35th Annual Pan Mass. Challenge Wraps First Day Under Rainy Weather
BOSTON (CBS) - The 35th annual Pan Mass Challenge wrapped its first day on Saturday despite the clouds and showers.
The 190-mile bike-a-thon takes place in several stages and ends in Provincetown.
In all, close to 6,000 riders will take part across the state.
This is the most successful athletic fundraising event in the country.
Organizers hope to raise $40 million this year for cancer research and care at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
Since 1980, the PMC has raised close to half a billion dollars.
Some riders are inspired to ride for cancer patients known as "pedal partners."
"A group can really make a difference. You're not in it alone. You've got friends, family, everybody to help you," said 16-year-old cancer survivor Haley Giguere, a pedal partner.
The pedal partners have already raised around $360,000 out of their $500,000 goal.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports
PMC Riders In Wrentham
WBZ-TV is the official media partner of the PMC
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