Nathan Howard ’25
Editor-in-Chief
On December 4, 2024, the College of the Holy Cross officially partnered with the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) to bring the event to Worcester in August of 2026. The College will serve as the official starting line for the PMC, replacing its previous start in Sturbridge. PMC 2026 will officially take place on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2. According to the College, Holy Cross will also be responsible for rider and volunteer registration in addition to hosting the official PMC 2026 Opening Ceremonies.
The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr and the first PMC had just 36 riders who raised $10,200. For the past four decades, the PMC grew into the most successful athletic fundraiser in the United States. Each year, their annual bike-a-thon raises funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC is currently Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor and their goal is to provide the resources that are necessary for Dana-Farber doctors and researchers to discover cures for all cancers. Since 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber. This includes their record-breaking $75 million that was raised during the 2024 PMC alone.
According to the College, PMC 2026 is expected to bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers. While speaking at the PMC 2026 announcement event in the Luth Athletic Complex in December, PMC founder Billy Starr explained the unique reason for selecting the city of Worcester as the new starting line for the PMC. Worcester has a rich cycling history, most notably as the hometown of Marshall “Major” Taylor, who became the world’s first Black cycling champion in 1900. Starr’s excitement was shared by President Rougeau who stated that “Worcester touts a proud history of cycling—home to world champions like Major Taylor, who rose to national acclaim here in our city.” President Rougeau added that “This new partnership will build on this tremendous moment of growth in our city and connect us to our not so distant past as a premier destination for cyclists.”
At the PMC 2026 announcement, Starr also noted that “This new partnership with Holy Cross offers our PMC community more space and resources to increase our impact in the fight against cancer.” Starr added that “We look forward to creating new traditions at Holy Cross and introducing Worcester and its citizens to PMC magic in 2026.” Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty and City Manager Eric D. Batista were also in attendance for the PMC 2026 announcement event. City Manager Batista explained how honored the city was to host such an important event and connected it with the growing momentum seen throughout Worcester. Batista also noted that “This event will help the city continue that momentum, drawing tourism to the Heart of the Commonwealth as riders cycle their way through the city.” Mayor Petty concluded his remarks at the PMC 2026 announcement by stating that “I am looking forward to welcoming riders and volunteers to our city, and we are grateful for this new partnership between our city, Holy Cross, and the Pan-Mass Challenge.”
According to the College, further details about registration for the PMC 2026 and its route options will be available to the public in the coming months.
Featured image courtesy of Worcester Business Journal
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