Holy Cross Partners with the Pan-Mass Challenge to Bring 2026 Ride to Worcester

From left to right: Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty, PMC Founder and Chairman Billy Starr, Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau and Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista.

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Worcester

Holy Cross is proud to announce that its campus will serve as a new starting line and hub site for the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) in 2026, replacing the ride’s traditional Sturbridge start. This partnership brings the world’s single most successful athletic fundraiser to Worcester, offering expanded space and resources for the growing PMC community and reinforcing Holy Cross’s commitment to service and community engagement guided by the Jesuit principle of people for and with others.

PMC 2026, which will take place on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, is expected to bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers from around the globe to support lifesaving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As a fully operational hub site, Holy Cross will also conduct rider and volunteer registration and host the official PMC 2026 Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 31.

The new PMC start honors Worcester’s rich cycling history, particularly its connection to Marshall “Major” Taylor, the world’s first Black cycling champion around the turn of the 20th century. Often referred to as the Worcester Whirlwind, Taylor lived and trained in Worcester, where his legacy continues to inspire athletes and community members alike.

"The Pan-Mass Challenge has found a fitting new home here at Holy Cross, given our college’s long commitment to community and service to others," Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau said. "Worcester touts a proud history of cycling—home to world champions like Major Taylor, who rose to national acclaim here in our city. This new partnership will build on this tremendous moment of growth in our city and connect us to our not so distant past as a premier destination for cyclists."

“This new partnership with Holy Cross offers our PMC community more space and resources to increase our impact in the fight against cancer,” said PMC Founder and Chairman Billy Starr. “We look forward to creating new traditions at Holy Cross and introducing Worcester and its citizens to PMC magic in 2026.”

"The City of Worcester is honored that the PMC, one of the most revered fundraising events in the state, is selecting Holy Cross and Worcester for such an important part of its ride – a start line. This partnership reflects the city's growing momentum and the strides we are making, " said City Manager Eric D. Batista. "This event will help the city continue that momentum, drawing tourism to the Heart of the Commonwealth as riders cycle their way through the city."

“We are thrilled to serve as the new hosts for the Pan-Mass Challenge,” Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty said. “I am looking forward to welcoming riders and volunteers to our city, and we are grateful for this new partnership between our city, Holy Cross, and the Pan-Mass Challenge.”

Since 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, including a record-breaking $75 million in 2024 alone. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, accounting for 66 percent of its Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

Registration for PMC 2025 opens in January – the 2025 ride will offer cyclists the opportunity to pay homage to a long-time tradition and pedal out of Sturbridge one last time. Details about PMC 2026 and its route options will be announced in the coming months.