COLUMBUS – About 8,000 riders from more than 40 states and 10 countries will pedal hundreds of collective miles through the streets and past the farmlands of central Ohio this weekend raise money for Cancer research.
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Pelotonia 17 begins at McFerson Commons in the Arena District and winds through Licking, Knox, Richland and Delaware counties Saturday and Sunday. Riders choose routes of 25 miles up to 180 miles.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, are expected to participate in the opening ceremony Friday night at McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in Columbus, where registered riders can enjoy food, activities and live music beginning at 3:00 p.m. The opening ceremony program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Bidens have established the Biden Cancer Initiative to accelerate cancer research and treatment. Biden’s son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015.
Organizers the theme for this year’s race, “The Greatest Team Ever,” emphasizes the dedication of Pelotonia riders, Virtual Riders and volunteers who have raised more than $143 million for cancer research at Ohio State since 2008.
There have been some changes to the routes for this year’s event: McFerson Commons will serve as Saturday’s starting point for cyclists tackling the 100- and 180-mile rides with these riders departing around 7 a.m. followed by the 25- and 45-mile riders departing at around 9 a.m. The 55- and 135-mile riders will start from the Bob Evans Headquarters and will depart around 8:30 a.m. You can download a larger PDF version of the map by here.