Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is preparing for the 59th edition of the Great Race, the university's most storied and high-octane tradition. What began in 1967 as a mattress race has evolved into a week-long celebration of endurance, engineering, and school spirit.
Members of the press are invited to cover the culminating events, featuring human-powered cart racing, the infamous "Mud Hole," and the crowning of the 2026 champions.
The 59th Annual WNMU Great Race
Western New Mexico University (WNMU)
Events occur Monday, April 13, through Saturday, April 18, 2026. Event highlights:
Monday, April 13, 2026:
Chalk Art Challenge: 10:00 a.m., Regent's Square. Teams swap athleticism for creativity, using the pavement of Regent's Square as a canvas.
Chopped Up Challenge: 2:00 p.m., Pool Patio. Inspired by the cooking show Chopped, students face off in a culinary battle.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026:
Scavenger Hunt: 10:00 a.m., Regent's Square. A fast-paced race across campus. Teams must solve riddles and find specific landmarks or items.
Pool Games: 2:00 p.m., Pool Patio. A series of aquatic relays and challenges. Expect everything from belly flop contests to inflatable races.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
Powder Puff: 10:00 a.m., Football Field. A high-energy flag football tournament.
Men's Volleyball: 3:00 p.m., Drag's Court. Teams field their best rosters for a fast-paced tournament.
Thursday, April 16, 2026:
King of the Hill: 10:00 a.m., Cardiac Hill. Teams battle for dominance in a grueling uphill sprint.
Talent Show: 6:00 p.m., Fine Arts Center Theatre. Students show off their non-athletic skills.
Friday, Apr. 17, 2026:
Pit Stop Challenge: 10:00 a.m., Old James Stadium. Teams must perform "pit stop" tasks on their race carts simulating the pressure they'll face during the actual race.
Soccer Match: 3:00 p.m., WNMU Football Field. Standard tournament format that often determines the leaderboard standings heading into Saturday.
Saturday, April 18, 2026:
The Great Race Line Up: 9:00 a.m., E Street. The official "Indy 500" style start. Watch teams of students navigate custom-built carts through a rigorous course.
The Mustang Village Block Party: 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., E Street Parking Lot. This official post-race celebration features food trucks, live music, and a chance to unwind.
In addition to the events, teams have one week to collect 20 shelf-stable, store-bought items—such as canned proteins, fruits, vegetables, and dairy—and donate the goods to the WNMU One Stop Food Pantry.
WNMU Campus
The Great Race is the longest-running tradition at WNMU. It emphasizes teamwork and mechanical skill, as carts must pass rigorous safety inspections before competing. The event draws thousands of spectators to Silver City each spring to witness the unique blend of athleticism and custom-built machiner
