Kenyon extended its partnership for five more years with the Pelotonia bicycle tour for cancer research, keeping the first-day finish line on campus for longer rides from Columbus, Ohio.
Cyclists who complete routes of 75 or 100 miles on Aug. 6, 2016, will ride along a portion of the Kokosing Gap Trail accessible from campus and end at the Kenyon Athletic Center. Some of those participants will stay on campus overnight and ride back through central Ohio on Aug. 7.
Cyclists typically raise $1,200 to $2,200 each, and Pelotonia donates 100 percent of the money collected by riders to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, which includes the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, known as the James.
The event raised more than $23.6 million in 2015, breaking the fundraiser’s record and bringing its seven-year total to more than $106 million.
Chief Business Officer Mark Kohlman, who leads the College’s team of riders, noted that many people from Kenyon and this area of the state have connections to the James. “Being a part of that connection and support benefits the greater community.”
Rider registration opens Jan. 20, and Kohlman plans to start recruiting people over winter break for Kenyon’s team.
Riders and their families can celebrate at a post-ride party at Kenyon, which has hosted the finish line since 2012. “We’re really happy to continue to be a part of it and to help Pelotonia grow,” Kohlman said.
Kelley Griesmer, Pelotonia chief operating officer, said riders have route options of varying difficulties on the way to Gambier, which wasn’t the case when the tour previously went through steeper climbs in the Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio. “The reason we wanted to end with Kenyon is it’s a beautiful place to finish,” she said. “The College has been so generous, and we are thrilled to continue that partnership.”