Close to 1700 riders set off this morning from Riverside Drive cycling 100 kms to Mandurah, returning tomorrow to the Kingsman for the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for the Perkins.
Before the Riders set off the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research CEO, Professor Peter Leedman AO announced that more than $8.8M had been raised by the Riders this 15th year of the Ride, bringing the total raised to more than $90M (with the amount increasing as money still pouring in).
For 15 years, the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for the Perkins has been a cornerstone event for the West Australian community, bringing people together with a shared purpose – to support life‑saving cancer research at the Perkins.
What began as a single long‑distance ride has grown into an iconic fundraising and community moment in Australia’s biggest charity bike ride, powered by the commitment of Riders, volunteers, corporate partners and supporters who return year after year.
Over this time, the event has built not just momentum, but a powerful sense of collective action – uniting people from across WA, Australia and the world to ride, fundraise and stand alongside those affected by cancer.
The Ride has raised more than $90M reflecting deep trust, strong partnerships and a clear mission, with funds raised helping WA researchers at the Perkins translate discoveries into real‑world outcomes for patients.
The importance of the MACA Cancer 200 lies in its sustained impact and gives people a meaningful way to honour loved ones, channel hope into action and be part of something bigger than themselves.
The MACA Cancer 200 is more than a ride – it’s a symbol of endurance, progress and the belief that together, we can beat cancer.
Perkins CEO, Professor Peter Leedman AO a cancer researcher, doctor, donor and 15-year-Rider said this morning:
“Our Riders show courage, connection and the extraordinary power of showing up – year after year – for something bigger than ourselves.
“Some of you who did that first Ride are still riding today. Others have joined this incredible event along the way. We’ve made new friends and sadly lost some dear ones too. But your commitment to this Ride and WA cancer research is nothing short of a miracle.
“Medical research is hard – it takes grit, determination and persistence. But when it works, wonders happen.
“Perkins researchers work tirelessly, and I mean tirelessly – seven days a week – to find new treatments for the diseases that most affect our families.
“Your support is impacting the lives of thousands. Yet with all this progress, we still have some distance to go. We all know that conquering cancer is an ambitious but essential goal.
“Together – and it has to be together – we can do it. I certainly believe that we can and that’s what fires me up and keeps me enthused day in day out.
“It’s going to take your enthusiasm, your support and most of all, as this Ride is an absolute exemplar, your participation.
“I know that the road ahead in the next two days is going to be long. But please take a moment to reflect on the incredible distance that you’ve already covered to get here today. Everything that’s happened. The pain, the joy, the excitement, the doubt, the strength, and most of all, the hope. These experiences are part of this epic Ride.
“I’m truly humbled by your passion, conviction and kindness.”
For more information, please go to https://www.cancer200.org.au/
