The spirit of competition and community was on full display this past weekend. Western New Mexico University (WNMU) concluded its historic Great Race for April 2026. A hallmark of the university’s spring calendar, the event drew hundreds of students, alumni, and residents to a high-octane tradition. This tradition has defined campus culture for generations.
The race involves pre-built go-carts maintained by the university, pushed by runners in a relay format. It tests both physical endurance and mechanical reliability. This year’s course featured challenging turns and elevation changes. The event provided an exciting spectacle for crowds lining the route. Spectators enjoyed a festival atmosphere at Regent’s Square, with live music and food vendors.
The 2026 event drew four teams: Twisted Team, Death Hawks, Kids Next Door, and Royal Family. After a week of activities, Saturday’s main race was one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Kids Next Door claimed the top spot on the podium. They used a meticulously maintained cart and a synchronized pit crew to hold a slim lead through the final laps. The Royal Family staged an impressive comeback to take second. Twisted Team secured a hard-fought third-place finish.
Beyond the track, several specialty awards recognized creativity and spirit:
- Death Hawks: Best Cart Design (vibrant purple-and-green), Most Team Spirit, and Best Flag.
- Royal Family: Best Jersey.
- Twisted Team: Best Team Chant.
“The Great Race is more than just a competition; it is both a credit to our students and a validation of the Mustang spirit of teamwork, ingenuity, and perseverance they possess,” said ASWNMU President Carlos Carranza. “Seeing the energy on the streets of Silver City and the camaraderie between the teams reminds us why this tradition remains the heartbeat of our spring semester.”
The 2026 iteration emphasized sustainability. Several teams used recycled materials for cart frames.
WNMU also expanded its reach through the WNMU First Annual Virtual Great Race via the GooseChase app. It was so popular with online students that all slots were filled.
This new virtual event included challenges like a Talent Show and “Pit Stop” mobile games. In the virtual standings, the W Mountains took first place with 145,000 points. Stang Statues and Bell Towers followed.
Christian Reyes Gallardo, an international student from Michoacán, Mexico, currently residing in the university campus dorms, took part in the new virtual great race. “It was some of the best moments of the semester. The most fun activities of the virtual great race were the online games, since those activities were video games that I used to play as a kid, and I had a lot of fun,” Gallardo said. He indicated that he participated in all but the first online activity. “This first virtual Great Race was a great idea and experience to find new ways to connect with more people virtually. With fun activities to do every day, I know that this idea has a lot of potential to enhance and include more people within the next few years,” Gallardo said.
WNMU extends its gratitude to local law enforcement, emergency services, and the dozens of volunteers who ensured a safe weekend. The collaboration between the university and the Silver City community remains a cornerstone of the event’s longevity.
Visit wnmu.edu for more information, photo galleries or to learn how to participate in the future.
Pictured: Ready, Set, Mud! A Royal Family team racer hits the final mud obstacle in a blue cloud.