2 Burke Residents Join 2021 Pan-Mass Challenge

BURKE, VA — Two residents from Burke will be among more than 6,000 riders participating in the 211-mile Pan-Mass Challenge on Aug. 7 and 8.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is a bike-a-thon raising money for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The fundraising goal of the 2021 event is $52 million. All rider-raised funds go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge raised $50 million through a reimagined summer-long campaign. This event has raised more money than any single athletic event in the U.S., with the total contribution over 41 years being $767 million.

"We couldn’t be more excited to bring our passionate PMC riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors back together in person for PMC Ride Weekend this year," said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the Pan-Mass Challenge. "With fully supported routes and Reimagined options, everyone can customize their PMC experience to join us in the fight against cancer. Cancer doesn’t stop for anything, even a global pandemic, and funding for research, treatment and care is as critical as ever."

Riders have the option of 16 routes between 25 miles to the full 211 miles, designed for all levels of cycling and fundraising. The "Reimagined" option allows riders to complete their Pan-Mass Challenge on their own.

The ultimate goal of the Pan-Mass Challenge is to provide resources to doctors and researchers to find a cure for all cancers. Many riders participate in honor of family or friends fighting cancer, and over 950 riders are cancer survivors or current patients. In addition, 150 of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees contribute to the cause as riders or volunteers.

The 6,000 riders and counting include 26 from Virginia. The Burke riders are Terry Bowers and Tim Bowers.

General donations or donations to a specific rider can be made online. For more information, visit www.pmc.org.