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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Praises 'Incredible' Pan-Mass Challenge Efforts

BOSTON (CBS) – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh told Pan-Mass Challenge riders just how important their contributions were as they prepared to ride from Babson College to Gillette Stadium.

Walsh, a childhood cancer survivor himself, called the Pan-Mass Challenge a way to bring together a wide range of people for one cause – fighting cancer.

"This truly is an incredible weekend. The Pan-Mass Challenge brings so many different people together and so many different stories together," said Walsh.

In total, organizers hope this year's Pan-Mass Challenge will raise $46 million for cancer research.

There are several Pan-Mass Challenge routes, including one that began Sunday from Babson College to Foxboro. Those 700 riders are expected to contribute about $2 million.

Walsh rode the PMC last year, and said it was an emotional experience.

"For me, when I rode last year I rode because I'm a cancer survivor and I felt like I needed to give back," said Walsh. "As we went around the route, I thought about all the people struggling with cancer. The money raised today allows many of you who are survivors yourself to raise money so families don't have to go through what we went through."

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