Cheering crowds, high-energy music and hundreds of dedicated participants took to the streets of Augusta in October as cyclists, runners and walkers united for PaceDay 2026. Partnering with the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University and Wellstar MCG Health, the local community turned out in force to highlight pioneering cancer research and raise essential funds to advance patient care.

As participants powered past GCC’s M. Bert Storey Research Building, a sea of passionate volunteers, faculty and staff greeted them with enthusiastic support, cheering them along the route toward the final stretch back to the new start/finish line next to the J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons and the Medical College of Georgia.

“Every year, seeing our community line the streets outside the Georgia Cancer Center fills us with immense pride and gratitude,” said Al Dallas, chief of staff and administrator for Research Operations at the Cancer Center. “PaceDay is more than a fundraiser for our scientists. Every year, it is an inspiring reminder of what we can achieve when patients, survivors, and our community move forward together. The funds raised here directly fuel the next generation of life-saving breakthroughs right here in Augusta.”

Hosted by PACELINE, this year’s gathering reached a historic milestone with 909 registered participants, the largest turnout recorded since the organization’s inaugural PaceDay in 2019. The momentum was especially clear along the footpaths, where participation in the 5K run/walk increased from 2025.

“Going past the M. Bert Storey Research Building and seeing the sea of supporters cheering us on is an unforgettable experience,” said Martyn Jones, president and executive director for PACELINE. “We ride, run, and walk for every patient and survivor who has fought this disease, and for our dedicated team working tirelessly in the labs to find new treatments. The incredible energy from Sunday’s turnout proves that our community is fully committed to changing the future of cancer care.”

Beyond the traditional road courses and 5K, PaceDay 2026 brought back the high-energy Spin Zone, presented in partnership with CycleBar. Spin instructors led lively classes, rallying riders around a shared goal: ensuring every mile driven and dollar raised moves the needle closer to a future with higher cancer survival rates.

Crossing the finish line brought everyone together on Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus, where participants and supporters spent the afternoon enjoying live music, great food, and community fellowship.

While the event may be over, the mission and the fundraising are far from over. PACELINE participants are actively pushing toward its $500,000 fundraising goal for 2026, and community members can continue donating online to support life-saving research projects at the Georgia Cancer Center.