Fundraising Cycling Event, Pan-Mass Challenge, Joins Forces with Holy Cross and Worcester Institutions
In a significant shift, the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, has partnered with the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) to host the event's Day One start in 2026. The move marks a change from the traditional starting point in Sturbridge, aiming to provide riders and volunteers with more space and access to modern facilities [1][2].
The Pan-Mass Challenge is the largest single athletic fundraiser in the U.S., raising millions annually for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s cancer research and treatment efforts. The event attracts over 6,500 cyclists, including many cancer survivors known as "Living Proof" riders, and thousands of volunteers, all united in the mission to fight cancer [1].
The new start location at the College of the Holy Cross symbolises the PMC's growth and the need for larger, more accommodating starting points to manage the scale of participants and enhance the event infrastructure. This move signifies the ongoing evolution of the PMC as it continues to expand its impact and operational scope in Massachusetts.
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, will serve as the official starting line for the PMC in 2026, replacing its previous start in Sturbridge. The college has a rich cycling history, with Marshall "Major" Taylor, the world's first Black cycling champion, hailing from Worcester [3].
The Pan-Mass Challenge, founded in 1980, has grown to be the most successful athletic fundraiser in the United States. Since its inception, it has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber, including a record-breaking $75 million during the 2024 PMC [4]. The PMC's goal is to provide the resources necessary for Dana-Farber doctors and researchers to discover cures for all cancers.
The PMC 2026 is expected to bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers. The event will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026.
Meanwhile, the College of the Holy Cross has also been making news. Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., a faculty member of the history department since 1994, has been appointed as the president of Regis College, effective August. Father Worcester achieved tenure in 2000 and was promoted to professor in 2010. Additionally, the College of the Holy Cross completed the review of applications for the class of 2027 through the Regular Decision process, with students admitted to the class notified of their acceptance on March 18.
On a separate note, Dan Donahue, a Holy Cross alumnus, is a State Representative for Worcester. Recently, the College of the Holy Cross Democrats participated in a stand-out for Representative Donahue on September 23 at the corner of Cambridge and Southbridge Streets.
References:
[1] Pan-Mass Challenge. (n.d.). About the PMC. Retrieved from https://www.pmc.org/about-the-pmc
[2] College of the Holy Cross. (n.d.). Holy Cross to Host Pan-Mass Challenge Start in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.holycross.edu/news/2021/10/holy-cross-to-host-pan-mass-challenge-start-in-2026
[3] Worcester Magazine. (2021, October 13). The Pan-Mass Challenge is coming to Worcester in 2026. Retrieved from https://worcestermag.com/2021/10/the-pan-mass-challenge-is-coming-to-worcester-in-2026/
[4] Pan-Mass Challenge. (n.d.). PMC History. Retrieved from https://www.pmc.org/about-the-pmc/pmc-history
- The College of the Holy Cross, a prominent educational institution established in 1843, has recently appointed one of its faculty members, Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., as the president of Regis College, effective August.
- The upcoming Pan-Mass Challenge event in 2026 will see the collaboration of the College of the Holy Cross, which will serve as the official starting line, replacing its previous start in Sturbridge.
- The Pan-Mass Challenge, a significant athletic fundraiser founded in 1980, has grown to be a vital source of funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, contributing over $1.047 billion since its inception.
- In 2026, the Pan-Mass Challenge is expected to bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers, to raise funds for cancer research and treatment.
- The College of the Holy Cross, in addition to its academic pursuits, is also committed to health and wellness, as evidenced by its support for community events such as the Pan-Mass Challenge, and its democratically engaged alumni, like State Representative Dan Donahue.
