Charity Cycling Event, Pan-Mass Challenge, Forms Alliances with Holy Cross and Worcester Institutions
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), the most successful athletic fundraiser in the United States, is set to make a historic move in 2026. The event will relocate its starting line from its previous location in Sturbridge to Worcester, marking a significant milestone for the city known for its rich cycling history and its connection to Major Taylor.
Worcester is closely associated with Major Taylor, the first Black world cycling champion and a major figure in the sport’s history. Nicknamed "The Worcester Whirlwind," Taylor made his mark in the city, and it honours him with events such as the annual George Street Bike Challenge, a steep uphill time trial in downtown Worcester celebrating Taylor’s legacy. This event underscores the city's deep-rooted cycling culture and reverence for Taylor, who competed in Worcester and inspired future generations.
By moving the PMC start to Worcester, the event not only acknowledges the city's historical significance in competitive cycling but also pays tribute to Major Taylor’s pioneering achievements and legacy in the sport. This move integrates a major contemporary athletic event with Worcester’s cultural heritage, enhancing recognition of Taylor's impact and the city’s place in cycling history.
The College of the Holy Cross will play a vital role in this transition, as it will be responsible for rider and volunteer registration, as well as hosting the official PMC 2026 Opening Ceremonies. The College has partnered with the PMC to bring the event to Worcester in August 2026, further cementing its commitment to the city and its community.
PMC 2026 is expected to bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers. The event, which raises funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been Dana-Farber's largest single contributor since 1980. This year, the PMC has raised $1.047 billion for the institute since its inception in 1980.
In a separate development, the College of the Holy Cross has completed its 2023 admissions cycle for the class of 2027. Students admitted through the Regular Decision process were notified of their acceptance on March 18, 2023. Meanwhile, Holy Cross students participated in a stand-out for State Representative Dan Donahue '09 on the corner of Cambridge and Southbridge Streets, with the College Democrats working in collaboration with the "Committee to Re-Elect Dan Donahue" for the event.
As the PMC prepares for its move to Worcester, the city eagerly awaits this significant event, not just as a major fundraiser for cancer research, but also as a symbolic tribute to its cycling heritage and Major Taylor's enduring legacy.
[1] Worcester Telegram & Gazette [3] MassLive [5] Boston Globe
- The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) 2026's relocation to Worcester is a significant event for the city, which is renowned for its rich cycling history and its connection to Major Taylor, a pioneering Black world cycling champion.
- The College of the Holy Cross, a key player in the PMC's transition, will handle rider and volunteer registration, as well as hosting the official PMC 2026 Opening Ceremonies.
- The PMC 2026, anticipated to bring together over 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers, is a major contemporary athletic event that integrates with Worcester's cultural heritage, celebrating Taylor's impact and the city’s place in cycling history.
- Apart from the PMC, the College of the Holy Cross has completed its 2023 admissions cycle for the class of 2027, marking a new cohort that will contribute to the college's vibrant community.
- In a separate context, Holy Cross students participated in a rally for State Representative Dan Donahue '09, demonstrating the college's active role in the city's civic affairs and community engagement.
