take place spring 2025.
What To Expect as a Texas 4000 Rider
Physical Requirements – Fitness, Health & Safety
Although no endurance sports experience is required, applicants should be healthy and active and can expect to spend plenty of time in a rigorous training program leading up to the summer ride. Riders will log a range of 1500-2000 training miles before the summer ride, part of which is achieved through weekday and Saturday morning training rides. Cross training and mobility exercises, as well as learning and following Texas 4000 for Cancer Rules of the Road for safety, are also a necessary part of the program.
Fundraising & Philanthropy Requirement
We are committed to funding cancer research and support services. Each accepted applicant is expected to raise a minimum of $6,000 before departure on the summer ride and participate in additional organizational fundraising efforts.
***An important aspect to note is that the minimum requirement for fundraising is to ensure that the costs of the training year and the ride itself are underwritten before an amount to grant out can be determined. Funds raised do NOT automatically go to cancer research projects or cancer support services. The ride team must raise enough money and in-kind donations for their journey first. You can learn more about underwriting costs here.
Service
All riders must bring with them a history of service and volunteerism and also advance our mission during their ride year, spending time in service to the organization and our partners who share our mission.
Planning for the Summer Ride
All ride team members will hold a specific leadership role and actively participate in the planning, preparation, and execution of the program, from finding accommodations, food donations, managing team finances, educational outreach, working with our grant partners, helping to maintain team equipment, plan team fundraising events, etc.
Learning and Growth
During our 12-month leadership program, our riders learn experientially as they gain leadership and decision-making skills, nonprofit experience, fundraising training, and essential planning skills as riders work collaboratively to organize all aspects of their ride.
Check out what a Training Saturday Looks Like
Rider Eligibility & Requirements
- Be enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin at the time of application submission (Master’s and Ph.D. students are allowed to apply).
- Be enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin through at least the fall of 2025 (can graduate in Dec. 2025).
- Be available for weekly team meetings on Monday nights at 7 p.m. during the school year (no more than two absences allowed per semester).
- Be available for weekly Saturday morning workouts during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters (no more than two absences allowed per semester).
- Reside in Austin, Texas during fall 2025 and spring 2026.
- Have active health insurance from fall 2025 through August 2026.
- Be prepared to submit a medical physical to allow endurance training & complete physical baseline testing via run, swim, or bike.
- Be willing to train during the training year with the goal of cycling 12 mph safely within a ride group.
- Understand that T4K requires everyone to take a leadership role, while exhibiting high levels of professionalism, physical endeavor, mental strength, and empathy.
- Acknowledge that being on the team means engaging the community to raise awareness and a minimum of $6,000 for the mission.
- Acknowledgement that my standing at UT Austin (academic & behavioral) will be verified.
- Failure to meet program requirements can result in removal from the team.
2026 Team Admission Timeline
Info Sessions and Recruiting: Spring 2025
Application Opens: End of February 2025, due by end of March 2025
Selection: By end of May 2025
To stay up-to-date on recruitment events and application open dates, check our Linktree, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. sign up here. For specific questions, mail [email protected].
