As cancer cases in the United States continue to rise, so too does the need for funding for research to develop innovative, life-saving treatments. Cancer research is incredibly costly. There are over 100 subtypes of cancer, and researchers must understand the complexities of each type. In recent years, government funding and support for cancer research has been harder to come by. Therefore, the OSUCCC – James had to find other ways to support its vision of creating a cancer-free world. Pelotonia started over 15 years ago when volunteers came together to help fund cancer research, benefiting the OSUCCC – James.
What is Pelotonia?
Pelotonia is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded with the goal of making meaningful advancements in the fight against cancer. To accomplish this, the organization raises funds for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James, the third largest cancer hospital in the United States.
Since 2009, Pelotonia has raised more than $309 million for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. These funds have led to discoveries through cutting-edge cancer research and advancements in cancer treatments. The impact of Pelotonia is felt in everything from cancer prevention efforts to survivorship.
Pelotonia funds support seven key areas at the OSUCCC – James, including:
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology: This is a comprehensive research program aimed at understanding how the body’s natural defense mechanisms can be used to fight cancer at all stages.
- Strategic Research Investments: Pelotonia supports programs such as digital pathology and the Drug Development Institute.
- Statewide Initiatives: Fundraising supports statewide initiatives including the Ohio Colorectal Cancer Prevention Initiative (OCCPI) and Ohio Prevention and Treatment of Endometrial Cancer.
- The Pelotonia Scholars Program: This initiative helps train the next generation of cancer researchers, including undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students, from across many academic disciplines.
- Idea Grants: Idea Grants help academic teams pursue innovative cancer research projects that may be too early in the research phases to receive traditional funding.
- Equipment: Funds raised from Pelotonia help purchase state-of-the-art laboratory equipment used by research experts.
- Recruitment: Through Pelotonia, the OSUCCC – James has added 290 cancer research experts to our staff.
To support these areas, fundraising occurs annually, which is driven primarily with the support of thousands of volunteers.
Bringing it all together during Ride Weekend and Gravel Day
Pelotonia fundraising centers around a signature event known as Ride Weekend. Ride Weekend is a three-day experience that includes cycling, entertaining and volunteerism that was established to raise money for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.
Every year, thousands of riders and volunteers from across the country prepare for Ride Weekend through grassroots fundraising efforts. In addition, they’re supported by several generous funding partners.
During Ride Weekend, volunteers and riders come together in central Ohio to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research. Riders can choose from different cycling routes, ranging from 20 to 190 miles. Volunteers fulfill many important roles, from staffing first-aid stations to making the event’s signature peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Every individual contribution is valued and matters. While together, participants often share stories of survivorship and remembrance for all those who have been impacted by the disease.
Gravel Day was introduced in 2023 and serves as an additional event for those interested in cycling on more challenging gravel roads throughout Appalachian Ohio. Riders may participate in both events if they choose; volunteers play an equally important role in this event.
Thanks to the underwriters of the event, every dollar raised by participants since Pelotonia began goes to help our researchers translate scientific discoveries to innovative cancer care and prevention strategies. Both Ride Weekend and Gravel Day are key in supporting initiatives at the OSUCCC – James.
Pelotonia 2025 dates
Pelotonia Ride Weekend is Aug. 1 – 3, 2025. Gravel Day will take place on October 4, 2025.
The Pelotonia Research Center
The Pelotonia Research Center, which is located on the west side of campus at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, opened in 2023. The building is home to a brand-new, state-of-the-art research facility. The new center is home to both the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology and the Center for Cancer Engineering. Two floors are dedicated to cancer research. A cross-disciplinary team of engineers, oncologists, biologists, physicians, data scientists, pharmacists and more work together to make breakthroughs in research in this new facility.
The James Cancer-Free World Podcast
Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, FACHE, has a very personal connection to Pelotonia-funded research. The annual fundraising bike ride provided the initial funding for acalabrutinib, “the drug that’s keeping me alive,” says the director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this episode, Dr. Pollock — who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia — provides an overview of several of the major areas of research, recruitment and screening funded by what he calls “the sweat equity” of the thousands of Pelotonia riders, volunteers and donors.