Pan-Mass Challenge: A Mid-Summer Cycling Event

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that takes place every August. It was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, several years after his mother contracted melanoma. The PMC raises money for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute via the Jimmy Fund. It is the largest single contributor to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, accounting for more than 62% of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that takes place each August

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that takes place each August. It was started in 1980 by Billy Starr, several years after his mother contracted melanoma. The PMC is a fundraising event for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute via the Jimmy Fund. It is the largest single contributor to the institute, accounting for more than 55% of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue.

The PMC has become the world's most successful bike-a-thon, raising more money than any other single athletic fundraiser in the country. In 2023, the event raised $72 million, the single largest donation in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's history. The PMC has inspired various other athletic fundraising events, such as Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and Pelotonia for the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Each year, cyclists ride for one or two days, with the option of 12 routes ranging from 25 to 192 miles long, running through 47 towns in Massachusetts. The longest route runs from Sturbridge to Provincetown. Riders commit to raising between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on their age and the route they will be riding.

In addition to the main PMC event in August, there are other events throughout the year, such as PMC Unpaved, PMC Kids Rides, and PMC Winter Cycle. PMC Unpaved is a gravel bike ride over the scenic backroads of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. PMC Kids Rides are individual bike-a-thons created by children, parents, and neighbours in their own neighbourhoods, schools, or communities. PMC Winter Cycle involves indoor cycling sessions led by top Boston-area instructors at Fenway Park. These additional events provide more opportunities for people to get involved and support the important cause of cancer research and treatment.

The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, several years after his mother contracted melanoma. The PMC raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute via the Jimmy Fund.

In its first year, the PMC event raised $10,200 and had 36 riders, who rode from Springfield to Provincetown. Since then, the PMC has become the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, accounting for more than 62% of its annual revenue. The PMC is also the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's single largest donor.

As of 2023, the PMC has raised a total of $972 million since its inception, positioning it to cross $1 billion in lifetime fundraising in 2024. The PMC has inspired various other athletic fundraising events, such as Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and Pelotonia for the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The PMC is held every August and features cyclists riding for one or two days on one of 12 routes ranging from 25 to 192 miles long, running through 47 Massachusetts towns. Riders commit to raising between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on their age and chosen route. The PMC has a strong commitment to its mission, with 75% of riders having previously participated in the event and 1,100 having participated for 10 years or more as of 2015.

In addition to the annual PMC event, there are other PMC events throughout the year, such as PMC Unpaved, PMC Kids Rides, and PMC Winter Cycle. These events provide additional opportunities for people to get involved and support the fight against cancer.

The PMC is the largest single contributor to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, whose mother had contracted melanoma, the PMC has become Dana-Farber's largest single contributor, accounting for more than 55% to 62% of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue.

Since its inception, the PMC has raised a total of $972 million as of 2023, with a record-breaking $72 million raised in 2023 alone. This funding has been instrumental in cancer care and research, helping to fund the development of 41 cancer drugs. The PMC's success is due in part to its dedicated community of riders, volunteers, donors, and sponsors, as well as its efficient fundraising model, which ensures that 100% of rider-raised dollars go directly to the cause.

The PMC offers a range of events throughout the year to engage participants and raise funds. The signature PMC Weekend, held every August, brings together thousands of cyclists from around the world to ride across Massachusetts. The PMC Winter Cycle, held indoors at Fenway Park, provides an opportunity to participate in stationary cycling sessions led by top Boston-area instructors.

In addition to these flagship events, the PMC has introduced PMC Unpaved, an off-road gravel bike ride through the scenic backroads of the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. PMC Unpaved enables those who prefer off-road riding to join the mission and has become a popular way to support the cause.

The PMC's impact extends beyond the funds it raises. With a community of over 950 cancer survivors and current patients among its riders and volunteers, the PMC serves as a testament to the power of fundraising and the hope it brings to those affected by cancer. The PMC's unwavering commitment to supporting Dana-Farber's mission has positioned it to cross the $1 billion mark in lifetime fundraising in the near future.

The PMC has inspired other athletic fundraising events, such as Relay for Life

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that takes place on the first weekend of August each year. The PMC raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in cancer treatment and research. The PMC is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, which is part of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, accounting for more than 62% of its annual revenue. Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised an incredible $972 million and is set to cross the $1 billion mark in lifetime fundraising in 2024.

In addition to Relay for Life, the PMC has also inspired Pelotonia, a fundraising event for the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio. Pelotonia is a similar event to the PMC, with participants committing to raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

The success of the PMC and its impact on other athletic fundraising events demonstrates the power of these initiatives in raising crucial funds for cancer research and treatment. The PMC has not only raised significant funds but has also helped to increase awareness and support for those affected by cancer. The event has brought together communities and inspired people to take action in the fight against cancer.

The PMC's legacy extends beyond the funds raised; it has created a movement that has empowered people to make a difference and given hope to those affected by cancer. The PMC's impact on other athletic fundraising events, such as Relay for Life and Pelotonia, has helped to expand this impact, reaching more communities and saving more lives.

PMC Unpaved is a gravel bike ride through the scenic backroads of the Berkshires

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC is Dana-Farber's largest single contributor, accounting for more than 62% of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue.

PMC Unpaved is more than just a bike ride; it is a fundraising mission. The event is committed to raising funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research. The PMC community's dedication has led to remarkable achievements, with the organization on track to surpass $1 billion in lifetime fundraising in 2024, an accumulation since its inception in 1980.

PMC Unpaved offers a full weekend experience for cyclists. It begins on Friday night with check-in and a campfire at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. The ride takes place on Saturday morning, with riders taking on their chosen route through the beautiful landscapes of western Massachusetts and New York. The celebration continues into the afternoon, with riders and volunteers coming together for a fun-filled camp experience. This includes s'mores around the campfire, live music, and other community-building activities. The weekend concludes with a breakfast send-off on Sunday, providing a memorable end to a rewarding experience.

PMC Unpaved 2024 will take place on September 28, marking the third year of this inspiring event. Registration is open for both riders and volunteers, with a non-refundable fee ranging from $150 to $200. All participants are encouraged to meet the fundraising minimum by November 1, 2024, as every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Dana-Farber's critical mission.

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