WEEI is proud to be the official radio station of the Pan-Mass Challenge. The Pan-Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon and a pioneer of the athletic fundraising industry that today raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country. The organization was founded in 1980 and has since raised $375 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is a model of fundraising efficiency. The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause.

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is a fully supported bike-a-thon — with food and water stops, mechanical and medical assistance, luggage transportation, and lodging — that runs through 46 towns across Massachusetts. Approximately 5,500 cyclists ride in the event. Cyclists choose from 11 routes of varying mileage designed to cater to all levels of cycling strength and time availability. There are six two-day routes that range from 153 to 190 miles and five one-day rides that range from 25 to 110 miles.

The 34th annual PMC is set for August 3 & 4, 2013. The ride has two starting lines in Sturbridge and in Wellesley, and various finish lines in Provincetown, Bourne, Wellesley and Foxborough (Patriot Place). Routes offer one-day and two-day riding options.

Each year, nearly 5,200 cyclists travel from more than 35 states and eight countries to ride in the PMC. Nearly 350 riders are cancer survivors or current patients. Some PMC cyclists are weekend warriors, others are trained triathletes. Many PMC participants rode in honor of a family member or friend fighting the disease. Cyclists range in age from 13 to 87. The average PMC cyclist is 43 years old, trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $6,000. During PMC weekend and throughout the year, nearly 3,000 volunteers donate their time and 200 corporations provide in-kind donations of products or services. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event’s executive director, an annual cyclist and a fundraiser. It is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the New Balance Foundation.