Hutch News Stories

Turning passion into progress: Thousands support groundbreaking research through Fred Hutch Obliteride

More than 6,400 cyclists, walkers, runners and volunteers brought commitment and joy to Fred Hutch’s annual bike ride, 5K walk/run and fundraiser
August 18, 2026 • By Laura Anderson / For Fred Hutch News Service
Men in orange jerseys bicycle across the Obliteride finish line in front of the orange Obliteride Cure Cancer Faster banner.
Fred Hutch Obliteride participant Peter Ch'en (center) crosses the 50-mile finish line as other riders cheer. Ch’en joined the more than 5,400 passionate participants who took action to accelerate Fred Hutch’s life-changing mission and help cure cancer faster. Photo by Nate Burgher

On Saturday, Aug. 8, thousands gathered at Obliteride, Fred Hutch’s summer ride and 5K walk/run fundraiser to take action and help cure cancer faster. Cheers combined with a wave of orange jerseys and T-shirts as participants biked, walked, ran and raised $8.2 million (and counting) for life-changing cancer research. They were joined by virtual participants around the world.

Thanks to the leadership of generous event sponsors and supporters, every dollar Obliteriders raise helps Fred Hutch experts translate bold research into advances in cancer prevention, detection, treatment and cures. Now in its 14th year, the event has generated more than $75 million for scientific discovery, a total that will increase as fundraising continues through Sept. 30.

This year, Obliteride welcomed more than 1,500 cyclists, 3,300 walkers and runners, and 500 virtual participants. Many found camaraderie on one of 495 teams. They were supported by 1,000 volunteers and more than 21,200 donors.

The weekend kicked off with the Friday Night Party at Seattle’s Gas Works Park that included food, live music and a program to celebrate the community’s shared mission and collective impact. On Saturday, participants crossed the finish line to more cheers and celebration.

“Obliteriders are truly unstoppable,” said Obliteride Senior Executive Director Tracy Evans. “The joy, heart and connection of this event unite people from every part of our community for a powerful goal: Funding research that can help cure cancer faster.”

A white-bearded man in an orange jersey and a woman in an orange jersey ride bicycles.
Riding in style, participant and Obliteride speaker Elizabeth LeBarron pedals out with her team “eVe:olution.” In her remarks, LeBarron shared that during her treatment for stage 1 triple-positive invasive ductal breast cancer, she relied on yoga, her dog, Tucker, and the support of her community. “[I thought] how could my recovery become someone else’s lifeline?” she said. Obliteride became part of the answer: “Now, over two years later, here I am. Not in spite of what I’ve been through, but because of it.” Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
Woman in orange jersey and baseball hat writes on a large blackboard.
A participant takes a quiet moment at the “I Obliteride For…” wall. Each year participants add the names of all those who have inspired them to train and fundraise. The space is a moving reminder of the deep commitment and enduring love that inspire the Obliteride community. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
Runners in orange jerseys start the event.
Runners lead the 5K walk and run at the starting line near the University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Friendly conversation filled the air as more than 3,300 people checked their laces, grabbed walking poles, pushed strollers and strode out for cancer cures. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
Woman in a blue shirt and orange skit holds an orange pompom and a bright pink sign reading "Cheering loud for a cure."
A volunteer pairs her big “Cheering loud for a cure!” sign with an even bigger smile. Some 1,000 volunteers joined the fun and community while helping Obliteriders stay safe and supported on their routes and throughout the weekend. From event preparation and rest stop encouragement to finish-line cheers, they made Obliteride possible. Photo by Nate Burgher
A man and woman in orange jerseys pose for a picture
Eddie Lincoln and Traci Copeland pose for a picture after completing the 25-mile ride. Crossing the finish line was emotional for the couple. Lincoln shared that they rode and fundraised in honor of Traci’s late mother, Jackie Copeland; the mother of a close friend; and “countless others whose strength continues to inspire us. Every donation … brings us one step closer to a world without cancer.” Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
Bicycle riders in orange and blue jerseys
Leading fundraisers Team Freestone pedal strong as they set off from the starting line. Freestone Capital Management, which is also a generous eight-year sponsor, rallied their largest team to date and exceeded ambitious fundraising goals. They joined the hundreds of company-based teams building camaraderie while supporting life-changing science. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
Three people in tutus and Obliteride orange hold signs thanking Obliteride sponsors.
Participants and volunteers show their enthusiastic thanks for the essential contributions of Obliteride event sponsors, in-kind donors and supporters. The commitment of these supporters allows Obliteride to keep the promise that every dollar participants raise will go directly to work at Fred Hutch, helping clinicians, researchers and staff turn discoveries into advances. Photo by Nate Burgher
A man hugs three children wearing orange
Obliteride welcomed participants, families, friends and supporters to kick off Obliteride Weekend at the Friday Night Party. Attendees enjoyed food, fun and live music while connecting with a community dedicated to ending cancer. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
A woman in orange stands next to a blue sign reading "Your Passion Becomes Research Progress."
Funds raised through Obliteride help Fred Hutch researchers pursue groundbreaking new ideas and translate findings into urgently needed advances. Inside the Fred Hutch Discovery Experience, participants and visitors explored discoveries in cancer prevention, precision oncology, immunotherapy and survivorship supported by Obliteride. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
A large group of people in orange jerseys pose for a picture
Team BACPAC fundraised for Dr. Yaw A. Nyame, who specializes in urological and prostate cancer. The team united patient advocates, friends, family and Dr. Nyame himself (far left). “When my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, our lives changed,” said member Tahmina Martelly (center front in white scarf). “Supporting Dr. Nyame’s work turns that experience into a voice for patient- and caregiver-led research.” Obliteriders can designate their fundraising to a disease area, program, researcher or clinician at Fred Hutch that is meaningful to them. Photo courtesy of Tahmina Martelly
A group of poeple in orange jerseys sit on a white Obliteride bench to pose for a picture in front of a wall with the tagline "Bold. United. Unstoppable."
A group of family and friends celebrate Obliteride’s “bold, united and unstoppable” community. The group was one of 495 Obliteride teams. In addition to Friends and Family and Company teams, Obliteride welcomed 85 Fred Hutch teams, through which more than 700 Fred Hutch and UW Medicine staff connected and fundraised alongside patients, colleagues and supporters. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
A man in a blue jersey raises his arms enthusiastically
Three-year Obliterider Jeff Barstow raises a cheer at the starting line with his team, Bike Bros. “Too many have heard the words ‘you have cancer,’ including one of my teammates,” said Barstow, who rode 50 miles this year. “As a cancer survivor, I'm riding to [cure] cancer faster. … The camaraderie of working together is a powerful motivator.” Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service
A bright pink "We heart Obliteride" sign hangs at a rest stop for Obliteride participants
Enthusiastic volunteers, encouraging messages like this “We love Obliteride” sign, and grateful bike riders mingle at the mid-course Mercer Island rest stop sponsored by UMC. Rest stop sponsorships are one of many ways support from sponsors, partners and in-kind donors help the Obliteride community and ensure that every dollar participants raise can go directly to work at Fred Hutch. Photo by Nate Burgher
A woman in an orange jersey hugs a woman in a blue jersey
Love and care are an important part of Obliteride Weekend. Whether Obliteriders ride a bike, run or walk, volunteer, participate virtually or donate, they support one another and help accelerate life-changing science that improves lives. All are invited to join this movement next year on Aug. 14, 2027. Registration will open in April. Photo by Connor O'Shaughnessy / Fred Hutch News Service

Laura Anderson

Laura Anderson is a philanthropy writer for Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She draws on her background in philanthropy, publishing and global health communication to share the power of research and the stories of those who support it. Reach her at: laander4@fredhutch.org. 

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