More than 2,161 St. Louisans took to the streets of downtown over the weekend to “Pedal the Cause” for local cancer research. This year’s Pedal the Cause cycling challenge, founded in 2010 by Bill Koman, raised over $1.6 million, and the entire amount be used to fund research at the Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The presenting sponsor was Edward Jones; other major funding partners were ACW Alliance, Weber, Clayco and Michelob ULTRA.
Pedal participants were able to ride, spin, volunteer or donate to be part of the event. All courses started and ended at Soldiers’ Memorial, 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. Rides of 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles featured flat and rolling terrain. The 75-mile and 100-mile Savvis Century rides included a chip-timed competitive loop at Babler State Park in west St. Louis County.
Now in its fourth year, Pedal the Cause has donated $4.2 million to fund 33 cancer research projects at the Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Fundraising continues through Oct. 31. The check presentation, where the final amount will be announced, is November 21st. More details to come.