Ready, Set, Ride: PaceDay 2024 arrives Oct. 13

The Georgia Cancer Center’s biggest annual fundraiser, PaceDay, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13.

PaceDay marks the culmination of the non-profit organization Paceline’s year-round effort to cure cancer faster, with hundreds coming together for cycling, live music, food and, most importantly, supporting research that can improve and save the lives of people who have been diagnosed with cancer.  

Through Paceline grants, GCC researchers can purchase equipment, test theories and advance treatment and prevention. All of the participant-raised funds from each Paceline event goes directly toward supporting Georgia Cancer Center researchers. Since 2019, Paceline has invested almost $1.5 million in cancer research, with sights now set on $2 million. 

“Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another,” said Jorge E. Cortes, MD, director of the Georgia Cancer Center. “We are grateful to our friends at Paceline who believe so strongly in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer in the state of Georgia and around the world.”  

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 63,170 people in the state of Georgia will be diagnosed with a new case of cancer in 2024, and 18,740 Georgians are projected to die from cancer this year.  

“The Georgia Cancer Center’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer, which too many people have experienced either directly or through a loved one,” said Martyn Jones, president of Paceline. “Our mission at Paceline is to support innovative cancer research at GCC by bringing communities and organizations together to cure cancer faster. This critical work can save lives locally and beyond and is already demonstrating progress through the 26 projects Paceline grants have funded to date, four of which have already received further NIH funding. Thanks to year-round support from our community, Paceline is on the road to $2 million raised for the Georgia Cancer Center.” 

PaceDay 2023 marked the biggest participation yet, with teams and individuals hailing from Augusta and beyond. Now, looking ahead to the 2024 ride in October, Paceline organizers hope to bring in even more participation and funding. To make the ride more accessible for all, there will be no registration fee for 2024.  

Riders affiliated with Augusta University are invited to join Team Jaguar, captained by Kaylee Snead, external relations liaison for the university. Snead, who participated for the first time in 2023, will be riding for someone close to her heart this year. 

“Last year, I rode to support cancer research because it’s important for our community, and I knew so many people suffering from cancer diagnoses,” said Snead. “This year, I had no idea that it would hit so close to home and that I would be personally suffering with a family diagnosis. So, it’s deeply personal, and I feel very strongly about riding. It’s a way to be useful during this season of uncertainty.”  

As she’s watched community members pour their support into riders on behalf of their own loved ones, Snead said she’s looking forward to seeing her friends, family and colleagues peddling alongside her. 

“I’ve been able to see people really support one of my close friends as she rides in honor of her father, and to see people just surrounding her and supporting her as she goes through this has been so powerful for me,” said Snead. “I know it’s coming for me and my family, too.” 

On Saturday, Oct. 12, PaceDay riders will be able to pick up their packets. On Sunday, Oct. 13, at 8:30 a.m., all riders will depart Augusta Common for their route of choice: 

• Soul City Six Miler is an almost entirely flat 6-mile loop around downtown Augusta, suitable for beginners. Ride with the community of Paceliners as they start their long routes and pass the Georgia Cancer Center. This route is the ultimate reminder of why we work hard to raise money for innovative cancer research. The fundraising minimum for this ride is $400. 

• Hammer & Nail 25 Miler is an open road route providing a challenge for beginners with a moderate difficulty rating for regular spin class and leisure cyclists. Includes climbing, road safety, support vehicles and a rest stop. The fundraising minimum for this ride is $400. 

• Mission Metric Century (62 Miles) is an open road route that challenges advanced cyclists, including significant climbing, road safety, support vehicles and multiple rest stops. The fundraising minimum for this ride is $600. 

New this year, CycleBar Evans has partnered with Paceline to host spin classes at the Augusta Common finish line throughout Sunday. CycleBar will provide all bikes and shoes. The fundraising minimum for spinning is $250. Class sizes are limited.  

Young adults (14-25) have a fundraising minimum of $250, regardless of the route chosen. 

Those who can’t ride on PaceDay but still wish to help raise funds can register as a Paceline Pal, with no fundraising minimum.

PaceDay also needs plenty of volunteers for the event to be a success. Individuals can easily sign up to contribute their time to help cure cancer faster.