Pan-Mass Challenge will start in Worcester beginning in 2026
WORCESTER - Starting in 2026, the Pan-Mass Challenge will start at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. The move from Sturbridge marks the biggest change to the nation's most successful fundraising ride in decades.
The Sturbridge-to-Bourne rote is considered the "original" Day One ride. It's 107 miles and features beautiful scenery, good pavement, and great ride support. But the event space at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and the lodging itself is tight, particularly for an event that's still growing.
Moving the ride to Holy Cross
Moving the ride to Holy Cross will allow the PMC to take advantage of more modern facilities, a lot more space and access to thousands of hotel rooms within miles of the Worcester campus.
Smiling, PMC Founder and Chairman Billy Starr explains, "I love tradition and Sturbridge has been a wonderful spot for us for 45-46 years. But I am about quality control and presenting the best weekend we can do by our riders." The ride from Worcester to Bourne is 100 miles which includes 23 "new" miles before joining the existing route from Sturbridge.
Starr and Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau signed a ceremonial "letter of intent" sealing the partnership and shook hands on a deal that Starr says will make a great ride even better. Speaking before a crowd gathered at the school, Rougeau said he was pleased to "welcome this extraordinary ride to its new home."
Both Starr and Rougeau say the partnership is a perfect fit for a school and an organization that serve others. This year alone, the PMC raised $75 million for Dana Farber Cancer Institute, with 100% of all rider-raised funds going directly DFCI.
Worcester thrilled to host
Starr has been dreaming about a move to Worcester for more than a decade. He says that he has taken a few "trial runs" on his bike in the area around campus and can't wait to share the experience with the roughly 3,800 riders who currently start from Sturbridge. "We have a staff here who's really aligned with all the aspects of our Friday, Saturday, and Sunday three-day weekend... We're getting the advantages of Massachusetts' second-largest city."
City manager Eric Batista says Worcester is thrilled to host the ride. "It's the start line! That's important! It's the start line!" He remembers the first meeting with Starr in his office fondly and says teaming up with the PMC was an easy "yes."
WBZ is proud to partner with the Pan-Mass Challenge. Registration for the 2025 ride starts in early January.