John Kerry Rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge This Year

Kerry with Jimmy Fund Chairman Larry Lucchino/Photo by Cindy Loo

Over the weekend, more than 6,000 cyclists hit the streets to brave the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 46-town-long bike-a-thon that benefits Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).

Amidst the sea of riders pedaling for change this year was a familiar face: former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The prostate cancer survivor celebrated his 11th PMC ride on Saturday, completing part of the journey between Wellesley and Bourne. (He intended to make the entire 85-mile trip, but had to stop early to catch a flight.)

The PMC, which tasks riders with traveling up to 192 miles by bike, is the nation’s most lucrative athletic fundraiser; it also accounts for more than half of the Jimmy Fund’s annual contribution to DFCI. This year, event organizers were hoping to raise $48 million for the cancer hospital, up from $47 million last year. The total gift amount will be announced on November 11.

The PMC has a history of attracting notable riders. Two years ago, for example, Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh took to the saddle to ride for DFCI.