Pelotonia Kids Continues Growth in 2026 to Further Impact on Pediatric Cancer Research 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 1, 2026) – Pelotonia announced today initial details for the 2026 Pelotonia Kids rides, a growing series of community-led youth cycling events designed to inspire and engage the next generation of participants. Additional rides will continue to be added as passionate individuals and organizations across the community step up to host Pelotonia Kids events and expand the program’s reach. 

Pelotonia Kids reflects the organization’s mission of accelerating cancer research through community engagement. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), 100 percent of every dollar raised by Pelotonia Kids participants is directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  

“Pelotonia Kids has always been powered by community,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO and cancer survivor. “What began as a handful of grassroots kids’ rides has grown into a core Pelotonia program thanks to the incredible individuals and companies who have come together to make it their own. As we head into 2026, we’re grateful for that continued support as we expand access to more families, increase participation, and deepen our impact on pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s in collaboration with the OSUCCC – James.” 

Since launching in 2024, Pelotonia Kids has rapidly grown into a powerful, community-driven initiative. With 11 kids rides in 2025 and more than $252,000 raised in two years, the program is already demonstrating strong momentum and meaningful impact as it kicks off its third year. Pelotonia anticipates significant continued growth in 2026, with at least 20 Pelotonia Kids rides expected this spring, summer, and fall across central Ohio and beyond. 

“We are so grateful for the partnership with Pelotonia Kids,” said Steve Testa, President, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It’s a powerful collaboration between Nationwide Children’s and the OSUCCC – James that helps children everywhere. These community rides are wonderful opportunities to teach younger children about philanthropy, to have a fun day with the family, and to truly impact the future of pediatric cancer research.” 

Pelotonia Kids supports groundbreaking pediatric cancer research through a unique collaboration between Nationwide Children’s and the OSUCCC – James, two of the nation’s leading institutions advancing innovative care and discovery. This collaboration continues to expand the study of childhood cancer while accelerating the translation of research into real-world clinical care. By combining expertise across pediatric and adult oncology, the partnership is advancing innovations in treatment—including radiation and proton therapy—and strengthening outcomes for patients of all ages. 

“Pelotonia is a community movement, and Pelotonia Kids represents the very best of that spirit. The energy and passion behind Pelotonia Kids directly fuel the research that leads to better outcomes for patients and families,” said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and Director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Their impact is essential to advancing innovative cancer research and strengthening how we care for patients at every stage of their journey.”

Funds raised by Pelotonia Kids participants are directed to research that could improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for pediatric cancer patients by leading investigators and physicians at Nationwide Children’s.

The impact of Pelotonia Kids funding is already playing a critical role in supporting not only innovative research, but also the next generation of physician-scientists driving future breakthroughs. 

“A key part of Pelotonia Kids’ impact is its investment in the next generation of researchers,” said Tim Cripe, MD, PhD, FAAP, chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and holds the Gordon Teter endow chair in Pediatric Cancer at Nationwide Children’s and is a professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University. “These funds allow us to support and expand our trainee programs, ensuring that the future of pediatric cancer research is stronger than ever.” 

Funding from Pelotonia Kids to date is supporting early career scientists at Nationwide Children’s, with six researchers selected in 2025 through a competitive process to advance critical work in pediatric oncology. Focus areas for this research include:

• Strengthening the body’s natural defenses to fight pediatric brain tumors 

• Identifying new therapies for pediatric sarcomas 

• Uncovering epigenetic drivers of tumor progression and new treatment opportunities 

• Guiding the development of precision treatments for high-risk pediatric cancers 

• Exploring more effective, multi-modal immunotherapies for resistant brain tumors 

Pelotonia Kids continues to grow, with a series of community-led rides scheduled for 2026 and additional events to be announced. Each ride is organized by local volunteers in partnership with Pelotonia, with events varying in ages, routes and locations. Youth participants celebrate their ride with a Pelotonia Kids medal, t-shirt and other fun giveaways at the finish line.

This year, Pelotonia Kids will feature new community-driven events reflecting its expanding reach and momentum. Community members interested in hosting a ride are encouraged to connect with Pelotonia to bring an event to their neighborhood, school, or workplace.

Youth participants can register for Pelotonia Kids 2026 rides here. Rides include: 

• Saturday, May 2: Rangers Ride for Kids, Hamilton Local Preschool in Columbus  

• Saturday, May 16: Pelotonia Kids Team Huntington, Easton Oval in Columbus  

• Saturday, June 6: Chick-Fil-A*, North Road Park in Lewis Center

• Saturday, June 13: Pedal for Pancakes, Commonwealth Park and Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley 

• Saturday, June 27: Gears and Cheers, Heritage Park in Lima 

• Saturday, July 11: Pelotonia Kids Hilliard*, Hilliard Bradley High School 

• Saturday, July 18: SpokesKIDS, OneLove Cafe and Bike Shop in Granville 

• Saturday, July 25: SpokesKids Jr., Wildwood Park in Granville 

• Saturday, August 15: Stroll for Life, Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Plain City 

• Saturday, August 22: Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington, Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington 

• Saturday, September 12: Pelotonia Kids – Nationwide Children’s Hospital*, Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Westerville Close to Home 

• Saturday, September 12: Johnstown Lifestyle Kids Ride*, TJ Evans Bike Trailhead in Johnstown 

• Saturday, September 19: Gators Adventure Ride*, Gators Bike Park in Columbus 

• Saturday, September 19: Bath and Body Works*    

• TBD: Biking with Brutus, The Ohio State University Campus
• TBD: Crawford Hoying*
• TBD: Pelotonia Kids Linden

(* indicates new Pelotonia Kids ride launching in 2026)  

View all event dates and register at https://charity.pledgeit.org/PelotoniaKids2026.

Learn more about Pelotonia Kids at pelotonia.org/kids. 

Donors can give to Pelotonia Kids to support innovative pediatric cancer research at charity.pledgeit.org/PelotoniaKids2026. 

To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, visit pelotonia.org/impact. 

Anyone interested in participating in Pelotonia’s signature events can register at pelotonia.org/register.