Pelotonia sets record for number of riders

Long after the final Pelotonia riders cross the finish line, the charity bicycle ride benefiting cancer research continues to make an impact.

A record-breaking 8,022 riders participated in the ninth annual ride this weekend. Donations totaled more than $15 million when the event ended Sunday in Columbus. That also includes money collected by about 3,500 “virtual riders” online.

But fundraising continues until Oct. 6 — when organizers hope to set another record by collecting at least $25.5 million in donations for the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University.

Last year, more than 7,700 riders collected $24.1 million from about 150,000 donors, the current records. Donor numbers are expected to be record-breaking this year, too.

“It’s exciting for us to hit a goal, but the reason it’s exciting is because that money will be invested in incredible research projects that will save lives,” said Miguel Perez, Pelotonia’s vice president of mission and brand.

The theme of this year’s event was “Greatest Team Ever,” referring to the thousands of dedicated riders, volunteers, donors, researchers and more who make Pelotonia possible, Perez said.

It’s expected as many as 40,000 people participated in the weekend in some way, including 3,000 volunteers and thousands of supporters along the ride routes, he said.

“It started out as a bike ride and it really has become a movement,” Perez said.

Since its first ride in 2009, which drew 2,265 riders, Pelotonia has collected more than $145 million to fight cancer. Because funding partners cover the event’s operating costs, every dollar donated goes directly to the cause.

The funds are split into four concentrations at the James: fellowship program grants, idea grants, senior-scientist grants and creation of statewide research initiatives.

Karl Koon, Ohio State’s director of development for Pelotonia, said it’s empowering to see how much the event grows each year, especially as participants prepare to celebrate its milestone 10th ride in 2018.

“It’s impossible to not know someone who has been affected by this disease,” Koon said. “That’s why people donate. They’re counting on us to be a part of the solution and they know and believe with certainty that we’re making a difference.”

To donate to Pelotonia riders or learn how to participate next year, go to pelotonia.org.