COLUMBUS, OH (November 19, 2021) – Pelotonia, a non-profit organization that brings a community together to accelerate funding for innovative cancer research, is proud to announce $19,313,532 raised in 2021. The nearly $20 million achievement is almost double the 2020 fundraising amount and brings the total raised to date to more than $236 million directly supporting cancer research. Earlier this year, Pelotonia made a successful return to an in-person Ride Weekend that included almost 6,000 Riders. In addition, Pelotonia saw a broader range of participation than ever this year with more than 10,500 individuals fundraising for the community’s One Goal by engaging as a Rider, Challenger or Volunteer.

“2021 has been an incredible year with a highly successful in-person event and inspiring fundraising efforts that have allowed important steps to be made in advancing cancer research,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia. “The Pelotonia community is closing the year with new momentum and drive for the work ahead in cancer research, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their passion and commitment for saving the lives of others.”

Dollars raised this year allowed Pelotonia to continue funding innovative cancer research initiatives at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), including evaluating how SARS-CoV-2 — commonly known as COVID-19 — impacts the immune system of cancer patients. Funds also supported the Pelotonia Fellowship program, which has awarded 616 research fellowships to date, and the Idea Grants program, which granted eight new Pelotonia-funded research projects in 2021. Accelerating initiatives to understand, treat and ultimately end cancer were particularly critical this year, as doctors are seeing advanced cancer cases in the wake of pandemic-delayed screenings and treatment.

“Pelotonia Idea Grants are often the initial fuel and funding to allow our scientists to investigate compelling new research concepts. It is so gratifying to see the lasting impact of this initial funding spreading through our research labs. For example, Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury’s research autopsy study has gone from a dramatically different laboratory approach to study disease resistance and genomic medicine to an OSU investigator-initiated, phase 2 clinical trial involving patients in our clinics. This is just one example of work funded by Pelotonia that is making a big impact in our community and beyond,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For those eager and excited for their next Pelotonia Ride or Challenger goal, Pelotonia has announced Ride Weekend will take place August 5 - 7, 2022, with registration opening early next year.

“Pelotonia Ride Weekend is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, not just as a first-time Rider in 2021, but also as a two-time cancer survivor,” added Olivia Hawkins, member of the Pelotonia community. “Pelotonia has become so much more than an annual event for us. Pelotonia is a way for us to come together with others for a common goal – to end cancer. And it’s become a way of life for my family to raise hope for the future by supporting survivors, fighters, researchers and their families and friends.”

With the support of the wider Pelotonia community and corporate partners, Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to the OSUCCC – James, including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. To read more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.

Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund innovative cancer research. As a centerpiece of its year-round fundraising efforts, Pelotonia hosts a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Since its founding, Pelotonia has raised more than $236 million for cancer research. Thanks to its generous funding partners – American Electric Power Foundation, Huntington Bank, L Brands Foundation, Peggy and Richard Santulli, Harold C. Schott Foundation, Safelite AutoGlass, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill Capital Management and Nationwide – Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every dollar raised by its participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. For more information, visit pelotonia.org or tune in to our podcast ONE GOAL.