Raising Hope on the Roads of Western Australia
Cancer remains a stark reality for many Australians. An estimated two in five Australians (about 43%) will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85. Against this backdrop, Western Australia hosts a remarkable fundraiser: the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for Research. On Saturday, October 4, the fourth edition of this grueling event will kick off from McCullum Park in South Perth, launching a 200-kilometre two-day ride that travels to Hall Park in Mandurah and back to Optus Stadium. Approximately 2,000 riders are expected to take part, united by a shared mission to fund cancer research and bring tomorrow’s lifesaving treatments closer to reality.
A Test of Endurance with a Personal Edge
The ride covers a demanding 200km loop over two days, with riders traversing the stunning WA coastline and inland roads. The event embodies resilience: more than 90% of participants have been touched by cancer in some way—whether personally, through a family member, a close friend, or a workplace connection. Among the riders, 78 cancer survivors carry yellow flags on their bikes, a visible reminder of the journey many have already endured and the ongoing fight ahead.
Why the Ride Matters
As Professor Peter Leedman AO, CEO of the Perkins, notes, the event is a powerful demonstration of community generosity in Western Australia. He said, “As CEO of the Perkins, I’ve witnessed firsthand the generosity, loyalty and kindness of the people of WA. The MACA Cancer 200 sees riders display an extraordinary show of giving and determination with funds being put to work powering the next cancer breakthrough here in WA.” The message is clear: “Every discovery begins with a bold idea – but research needs resources, technology and time – and the funds support WA scientists in the pursuit of tomorrow’s lifesaving treatments.”
People, Partners and Progress
The event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a community-wide collaboration. Corporate WA is vital to keeping costs down and ensuring donations go further. The event relies on the support of MACA, Mineral Resources, WesTrac and WA Limestone to provide equipment and logistics, enabling closer to 400 volunteers to help run the ride. The impact of such collaborations is measurable: WA cancer research, drug development, and trials are advanced through the support raised by events like this, with more than $74 million already raised for research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research over 13 years.
From Dawn to Finish: How You Can Get Involved
The ceremony and start gun for the day is set for 6:30am on Saturday, October 4. As riders set off from McCullum Park and make their way to Mandurah and back toward the city, the funds raised empower WA scientists to push the boundaries of cancer research and therapy development. The overarching goal, echoed by Leedman and countless supporters, remains clear: to make cancer non-lethal and keep families together for longer. The rallying cry—“Together we can beat cancer”—resonates with every pedal stroke and every donated dollar.
Join the Movement
For anyone looking to contribute, sponsorships, volunteering, or simply cheering on the riders, the MACA Cancer 200 offers a tangible way to support WA’s most promising cancer research. By funding drug development and clinical trials, this two-day ride becomes a catalyst for new treatments and a brighter future for patients and families across Western Australia—and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Over the years, the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for Research has become a symbol of WA’s communal resolve to confront cancer head-on. With thousands of riders, hundreds of volunteers, and the backing of major local companies, the event demonstrates that progress in cancer research is a collective effort—one determined lap at a time.
