The annual Massachusetts bike-a-thon returns August 1. Established in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the nation.
About Pan-Mass Challenege
The bike-a-thon raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, with the shared goal of helping to find a cure for cancer. Bikers raise funds to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge, riding 25 to 177 miles across Massachusetts while raising money for a cure. Since its inception in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber. The longest route is a 177 mile trip from Worcester to Provincetown.
The first Pan-Mass Challenge was organized by PMC founder and chairman Billy Starr after he lost his mother, Betty Starr, to melanoma. The first ride was a 200-mile trip from Springfield to Provincetown, taking place over two days.
How to ride the PMC
Nearly 7,000 people take part in the Pan-Mass Challenge each year. Individuals and local businesses like recovery footwear brand OOFOS also participate in the challenge. OOFOS is participating for the 11th consecutive year, with 20 riders supporting the Project Pink initiative, which honors Duncan Finigan, an original OOFOS employee who fought breast cancer before her passing in 2019.
Athletes and others can check out the limited-edition Project Pink OOahh PLUS, which donates $10 per pair to breast cancer research.
Registration for the PMC is still open, with fundraising minimums starting at $1,000 for kids ages 13 to 17 and $1,500 to $6,000 for adults. Learn more and register to ride for a good cause this weekend.
