Pelotonia, the grassroots fundraiser with One Goal End Cancer, is hosting more than 7,900 riders and 3,000 volunteers this year, surpassing the 7,270 riders and 2,500 volunteers who participated in 2014.
Traveling from 39 states and 8 countries, the record-breaking number of riders is expected to surpass last year’s fundraising, which would bring the overall fundraising total to more than $100 million.
Based on ridership, Pelotonia continues to be the largest single-event cycling fundraiser benefitting cancer research in the United States. Riders make a commitment to raise a minimum of $1,200 to $2,200 for cancer research based on their route choice.
Pelotonia donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center– Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Major funding partners include Huntington Bank, L Brands Foundation, Peggy and Richard Santulli, American Electric Power Foundation and Nationwide. Other notable partners include Harold C. Schott Foundation, The Scotts MiracleGro Company, and Cardinal Health Foundation.
Funds raised by Pelotonia impact cutting-edge cancer research, including:
· Investing in more than 292 young cancer researchers to date;
· Supporting a clinical trial for Ibrutinib, which is now FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma; and
· Developing and funding a statewide initiative geared towards genetically identifying those at high risk for colorectal, ovarian and uterine cancer so they can seek preventative care.
Pelotonia’s opening ceremony program will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 7 at Columbus Commons and will include brief remarks from Chief Executive Officer of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Michael Caligiuri, MD; of The Ohio State University, President Dr. Michael Drake, and Kenyon College President Sean Decatur. Pelotonia President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Ulman will be the keynote speaker.
In order to alleviate route congestion and maintain rider safety, the weekend-long ride will maintain its three starting locations on Saturday morning. The Columbus Commons will be the starting point for cyclists tackling the 100- and 180-mile rides, while 25- and 50-mile riders will take off from McFerson Commons in the Arena District, and 75- and 155-mile riders will start from Pickerington High School North.
Along the 180-mile route, 3,000 volunteers will support riders by providing snacks, beverages, first aid assistance and bike maintenance services alongside thousands of supporters cheering riders throughout their ride.
Pelotonia 15 Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, August 8 – Ride Day One
7 a.m. – Riders depart Columbus Commons
7:30 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #1 at Cruiser Park in Groveport
8 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #2 and 25-mile route finish at Pickerington High School North
8:30 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #3 at Licking Heights High School in Pataskala
9 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #4 and 50-mile route finish at Bevelhymer Park in New Albany
9:30 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #5 at Granville Intermediate School
10:15 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #6 at Homer Public Library or South End Park/Utica
11:00 a.m. – 1st Riders reach 75-mile and 100-mile route finish at Kenyon College in Gambier
8 p.m. – Ride Day One festivities end
*Estimated arrival times
Sunday, August 9 – Ride Day Two
7 a.m. – Riders depart Kenyon College in Gambier
7:45 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #1 at Five Points Drive In in Butler
8:30 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #2 at Farmers Citizens Bank in Fredericktown
9:15 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #3 at Highland High School in Sparta
10 a.m. – 1st Riders reach Rest Stop #4 at Hartford Town Square in Hartford
10:30 a.m. – 1st Riders reach 155-mile and 180-mile route finish at Market Square in New Albany
4 p.m. – Ride Day Two festivities end
*Estimated arrival times
PLEASE EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING DURING PELOTONIA WEEKEND.
The 2015 Pelotonia course will cover various city, county and state roads from Columbus to Gambier on Saturday and Gambier to New Albany on Sunday. For the safety of all Pelotonia participants, please remind motorists to look out for cyclists and volunteers while on the road from Saturday, August 8 through Sunday, August 9. If you have any questions or concerns during Pelotonia weekend, please call the Pelotonia ride hotline at 1-855-889-RIDE (7433).
Pelotonia will impact the following communities and counties:
Franklin County: Columbus, Obetz, Groveport, Plain City, New Albany
Fairfield County: Pickerington and Violet Township
Licking County: Pataskala, Alexandria, Granville, Homer, Utica, Hartford
Knox County: Gambier, Fredericktown, Centerburg
Richland County: Butler
Morrow County: Sparta
For more information on Pelotonia and ride weekend activities, please visit pelotonia.org.
