Pelotonia 2015 rolls through Sparta

Morrow County was the last rest stop along the way before the finish of Pelotonia 2015. The event came to a close on Sunday, August 9, as the last of almost 8,000 riders pedaled into New Albany, capping off the three day event for cancer research for the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

The first rider stopping in Morrow County, R. Michael Townsend from the James, rolled into the Highland High School in Sparta at approximately 8:54 am Sunday morning. Volunteers cheered and clapped as he made a quick stop for food and drink before heading to the finish in new Albany.

Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund life-saving cancer research. The model of Pelotonia remains simple: Pelotonia’s operating expenses are covered by generous funding partners so that 100% of every dollar raised by Pelotonia Riders, Virtual Riders and Volunteers goes directly to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Pelotonia is a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism.

It was a record-breaking year for the cycling fundraiser, with 7,980 riders and 3,000 volunteers beating last year’s totals.

To date, Pelotonia has raised over $95,537,560. So far this year it has raised $13,193, 890 with the official end of the fundraising campaign being October 9.

Reach Donna Carver at 419-946-3010, ext. 1804 or on Twitter@MorrCoSentinel.

A group of cyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 leave the last rest stop Highland High School in Sparta as they head towards the finish in New Albany. The fundraiser supports cancer research.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_055.jpgA group of cyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 leave the last rest stop Highland High School in Sparta as they head towards the finish in New Albany. The fundraiser supports cancer research.

R. Michael Townsend from The James Cancer Hospital was the first Pelotonia rider to stop at the Highland High School rest stop before proceeding to the finish in New Albany.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_pelotonia-first-rider.jpgR. Michael Townsend from The James Cancer Hospital was the first Pelotonia rider to stop at the Highland High School rest stop before proceeding to the finish in New Albany.

Pelotonia 2015 volunteers pose for a photo at Highland High School in Sparta. This year’s Pelotonia saw nearly 3000 volunteers over the three day event.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_026.jpgPelotonia 2015 volunteers pose for a photo at Highland High School in Sparta. This year’s Pelotonia saw nearly 3000 volunteers over the three day event.

A group of cyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 arrive at Highland High School in Sparta. This was the last rest stop before the finish in New Albany. The fundraiser supports cancer research.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_038.jpgA group of cyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 arrive at Highland High School in Sparta. This was the last rest stop before the finish in New Albany. The fundraiser supports cancer research.

Cyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 stop for a quick rest at the Highland High School in Sparta before heading to the finish in new Albany.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_051.jpgCyclists participating in Pelotonia 2015 stop for a quick rest at the Highland High School in Sparta before heading to the finish in new Albany.

Peletonia 2015 riders pedal through Sparta on their last leg of the three day event which raises money for cancer research.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_056.jpgPeletonia 2015 riders pedal through Sparta on their last leg of the three day event which raises money for cancer research.