About Us

The Pan-Mass Challenge is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Always held the first weekend in August, the PMC raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.

Each summer, thousands of riders and volunteers from 43 states and 12 countries participate in the PMC, all with a common goal: to find a cure for cancer.

100 percent of all rider-raised funds go directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest supporter and is 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $1.047 million for Dana-Farber.

Mission

Since its founding more than 40 years ago, the Pan-Mass Challenge has successfully melded support from committed riders, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing our annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers.

PMC History

When Billy Starr, PMC Founder and Executive Director, was just 25 years old, his mother, Betty Starr died from melanoma at 49 years old. After a hike with friends along the Appalachian Trail where Billy learned that he could achieve anything to which he committed his mind and body, he organized the first Pan-Mass Challenge in 1980.

The first PMC had just 36 riders and 10 volunteers. This inaugural ride was not perfect; everyone got lost but they accomplished what they set out to do: raise funds for cancer research. The first ride raised $10,200 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Billy’s mother was treated.

From there, the ride grew exponentially in its number of riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and notably, its fundraising efforts. Today, the PMC has more than:

6,800

Riders

3,500

Volunteers

$1.047 BILLION

Total Raised

Learn More About Our Impact

PMC ORIGIN STORY

From its humble beginnings in 1980 to preparation for a $1 billion lifetime fundraising milestone, witness the inspiring evolution and growth of the Pan-Mass Challenge. Hear from PMC Founder and Executive Director, Billy Starr, alongside influential figures to the PMC as they share a story of commitment, determination, and hope.

The PMC Origin Story is by Creative Director Ken Shulman and Executive Producer Glenn Romero.

"As Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s largest single contributor, the Pan-Mass Challenge accelerates scientific investigations that inform the development of new therapies and personalized plans, impacting patients across all cancers. PMC dollars provide critical seed funding for clinical trials and innovative studies – research that advances early detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer."

Laurie H. Glimcher, MD President and CEO, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Richard and Susan Smith Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Spokes in the Wheel

In addition to PMC weekend, the Pan-Mass Challenge holds events throughout the year, including the PMC Winter Cycle, PMC Unpaved, and PMC Kids Rides. 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar from each of these events goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

PMC Winter Cycle

The PMC Winter Cycle is an indoor spin event at Fenway Park. The 2025 PMC Winter Cycle is February 1, 2025.

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PMC Unpaved

PMC Unpaved, an off-road bike ride over the scenic backroads of the Berkshires, is the PMC's newest event. Be part of this gravel ride on September 28, 2024!

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PMC Kids Rides

PMC Kids Rides are bike-a-thons for children ages 2 to 15. Find a ride near you or start one in your community!

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Making An Impact

Our corporate sponsors make it possible for the PMC to pass through 100% of every dollar raised by our riders. Their support is critical to the success of the PMC mission.

Meet Our Sponsors