Riders in the Pan-Mass Challenge did a lot of pedaling this year -- and a record amount of fund raising.

The charity bike event is turning over a $35 million check to the Jimmy Fund tonight, the largest donation from a single event ever made to the fund, which pays for cancer research and treatment.

“It’s amazing. I’ve been here 20 years, and it’s phenomenal,” said Suzanne Fountain, director of the fund, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “They continue to be so supportive of Dana-Farber yet again, and the money they give us is so critical.”

With 5,300 riders, the PMC raised $2 million more with its weekend bike ride than the previous year, bringing the funds raised by the charity to more than $239 million, said PMC founder Billy Star.

Star, who lost his mother to cancer in the 1970s, said he started the event in 1980. With its 30th anniversary looming next year, Star said the event keeps gaining traction.

“The fidelity to the event and the commitment to the fundraising is a premium,” he said.

Star has ridden in the event since its founding and has personally raised more than $1 million, he said.

This year’s challenge took place Aug. 2 and 3, Jackie Herskovitz, a PMC spokeswoman said.

There are seven routes riders can take, the longest being 190 miles across the state. Riders are required to raise between $1,300 and $4,000, depending on their chosen route. Ninety percent of the participants raised more than required, she said.

Star said that despite a faltering economy that makes it harder for people to donate, he remains confident people will continue to give to the Jimmy Fund and participate in the fund raising ride.

“Whatever the economy brings, we’ll be out there on the road,” he said.