Pelotonia 2026 is right around the corner, and cyclists, volunteers and organizers are ready to build on 17 years of support for Ohio State’s cancer research. First launched in 2009, Pelotonia has grown into an Ohio tradition, including several new routes for the flagship Ride Weekend, a Gravel Day event and a kids program that helps families organize neighborhood rides. Altogether, Pelotonia set a new fundraising record in 2025, with $29.2 million raised for research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “It was a banner year by all measures,” Pelotonia CEO Joe Apgar says. “The Pelotonia community stepped up, and we were blown away and humbled by it.” Podcast: Apgar shares all the details about Pelotonia 2026 on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Watch on the video player above, or stream on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. Every dollar raised by Pelotonia supports OSUCCC – James cancer research, and with $339 million and counting since its inception, the organization’s impact has been incredible. Because of that, Apgar and his team work all year to make sure the Pelotonia experience is special for everyone involved, and that it’s available to more people every season. “Creating new ways to get involved is probably what we do best,” Apgar says. “Last year we added run and hike options to Gravel Day, but we've also had the goal of including a mountain biking component. In 2026, we’re making that happen.” Riders won’t have to wait until October’s Gravel Day event to see a major new addition to the Pelotonia lineup, though. For the first time, Ride Weekend (July 31-August 2) will feature a 17-mile cycling route to go along with the existing options of 23, 46, 66 and 100 miles. The new route is intended to encourage more riders to join the Pelotonia community, including many patients who’ve expressed interest in participating while undergoing cancer treatment. “The demand has been great for this shorter route,” says Apgar, a cancer survivor. “There are a lot of people being treated at The James who have set goals to participate in Pelotonia, and the 17-mile route could be more approachable for them.” Another area of growth for Pelotonia is its expanding options for kids, with more than 20 community-organized rides already set for the 2026 season. “Our community is so passionate, and many parents want to help their kids get involved,” Apgar says. “So, we've built this event-in-a-box process where we provide resources — swag, shirts, fencing, tents and more — and they take it from there. The kids and everyone involved are incredible.” Pelotonia’s 2026 theme is “No Limits,” which celebrates the pace of innovation happening in cancer research. It also describes the organization’s approach to planning, according to Apgar, who empowers his team and the entire community to work together to develop and implement new concepts throughout the year. “A lot of ideas come to life quickly, and they usually start with something like, ‘I was meeting with someone, and we thought it would be cool if we added mountain biking, or hiking or if we put kids programs together,” he says. “We’re not trying to invent this ourselves. We encourage the community to tell us what they want, and then we go do it.” Register for Pelotonia: There are many ways to be part of Pelotonia in 2026. Learn more and register to ride, hike, run, volunteer or donate today.