More than 1200 riders gathered around Perth to join in the MACA Cancer 200 Challenge this weekend.
Despite an unpredictable year following COVID-19 restrictions, Riders in the event were able to raise an astonishing $3.47 million for cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
Earlier this year the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for Research was transformed into the MACA Cancer 200 Challenge, a personal challenge event that encouraged riders to design their own 200km route over the weekend of 10 and 11 October 2020.
Riders boldly took on the challenge and this morning, Perkins Director Professor Peter Leedman labelled the event a remarkable success.
“One of my favourite things about this event is the camaraderie. Thousands of riders join together, side by side at the start line, creating a genuine sense of community and this year COVID-19 stopped us gathering together like we usually do,” Professor Leedman said.
“When we announced that the Ride would have a COVID makeover, we weren’t sure if participants would be as eager to get behind this event and make the incredible difference they have done each year before.”
“Everyone at the Perkins is enormously proud and grateful for the incredible efforts of our riders during this tough year. Your fundraising makes a significant difference to the institute’s research abilities and many driven, talented and capable cancer researchers rely on your support.”
Donations raised in the Ride directly fund groundbreaking cancer research here in WA at the Perkins, which recently made global news with the discovery that a compound found in bee venom was a powerful anti-cancer agent against certain hard to treat cancers.
Top fundraising team, MACA, who are also the event’s title sponsor, raised almost $1.5 million with their 300 rider strong team.
Team Woodside, an event sponsor, raised more than $180,000 for local cancer research.
Top Community team, Middle Aged Men in Lycra (MAMILS), took the challenge element to new heights and are currently riding a 2200km route from Perth, to Kalgoorlie, to Albany and back.
Next year will be the event’s tenth year and new riders are invited to join in what will be a very special celebration.
To learn more about the event and to make a donation, visit cancer200.org.au
