Ohio State Marion Director of Community Relations and Development, Dave Claborn retired from Ohio State last week after ten years of esteemed service to the campus, but his impact has always gone beyond his 8 to 5 p.m. job. On August 3, Claborn rode the 100 mile trek across the plains and hills of Ohio to raise awareness and money for cancer research.
An avid cyclist, Claborn was instrumental in building Marion campus and community support for Pelotonia, a central Ohio cycling event that raises millions of dollars for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
According to Pelotonia Director of Development, Karl Kook Since 2013, Claborn has personally raised over $25 thousand for cancer research since joining the annual event, which is enough funding to underwrite two Pelotonia Undergraduate Fellows.
“Dave has been a devoted team captain for the Team Buckeye-Team Marion peloton and the real cheerleader at Ohio State Marion for Pelotonia,” said Koon, “helping me in my efforts to recruit peloton members to Team Buckeye.”
“Like so many individuals who participate in Pelotonia, Dave has seen first-hand how cancer impacts the lives of family and friends who are diagnosed with the disease, and their cancer journey inspires his annual 100-mile Pelotonia ride,” he added.
“It is a privilege and honor to call Dave my friend,” said Kook.
“As a 7-time rider and longtime captain for the Marion peloton, Dave has a deep passion for the Pelotonia cause,” said fellow rider and Associate Professor of Mathematics, John Maharry.
“He is always encouraging new riders to join the team and is always up for a training ride,” Maharry said.
“Five years ago, when I mentioned my plans to ride in Pelotonia but I didn't have a good road bike, he immediately offered his old one for the summer. That bike got me through 100 miles and he loaned it to (student research and rider) Bailey Lucas the next year,” explained Maharry.
“Through all the rides together the past 5 years, I've always been impressed by Dave's heart,” he added.