Central Ohio's Pelotonia ride has become one of the largest charity bike events in the country. Photo: Courtesy Pelotonia
One of the country's biggest charity bike rides is back this weekend, filling Central Ohio with cyclists raising money for cancer research.
The big picture:Pelotonia is an annual ride with "Ending Cancer" as its tagline, a phrase the organization calls the "real, tangible progress the Pelotonia community is fueling."
By the numbers: We examined Pelotonia's Community Impact Report to gauge the ride's tangible impact so far:
⭐️ Four stars: The nonprofit earns a nearly perfect 97% score from watchdog organization Charity Navigator.
Four stars is the website's highest score.
💯 100% of funds raised: Every dollar raised by a rider is donated to OSU's James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Funding from corporate partners makes the full donation possible.
💸 $309 million: Pelotonia officially passed the $300 million mark with its 2024 race, raising that staggering amount in total since its 2008 debut.
That includes $26 million last year, which OSU says will go toward "scientific discoveries and breakthroughs to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care."
🚲 12,483 participants last year: Between 6,941 riders, plus volunteers, contributors and other supporters, nearly 13,000 people were part of last year's event.
Riders ages 14 to 92 traveled over 340,000 miles on routes ranging from 20-190 miles.
Their ranks included 820 cancer survivors and 237 people who have participated in all 16 years.
🌎 16 countries represented: From four continents, 45 states and Puerto Rico.
🧒 $85,076 from kids:Pelotonia Kids started last year, allowing younger riders to get in on the fundraising.
