How the Pan-Mass Challenge bike-a-thon became a $1 billion force for cancer research

The hills of Wellesley, Massachusetts, are no match for Billy Starr, who thrives on challenges.

Starr launched the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon, after his mother passed away from cancer when he was just 23. Originally intended as a one-time bike-a-thon in 1980 with 36 riders, the event has evolved into a yearly tradition that draws nearly 7,000 cyclists from around the globe. 

"The winner is all of us. You can bike as small as 25 miles or as long as 220 miles, you can bike one or two days. But you're gonna participate on a bicycle," said Starr.