Holy Cross to serve as Pan-Mass Challenge starting line in 2026

Photo I Courtesy of College of the Holy Cross (From left) Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr, Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau, and Worcester City Manager Eric Batista

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By Mica Kanner-Mascolo

In two summers, thousands of cyclists will line up at the College of the Holy Cross to begin their multi-mile journeys across Massachusetts as the Worcester college will serve as the starting line for the Pan-Mass Challenge come August 2026.

The PMC is an annual, 25- to 211-mile bike-a-thon to raise funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Holy Cross expects the event will draw 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers as the rides commence on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, 2026, according to a Tuesday press release.

"The Pan-Mass Challenge has found a fitting new home here at Holy Cross, given our college’s long commitment to community and service to others," Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau said in the release. "Worcester touts a proud history of cycling – home to world champions like Major Taylor, who rose to national acclaim here in our city. This new partnership will build on this tremendous moment of growth in our city and connect us to our not so distant past as a premier destination for cyclists."

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Marshall "Major" Taylor, an Indiana native who relocated to Worcester, was a world class cyclist and sports legend who in 1899 became the cycling world champion. In 2021, the Major Taylor Museum opened on 2 Main St. in Worcester.

In addition to serving as the starting line, Holy Cross will hold rider and volunteer registration and present the PMC 2026 Opening Ceremonies on July 31, 2026.

The PMC is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, having raised $1.047 billion since 1980, generating $75 million in 2024 alone, according to the release.

“This new partnership with Holy Cross offers our PMC community more space and resources to increase our impact in the fight against cancer,” PMC Founder and Chairman Billy Starr said in the release. “We look forward to creating new traditions at Holy Cross and introducing Worcester and its citizens to PMC magic in 2026.”

Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.