More than 3,200 cyclists rolled through Needham on Sunday, August 2, as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge, the world's largest sports fundraiser dedicated to cancer research, now in its 47th year.

The riders launched from Babson College with the first wave pushing off at 6:45 a.m., part of a two-day ride that also sent 3,300 cyclists from Worcester. In all, more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers participated in the 2026 PMC, the Needham Police Department confirmed.

The event's 2026 fundraising goal is $79 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and its Jimmy Fund Clinic. As of Wednesday, July 29, riders had already raised $45 million toward that target, Needham Local reported. Donations will continue to be accepted through Thursday, October 1.

Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.1 billion for cancer research.

Founder Billy Starr, who started the ride after losing his mother, uncle, and cousin to cancer in the 1970s, was unable to ride for the first time this year after fracturing his pelvic bone in a bike crash. He still raised $120,000 personally.

"The bike ride is the candy, the mission is funding research at Dana-Farber," Starr said.

This year's theme, "Now More Than Ever," carried added weight. Bruce Springsteen surprised riders with a pre-recorded video message and acoustic performance of "Born to Run" at the PMC's "State of PMC" program at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester on Saturday, August 1, the Boston Globe reported. Springsteen's wife Patti Scialfa is being treated for multiple myeloma at Dana-Farber and is in remission.

Nicaela Chinnaswamy, the site coordinator for the Needham/Babson College start, said her crew began tent setup the Monday before the ride and was on-site by 4 a.m. on ride day. Chinnaswamy, who rode the PMC herself in 2015 and 2018, said nobody complains about the early hours because the mission keeps everyone energized.

Among the riders was Team Animal, whose members wear plush Animal-from-The-Muppets figures on their helmets. Founded about 18 years ago by a drummer, the team has raised more than $1 million for Dana-Farber. Ryan Fitzgerald, 64, of Sturbridge, rode his 15th PMC this year as a Team Animal member.

Kristin Halley, 52, of Westfield, completed her 11th ride. She recalled her first year, when she saw a young adult on the sidelines holding a sign that read, "I went to college because of you."

The PMC offers 14 routes ranging from 25 to 187 miles. Two-day riders were required to raise $6,000; one-day riders raised $4,000.

Residents who want to support PMC riders can donate through Thursday, October 1, at pmc.org. The 38th annual Jimmy Fund Walk, also benefiting Dana-Farber, takes place Sunday, October 4.