• More than 290 top scientists have been recruited to the OSUCCC – James since 2010 thanks to Pelotonia funding.
• Pelotonia funding helped recruit world-renowned cancer experts like Dr. Christian Rolfo, who is advancing new treatments for lung cancer.
• Dr. Susan Tsai is leading precision medicine trials for pancreatic cancer, improving treatment selection for patients facing one of the toughest diagnoses.
• Dr. Glen Barber, a leader in immunotherapy, was recruited with Pelotonia support and just won Germany’s top medical research prize.

• Pelotonia Idea Grants provided early funding that helped Dr. Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate secure a $3.53M National Cancer Institute grant to study pancreatic cancer.
• Researchers are testing a new CAR T-cell therapy that targets three cancer proteins at once, offering new hope for patients with resistant B-cell cancers.
• Since 2010, Pelotonia has invested $31.5M in 221 Idea Grants, sparking early discoveries across 11 The Ohio State University colleges and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

• Funding supported a new Olympus Research Slide Scanner to give scientists at the OSUCCC – James sharper, faster tools for analyzing cancer tissue.
• Pelotonia-backed research at OSUCCC – James helped accelerate Total Cancer Care®, a pioneering protocol that tracks patient outcomes to improve treatments.
• Cutting-edge digital pathology tools funded by Pelotonia are making cancer diagnosis faster and more precise at the OSUCCC – James.

• A new Ohio State–developed drug (JBZ-001) is entering its first human trial, bringing a homegrown discovery from lab to patient care.
• Pelotonia support helped open Central Ohio’s first Proton Therapy Center at the OSUCCC – James, offering highly targeted radiation with fewer side effects.
• To date, more than 100 patients from 6 states have been treated at the new Proton Therapy Center.

• Each year, Pelotonia invests $2M in student scholarships, training the next generation of cancer researchers.
• The Pelotonia Scholars Program has funded 712 students from 53 countries and 36 states.
• Dr. Alice Mims, once a Pelotonia Scholar, is now leading new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia at the OSUCCC – James.

• The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO), launched with a $102M pledge, has already recruited 124 scientists and launched 254 immunotherapy trials.
• A Nature-published study funded with support from Pelotonia revealed that bladder tumors missing the Y chromosome may respond better to immunotherapy.
• Pelotonia-funded researchers at the OSUCCC – James secured over $43M in annual grant funding in 2024, multiplying donors’ dollars into nationwide impact.

• The “Turning the Page on Breast Cancer” initiative, funded by Pelotonia, is addressing disparities for Black women who face a 42% higher death rate from the disease in Ohio.
• Pelotonia funding supports statewide cancer prevention programs in colorectal, uterine, lung, and breast cancers — improving early detection across Ohio.

• “This is my XX year riding in Pelotonia. Join me by making a gift to help fund the next breakthroughs in cancer research.”
• “I’m riding in Pelotonia to honor [Name]. Your gift supports groundbreaking research and gives hope to families like mine.”
• “I’m humbled by the support of friends and family as I ride in Pelotonia. Every gift fuels hope. Will you join us?”
• “I ride because almost everyone knows someone impacted by cancer. Your donation fuels hope and real progress.”
• “I’m continually in awe of the progress happening in cancer research through my involvement with Pelotonia. And the best part is that we, as a community, are making that work go faster, truly saving and changing lives today — and for generations to come. Will you join me in Ending Cancer by giving to Pelotonia?”

“Events like this give us hope for a brighter tomorrow, laying the groundwork not only for philanthropy in our youth, but also to inspire them to be future community organizers and teaching them the value of service above self,” Adam said.  

“Pelotonia is a uniquely wonderful experience, whether you’re a Rider or a spectator. Kids feel the positive energy as they watch their parents ride, and they really want to be a part of it, too. That’s why we created Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington,” Sarah Jane said.

“We always strive to make the ride as fun and memorable as possible for the kids, while giving it the same sense of excitement and tradition as the adult ride. Riders receive their t-shirts ahead of time and arrive ready to roll. Brutus Buckeye is there to welcome them, while parents and families cheer from the sidelines,” Sarah Jane said.

Headliner Opening Ceremony act O.A.R. and new routes bring excitement to signature event

“There’s nothing like the energy and purpose of Ride Weekend — my favorite weekend of the year,” said Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia, 15-year Rider and cancer Survivor.

“Tens of thousands of people with a personal connection to cancer come together to fuel bold ideas and support world-class researchers at The James at Ohio State. Their work is leading to lifesaving breakthroughs, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who makes this movement possible.”

“I was aware that Ohio State had really strong team science previously but it quickly became clear to me that one of the things that makes this place really special is the deep sense of broad community investment in advancing cancer research and care,” Dr. Kim Rathmell said.

“I’m so inspired by the passion of the Pelotonia community. It’s an honor to partner in the pursuit of a cancer-free world, and I’m excited to join my first Ride Weekend alongside thousands who share a deep commitment to driving innovation in research and care.”

Opening Ceremony, August 1

Ride Weekend, August 2-3

Gravel Day, October 4 with New Trail Run/Hike

The Pelotonia community looks forward to welcoming Dr. Kim Rathmell as she experiences her first Ride Weekend as CEO of the OSUCCC – James! 

Since joining Pelotonia’s mission in 2009, Huntington Bank has raised more than $45 million for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) — a remarkable achievement resulting from forward-thinking strategies that reach far beyond traditional donation drives.

“At Huntington, we believe in the power of partnership to drive purpose,” said Huntington Bank’s Chief Financial Officer Zach Wasserman.

“By engaging with our vendors, we’re able to amplify the mission of Pelotonia — accelerating cancer research and bringing hope to countless lives. Each of these collaborators plays a vital role in helping us move further, faster, together.”

“Pelotonia is integral to our culture because it brings us together for a cause greater than ourselves. It unites us in the fight against cancer and demonstrates how much we can accomplish as partners,” said Brant Standridge, Senior Executive Vice President and President of Consumer and Regional Banking at Huntington Bank.

“Partnering with Team Buckeye to organize Biking with Brutus felt like the natural next step. I work every day at The James Cancer Hospital,” Julie said.

“My husband, Summit, cares for children with cancer at Nationwide Children’s. The fact that the Kids Ride directly supports cancer research at Nationwide makes this personal for both of us — professionally and as parents.”

“Our family rides in Pelotonia every year, and now it’s our turn to help, too!” Oliver and Emmett said.

“We want to be part of the mission to cure cancer. We’ve seen how hard our parents work, and how much it matters. So, this summer, we’re riding our bikes in our own kid version of Pelotonia to raise money and show we care.”

“We hope to engage the next generation in philanthropic efforts, teaching them the importance of giving back as well as how to start an active lifestyle at a young age. Research saves lives, and we are proud to back the incredible minds who are working to put an end to cancer,” said Rachel.

“Pelotonia kids provides an opportunity for kids to make a difference. We have several families in our community who have been affected by not only pediatric cancer, but also parents who have battled cancer. This gives kids the opportunity to make a difference and support their friends and family,” said Brittany.

“My father rode in Pelotonia my entire life. Watching him ride inspired me to try to start a ride so that kids my age could ride too,” Nathaniel said.

“We’ve always tried to make a kids’ version of Pelotonia. We have a 1-mile route for our youngest riders and a 3-mile ride for our older kids,” Nathaniel said.

“Both routes have rest stops along the way, and we have a finish line celebration to try to make it as much like Pelotonia as we can for the kids.”

Last year, the ride took on extra meaning when a young girl who had beaten cancer rode alongside her parents.

“I got the opportunity to talk with them after the ride,” Nathaniel said. “It was a really inspiring experience.”

“Pelotonia Kids is an incredible part of Pelotonia,” Nathaniel added, “and we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and help save lives through important pediatric cancer research. I hope that we can raise as much money for pediatric cancer research as possible and give the kids that participate in the ride an amazing experience.”