More than 6,300 Pan-Mass Challenge Cyclists Hit the Road to Raise Record Breaking $52 Million During 2018 Ride

NEEDHAM, Mass., Aug. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) commenced its 2018 ride, drawing in more than 6,300 cyclists from 43 states and ten countries to pedal varying routes across Massachusetts. On the heels of last year's record-breaking fundraising campaign, in which the organization exceeded its goal by more than $3 million, this year's participants will be riding with the hopes of collectively raising $52 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber). The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event, is Dana-Farber's largest single contributor, raising more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue. If this year's goal is reached, the PMC's 39-year contribution to cancer research and care will exceed $650 million.

During Ride Weekend, the PMC unites cyclists ranging in age from 13 to 85 under the common mission of raising funds for cancer research and treatment. Designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising abilities, the PMC offers riders the choice of 12 routes of varying distance, starting from 25 miles all the way up to the hallmark, two-day 192-mile ride passing through 46 towns from Sturbridge, Mass. through Provincetown that the organization is known for. Many ride in honor of a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer, as 100 percent of every rider raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber. At the cornerstone of the PMC community are more than 900 PMC riders and volunteers that are cancer survivors or current patients, considered "Living Proof" of the PMC spirit and mission to find a cure.

"Each year, I am in complete awe of the commitment and drive that our riders, volunteers, sponsors, staff and donors demonstrate as we work together towards our common goal of contributing critical funds to support the incredible advancements in cancer treatment and care being made at Dana-Farber," said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. "It's been almost four decades yet is still humbling to say that once again, we are on track to increase our impact by raising even more money for Dana-Farber than last year. I'd like to wish my fellow riders a safe and successful PMC, and thank our community for their unwavering support."

"I'm honored to pedal alongside this incredibly dedicated group of riders in the PMC this weekend. All of us at Dana-Farber have enormous gratitude for the commitment of the PMC community – the impact their contributions make on the cancer community worldwide is truly immeasurable," said Laurie H. Glimcher, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Dana-Farber, who will be riding the 85-mile route to Bourne, Massachusetts. "The unrestricted funding provided by the PMC is crucial to the life-saving work being done at Dana-Farber and beyond by world-class physicians in pursuit of one day eradicating cancer."

One-day routes include rides from Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne, Wellesley to Patriot Place and Bourne to Provincetown. Two-day routes include Wellesley or Sturbridge to Provincetown, and Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne and back. The average cyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $7,000.

Started in 1980 when Billy Starr and 35 of his friends rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for cancer research, the PMC is now recognized as the pioneering event that connected athleticism to charitable fundraising. Today, athletic fundraising events annually raise more than $4 billion, funding crucial programs at health and human service organizations nationwide.

The PMC is presented by New Balance and the Red Sox Foundation. Each year, an additional 200 companies support the event by providing more than $7 million in goods and services, and more than 4,000 volunteers donate their time to support the organization during Ride Weekend and beyond. To make a financial contribution to a rider, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PanMass2018 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Pan-Mass Challenge

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the world. The 39^th PMC will take place on August 4 and 5, 2018. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event's executive director, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC has since raised $598 million for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The PMC generates more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue and is Dana-Farber's single largest contributor. The PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. The PMC's hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers. For more information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, log onto www.pmc.org.

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SOURCE Pan-Mass Challenge