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Pan-Mass Challenge To Start In Worcester For The First Time
The goal of the event is to raise $79 million for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
WORCESTER, MA — For the first time, an annual Massachusetts bike-a-thon will begin in Worcester.
Nearly 6,5000 cyclists and more than 3,500 volunteers are expected to take part in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a two-day, 177-mile bike-a-thon on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. The goal of the event is to raise $79 million for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The 2026 ride will mark the first Pan-Mass Challenge start line at the College of the Holy Cross, following more than four decades of starts in Sturbridge. Worcester is expected to welcome thousands of riders, volunteers and supporters during the weekend, with organizers estimating more than $1 million in economic impact for local businesses.
Riders will come from 44 states and seven countries outside the U.S. Many ride in honor of family members or friends affected by cancer. More than 1,100 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients, known through the PMC as Living Proof participants.
The PMC includes 14 one- and two-day routes across Massachusetts, ranging from 25 to 177 miles. For the 20th consecutive year, the organization will donate 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber, according to organizers.
Last year, the Pan-Mass Challenge raised a record $78 million. Since its founding in 1980, the event has raised more than $1.125 billion for cancer research and treatment.
Worcester-based Greenwood Industries will serve as the official Worcester hub site sponsor for the 2026 Pan-Mass Challenge start, Patch previously reported. Greenwood employees are expected to volunteer on weekends and help send off riders from Holy Cross on the morning of the ride.
Pre-ride activities will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Jul. 31, at the College of the Holy Cross, 15 City View St., with rider check-in, bike repair services, a sponsor expo, and live music. Pan-Mass Challenge founder and Chairman Billy Starr is also scheduled to deliver “State of the PMC” remarks from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex, 1 College St., where Gov. Maura Healey is expected to join him.
Riders are scheduled to depart from the Worcester start line at Holy Cross at 6 a.m. on Aug. 1.
