Pelotonia Breaks Fundraising Record with $29.2 Million for Innovative Cancer Research in 2025 

Community unites with record-breaking single-year fundraising total, bringing all-time funds raised to $339 million for the OSUCCC – James   

COLUMBUS, Ohio (November 18, 2025) – Pelotonia announced today an annual fundraising total of $29,212,864 in 2025, bringing all-time funds raised to $339,074,826 for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). 

The 2025 total marks the highest single-year fundraising achievement in the Pelotonia community’s 17-year history, representing an 11.5 percent increase over 2024’s $26.2 million and surpassing the previous record of $27.4 million — set in 2018 with nearly 1,000 more registered Riders in that year — by almost $2 million. 

The organization revealed the fundraising total on stage Tuesday evening at Pelotonia Night of Impact, a community gathering of more than 1,000 participants and guests at Kemba Live! in downtown Columbus.  

“This year, the Pelotonia community truly stepped up when it mattered most,” said Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia and cancer survivor. “The community rallied from across the country and around the world to ensure further investment in scientific breakthroughs and discoveries will continue to save lives. Every dollar raised by the Pelotonia community throughout this record-breaking year represents hope, progress, and the unwavering belief that together, we can keep the pace of science moving forward to end cancer.”  

Pelotonia’s generous funding partners provide operational support, allowing the organization to direct 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. New funding partners in 2025 include Abbott and DHL Supply Chain. Longtime and returning funding partners include American Electric Power Foundation, Bath & Body Works, Huntington National Bank, Peggy & Richard Santulli, Victoria’s Secret, Ariel Corporation, The Haslam 3 Foundation, M/I Homes, Safelite, Barbasol, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill, Nationwide Insurance and Pharmavite.  

“Each year, we’re inspired and grateful by what the Pelotonia community accomplishes together,” said Robert H. Schottenstein, Chairman and CEO of M/I Homes, Inc., and Chair of the Pelotonia Board of Directors. “When Pelotonia started 17 years ago, none of us could have imagined the extraordinary, lasting impact it would have — not just here in Columbus, but across the country and around the world. Thank you to every participant, donor, and partner for your support.” 

Pelotonia dollars fund a wide range of research areas at the OSUCCC – James, from recruiting top talent and investing in the next generation of scientists to advancements in technology and groundbreaking therapies. Pelotonia-funded research ranges from the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, which focuses on harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer at all levels, to early detection, cancer prevention, precision medicine and survivorship programs — all aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients and accelerating progress to end cancer.  

“I came to The James because of its commitment to creating a cancer-free world, its collaborative culture, and extraordinary community support. The energy, purpose, and unwavering commitment of the Pelotonia community to ending cancer is rare and so important,” said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, CEO of the OSUCCC – James. “What makes Pelotonia so unique is the open door it creates for genuine, two-way partnership between scientists, doctors, and community members who all share the same goal. When we come together — including on bicycles — it levels the playing field and reminds us why this work matters to each of us personally. That kind of connection and collaboration is what leads to truly transformational change.” 

Dr. Rathmell joined as the new CEO of the OSUCCC – James earlier this year after serving as Director of the National Cancer Institute, where she led national efforts to advance cancer discovery and innovation. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in kidney cancer and leadership in precision oncology. Her decision to join Ohio State reflects the strength of the Pelotonia community and its unparalleled support for scientific excellence.  

In 2025, more than 12,000 participants joined Pelotonia’s events, including more than 7,500 Riders, Runners, and Hikers, and 3,100 Volunteers who supported Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. More than 1,800 Challengers fundraised virtually. Participants came from across 49 U.S. states and 12 countries globally and ranged in age from 14 to 93 years old. 

Pelotonia saw record-breaking participation within several meaningful categories this year, which led to the all-time high single-year fundraising total. Highlights include: 

• 980 cancer survivors, who are “Living Proof” of the value in investing in cancer research, participated in 2025, which is the highest number of those personally impacted by cancer to date for Pelotonia events.  

• A record 800 High Rollers, who are Pelotonia’s highest individual fundraisers, contributed more than $7.6 million. 

• Among 387 Pelotons, Team Huntington led the way in participation and fundraising. The company team engaged a record 3,300 Peloton participants, including more than 1,700 Riders, and raised a-company record $5 million. 

“This Pelotonia year has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Apgar said. “From the incredible August weather throughout Ride Weekend and the massive Opening Ceremony crowd with O.A.R. on stage, to Gravel Day’s fun, outdoor adventure and new experiences with the Trail Run and Hike and finally celebrating our biggest fundraising year ever at Night of Impact. It’s truly one for the books. This community has so much momentum, and we’re incredibly grateful for every single person driving our mission forward. We’ll celebrate this moment, and then we’ll get right back to work because our dream is that every person who hears the words ‘you have cancer’ gets more time to experience life milestones and spend with their loved ones. Our mission continues, and we can’t wait to carry this energy into next year.” 

Registration for Pelotonia 2026 will open on March 4.  Dates for its signature events have been announced with Opening Ceremony on July 31 and Ride Weekend on August 1-2, 2026. The Gravel Day date for fall 2026 will be announced soon.  

For more information and to learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org.