Riding with Purpose: Team Cornerstone’s 2026 Ride to Conquer Cancer Recap

This past weekend, over 4,800 riders took to the road for the 2026 Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer. Together, the event raised a record $23.3 million to fund cancer research, education, and clinical care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Before we look at the metrics from the road, we want to extend our gratitude to the corporate sponsors who backed Team Cornerstone this year. Your generosity fuels this initiative and directly impacts the fight against cancer.

A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors:

Marjanovic Investment Group

Team Cornerstone by the Numbers

Spearheaded by Markham Clinic Director Giacomo Silvestri, this was our first official appearance as Team Cornerstone. Thanks to our riders, donors, and supporters, we far exceeded our initial goals.

Here is how our collective effort shook out on the leaderboard:

• Total Raised: We raised $38,629.43, which was more than $18,000 over our original target
• Leaderboard Status: This total placed us in the Top 5 within the Healthcare and Education division
• Distance Covered: Our team collectively pedaled over 1,954 kilometers
• Elevation Climbed: We climbed over 11,692 meters of elevation
• Fuel of Choice: We also consumed a notable amount of Uncrustables along the route

The Weekend in Photos

From the energy at the starting line to pushing through Saturday’s heat and Sunday’s downpour, here is a look at Team Cornerstone’s journey on the road.

Click on the dots or swipe up on the images to scroll through.

Grit, Heat, and Torrential Rain: A First-Timer’s Perspective

By Courtney Steele (Clinic Director of our North York and Richmond Hill Clinics & Director for our Cancer Rehabilitation program)

This year was my first time doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Before this weekend, the furthest I had ever ridden was 50 km, so jumping straight into a 200 km journey required serious mental and physical preparation.

The weekend was a memorable experience. I rode alongside several of my Cornerstone colleagues, including two who lost their parents suddenly to cancer this year. Sharing our stories reminded us of the personal reasons that bring this community together year after year.

The elements challenged us, and the weekend brought plenty of unexpected lessons:

Managing the Weather: Saturday brought scorching temperatures above 35°C, requiring constant hydration and electrolyte management to avoid heat exhaustion. By Sunday, the weather completely flipped into a torrential downpour that soaked us to the bone.

The Garbage Bag Strategy: A veteran rider advised me to pack garbage bags. I used them to cover my bike seat overnight and protect my luggage during transit so my gear stayed dry.

Route Support: At the first 25 km pit stop, my front tire went completely flat. Luckily, a local bike shop tent was there to replace the tire and get me back on the road. Later at 50 km, my chain came off on a steep hill, but a fellow rider held my bike while I fixed it.

Pit Stops and Medical Care: The stops were well-stocked with food, and the medical tents were essential. My riding partner experienced severe heat exhaustion and cramping on day one but managed to finish after getting electrolytes and magnesium. On day two, a nurse had to flush my eye five times with saline after something got trapped in it, saving me from riding the final 50 km with one eye closed.

The McMaster Experience: Staying overnight at the McMaster residences felt like summer camp, featuring dining tents, jersey design contests, and hundreds of exhausted riders turning in early to prepare for day two.

The Finish: The last 40 km saw rain so heavy that highway drivers had their hazard lights on due to low visibility. By the time I headed home, my hands were entirely wrinkled from hours in the storm, a condition I called “trench hand”.

“Our sweat doesn’t match their tears.”

No matter how difficult the hills, the heat, or the rain became, it does not compare to what those battling cancer face every day. That is exactly why we ride.

Looking Ahead to the 20th Anniversary

Next year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. We are already saving the dates for July 12 to 13, 2027, and we hope to bring an even larger team from our community. Whether you choose to ride, donate, or volunteer, it is completely worth it.

Until next year, keep pedaling!