Franklin PMC Kids Ride Returns June 8, 2025
Young Riders Rally to Crush Cancer
Get ready to ride for a cause! On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Franklin PMC Kids Ride returns as one of 25 youth cycling events taking place across New England this year. These rides are part of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Rides program, which inspires children to get involved in philanthropy by riding their bikes and raising money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its start, the program has raised over $12 million to support the fight against cancer.
In 2024, the PMC Kids Rides welcomed more than 1,400 participants and 500+ volunteers, raising upwards of $422,000. That effort contributed to the PMC’s record-breaking annual donation of $75 million to Dana-Farber. The Kids Rides program also celebrates a major milestone this year: its 21st anniversary! Last year also marked the PMC’s lifetime fundraising total surpassing $1 billion since 1980.
Now in its 19th year, the Franklin event offers young cyclists (ages 3 to 14) a meaningful and fun way to get involved. Riders can choose from 3, 6, or 10-mile routes. For younger children not quite ready for a full course, there’s a “Tikes and Trikes” area that offers a safe, enclosed space to ride. The day is filled with fun activities, interactive stations, and a festive post-ride celebration with games, food, music, and more. In 2024, Franklin saw 126 kids take part, raising over $42,000. This year, organizers are aiming to hit $50,000 — with every single rider-raised dollar going directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Top fundraisers will be honored with special recognition. Kids who raise $500 or more earn the title of “PMC Kids Heavy Hitter,” while those who raise over $1,000 will be celebrated as “PMC Kids Breakaway Fundraisers.” Both groups will receive a commemorative item and certificate for their incredible efforts.
The Franklin ride was founded by local resident Lisa Marchioni. “I launched the Franklin ride to honor a dear friend who passed away from lung cancer, leaving behind three young children. I wanted to help other families avoid that heartbreak,” she shares. “After riding the adult PMC myself in 1991, I was inspired to get kids involved. My daughter rode in the Medfield event and was so moved by the experience that she wanted to bring it to our town. That’s how the Franklin ride was born.”
The event takes place at Jefferson Elementary School (628 Washington Street) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 8, 2025. Registration is open to families from any town. There is a $20 sign-up fee and a minimum fundraising goal of $40 per rider.
The PMC Kids Rides program is made possible by Yawkey Foundations, with support from Yasso, 105.7 WROR, and Landry’s Bicycles. The PMC is co-presented by the Red Sox® Foundation and M&T Bank.
To register, donate, or learn more, visit kids.pmc.org/franklin or reach out to Lisa Marchioni at [email protected].
