Pelotonia Rallies Community for Ride Weekend 2026, Featuring Music Headliner Andrew McMahon and New Downtown Route

More than 8,000 Riders and 3,000 Volunteers will gather for Pelotonia's 18th annual signature event on July 31 through August 2, uniting thousands to fund innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.

Sioux Thompson is a 73-year-old Rider and a kidney cancer Survivor who credits research and advancements in early detection to saving her life. When she crossed the finish line for the first time in 2025, she was grinning ear-to-ear and decided to ride again the next year.

To Gravel Day Runner Steve Newsome, Pelotonia is not only an inspiring community but it's fun. He wears his Pelotonia Pride tee everywhere, including to the parade, and encourages people to participate while reminding them to get their health screenings.

The 2025 High Rollers did more than raise money — they gave Linden kids their first taste of two-wheeled freedom, sparking the next generation of riders and proving Pelotonia's mission goes far beyond the ride.

A 15-year participant, Julie Beckman has been riding with a group called Girls with Gears, who have embraced her fully and completely. She rides in memory of her mother and because she knows curing cancer matters more than any differences.

Dr. Ioana Baiu is advancing cancer care at Ohio State and paving the way for women in surgery.

Researchers at the OSUCCC – James are advancing a new approach that helps surgeons treating head and neck cancers: custom 3D-printed models created from each patient’s medical imaging.

How one family turned grief and love into a lasting gift — two Pelotonia Graduate Scholars researching cancer cures in the names of Jim and Beverly Loomis.

Jeff Mead has never done Pelotonia halfway. He rides. He volunteers. He wears his Pride shirt to Opening Ceremony. And every mile, every shift, every year — it's all in honor of his mom.

The OSUCCC – James is responding to rising cancer rates with research and care built for the next generation.

After two family members received life-changing care at the OSUCCC – James, Gisela Chang made sure her support for Pelotonia would last a lifetime — and beyond.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and cancer Survivor Andrew McMahon to headline Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 31, in downtown Columbus.