LAKEVILLE – The sounds of shifting gears and screeching brake pads will fill the air in Lakeville on Saturday, Aug. 3 as thousands of Pan Mass Challenge riders cruise through the streets. 

The Pan Mass Challenge will take place Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4. 

This year will be the 19th year that Lakeville resident Jay Catalano, who works as Middleboro’s Plumbing Inspector will do the ride. 

“I’m like Forest Gump, I don’t know when to stop,” said Catalano, who’s had two family members diagnosed with cancer. This year, he’s raised nearly $20,000. 

Catalano completed his first Pan Mass Challenge after his primary care doctor convinced him to do so as a way to stay in shape, he said. 

He’s been riding with his doctor, Bob Friedman, ever since. Last year, they reached $750,000 in total funds raised over the years, Catalano said. 

Friedman started getting involved with the PMC after one of his patients told him cycling was part of her exercise routine, he said. 

This year marks his 24th year he will do the event. As a primary care doctor, he’s seen firsthand the impact the money raised by the PMC has on cancer research, he said. 

A portion of two of the Pan Mass Challenge’s one-day routes, which start in Sturbridge and Wellesley, will pass through Lakeville. Those on the Sturbridge route will ride a total of 109 miles, those starting in Wellesley will ride 84 miles. Both routes finish along the Cape Cod Canal. 

There will be a chance to meet pediatric patients from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, their families and the Pan Mass Challenge teams cycling in their honor at the PMC Pedal Partner Tent, which will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Apponequet Regional High School, located at 100 Howland Road, Lakeville. 

Throughout the weekend, the PMC will bring together more than 6,800 riders and 3,500 volunteers for the 45th running of the event, with a goal of raising $75 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, according to the organization.

The year’s ride is particularly special because the organization recently reached $1 billion in lifetime fundraising to support innovation in cancer treatment and care, according to the PMC. 

Cyclists will travel from 10 countries and 45 states, territories and districts to participate in the PMC 2024, many riding in honor of a family member or friend affected by cancer. 

The PMC includes 16 one and two-day routes across Massachusetts, ranging from 25 to 211 miles. 

Participating in this event are more than 1,100 riders and volunteers who are cancer survivors or current patients, the organization stated. 

The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber. The bike-a-thon is the single largest fundraiser for the Cancer Institute and accounts for 62% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.