WORCESTER – The College of the Holy Cross announced on Wednesday, December 11, that it will be the starting point for the Pan-Mass Challenge in 2026.
The 2026 destination has not yet been determined.
Holy Cross says that on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, PMC 2026 exepcts to attract over 6,800 riders and 3.500 volunteers from around the globe.
“The Pan–Mass Challenge has found a fitting new home here at Holy Cross, given our college’s long commitment to community and service to others,” Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau said. “Worcester touts a proud history of cycling—home to world champions like Major Taylor, who rose to national acclaim here in our city. This new partnership will build on this tremendous moment of growth in our city and connect us to our not so distant past as a premier destination for cyclists.”
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), which will start in Sturbridge for the final time on August 2 and 3, 2025 , takes cyclists on a 100 mile journey to Bourne to raise funds or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Registration for PMC 2025 opens in January.
Billy Starr founded the bike-a-thon in 1980 and remains the executive director of the event. Since its founding, the PMC raised over $1 billion for adult and pediatric patient care and research at Dana-Farber, including $75 million in 2024. The PMC accounts for generating 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue as Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor.
“We are thrilled to serve as the new hosts for the Pan–Mass Challenge,” Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty said. “I am looking forward to welcoming riders and volunteers to our city, and we are grateful for this new partnership between our city, Holy Cross, and the Pan–Mass Challenge.”
