Pelotonia Ride Weekend, which returned as an in-person event in 2021 after a one-year absence necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, drew more than 10,400 participants—including nearly 6,000 Riders along with approximately 2,600 Challengers and 2,300 Volunteers—when it unfolded Aug. 6-8.
The need for social distancing to reduce the threat of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 kept Pelotonia from holding its traditional outdoor opening ceremony and weekend ride in 2020. However, while observing strict safety protocals for the lingering pandemic, both the ride and the ceremony returned for the weekend of Aug. 6-8 in 2021 to generate nearly $20 million in support of the OSUCCC – James’ vision of creating a cancer-free world.
In 2021, participants could register as a Rider, Volunteer or Challenger—a new option for those who prefer to pursue their own activity goal at their own pace. For each option, every dollar raised by participants goes directly to cancer research, thanks to Pelotonia’s Funding Partners.
“Even a viral pandemic failed to stop us in our mission last year, and this year we were back and stronger than ever in our quest to end cancer,” says Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman. “Despite the pandemic, we at the OSUCCC – James have maintained our focus on providing sciencebased and compassionate cancer care to those who come to us for help,” says OSUCCC Director Raphael E. Pollock, MD, PhD, FACS. “Cancer hasn’t stopped during the pandemic, and neither has our cancer program or the Pelotonia community,” he adds. “We are tremendously grateful for the continuous support we receive—no matter what the circumstances—from Pelotonia Riders, Challengers, Volunteers, Donors and Funding Partners.
Our vision of creating a cancerfree world endures.” James CEO William B. Farrar, MD, credits the Pelotonia community for playing a major role in advances and innovations that have led to better and less toxic treatments for patients. “Through translational research, some of which receives Pelotonia support, we’re continuously expanding the number of precision medicine and immuno-oncology options available to our patients,” Farrar says. “These targeted treatments are changing our approach to patient care. I’m grateful to everyone who participates in Pelotonia in any way.”