Miles That Matter: Join the fight and pedal or run for a world free from human trafficking
What is Break the Cycle?
Break the Cycle hosts ultra-endurance cycling and running events to raise awareness and funds for real victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Break the Cycle participants give voice to the issue of human trafficking and raise awareness and funds for Hope for Justice to help identify victims, get them to safety and support their recovery in the U.S. and around the world.
You can see confirmed events and locations for 2025 below.
What does it take to cycle for 200 miles? Watch this video to find out!
“Break the Cycle 200 gives me the opportunity to do something I love… and make a real difference in the fight against human trafficking.”
Deanne, Team Iowa
2025 Break the Cycle Events
When you sign up for a Break the Cycle event, you aren’t just registering for an endurance event. You’re joining a movement to end the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Join us for the Break the Cycle Iowa events this June, where you can make a meaningful impact while challenging yourself.
Break the Cycle Challenge Ride: Start with the Break the Cycle Challenge Ride, for cyclists of all levels, on June 7 in Ankeny. Choose from 25, 50, or 100-mile routes on the scenic High Trestle Trail and celebrate with a lunch at Firetrucker Brewery.
Break the Cycle 5K All Day Run: For those who prefer running, the Break the Cycle 5K All Day Run on June 14 at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines provides an excellent opportunity to support the cause while enjoying a scenic run or walk.
Break the Cycle 200 Ride: For the ultimate test, the Break the Cycle 200 Ride on June 20 challenges cyclists to a 200-mile journey from Des Moines to Okoboji in a single day, pushing limits and going the distance in the fight against human trafficking.
Find out more and register for any of these events at the link below:
You’ll need to commit to raising at least $500 for Hope for Justice. We’ll give you all the help and support you need to ensure you succeed!
Why join the Break the Cycle team?
Funds raised by the amazing cyclists and athletes who choose to get involved with Break the Cycle help survivors like Esther. She was forced into sex trafficking in the United States but is now free, and is turning her life around. Your efforts will also help prevent human trafficking, and bring about the societal change we need to stamp it out.
Break the Cycle events fund Hope for Justice programs that help victims and survivors of human trafficking
“With the criminal case, I felt so empowered. Having my voice heard, looking straight at the judge, knowing that I am doing this for myself, for my children, for other survivors.”
Words of a survivor of sexual exploitation in the U.S., helped by Hope for Justice
It’s unacceptable that across the world, an estimated 50 million people are victims of modern slavery. Adults and children are being forced into sexual, labor or criminal exploitation, or forced marriage, to profit traffickers who benefit from their misery.
We cycle many miles, on many days, and in many different cities with one goal: to break the cycle of human trafficking. To end it, forever.
What should I know before considering registering for a 200-mile ride?
Riding 200 miles in one day is not easy. We depart before sunrise and we go all day, arriving before sunset. The weather can drastically affect the comfort level of this ride. The difficulty level does mean that not everyone will make it on a bike. Please consider your riding level and you can of course reach out to speak with past participants. Email events@hopeforjustice.org to arrange this.
Once you register, you will be sent full details on how to get equipped for your ride, including training plans and tips, fundraising ideas, fitness, stretches, nutrition, mechanical checks, ride rules and philosophy, what-to-bring checklists and more.
How fast do you ride? Will I be able to do it?
The ride moves along between 18-22 mph in a tight group over open roads. So each rider should be:
- Capable of riding at a good pace for at least 25 miles between scheduled stops. An example of what we mean by ‘a good pace’: if it is perfectly flat and there is no headwind, we would travel as a group between 17 mph to 20 mph. This translates to an average of 180 watts. With a tailwind of 10 mph, we will hit speeds of 25 mph to 30 mph.
- Extremely comfortable riding in a large group of riders, drafting off one another, on the open roads. Keeping everyone safe is a priority of the ride. This is done by keeping the group of riders condensed.
We have averaged 18 mph during our past rides. A sustained wattage will be monitored by those of us using power meters. Should the group wattage exceed 220 to 250 watts, a bell will ring to indicate the need to pull back a little bit. This ride is NOT a race.
Remember, through our ‘Challenge’ events, you can also choose to do a shorter ride of 100, 50 or 25 miles for some locations, if 200 miles is not for you.
Not a cyclist? We still need you!
We need volunteers to help us the evening before the events, and throughout event day. If you would like to be part of the volunteering team, click on the event you want to help out at, and you’ll see all the volunteering opportunities!
Sponsorship opportunities
By sponsoring Break the Cycle 200, you can help our event to transform the lives of trafficking victims and bring about an end to exploitation. Contact us at events@hopeforjustice.org for more information on unique sponsorship opportunities.
Break the Cycle: The History
Originating in 2012 from the collective passion of five friends in West Des Moines, Iowa, Break the Cycle (BTC) emerged as a shared vision to make a difference while engaging in athletic endurance events. The beginning of BTC took the form of a 200-mile cycling event held in a single day, serving as a catalyst to raise awareness about the global issue of human trafficking. This initial endeavor showcased the group’s commitment and also laid the foundation for a growing network of advocates dedicated to combating human trafficking.
2019 brought a new opportunity for BTC to become part of Hope for Justice. By providing a new platform for Hope for Justice as a Fundraising Event Series, BTC has amplified awareness and community, expanding the portfolio of events to numerous cycling, and running events in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. The BTC community, consisting of hundreds of cyclists, runners, volunteers, and donors, has collectively raised over $1.5M. These funds are directed towards supporting Hope for Justice in rescuing and restoring victims and working towards the eradication of exploitation. Joining the BTC team offers you the opportunity to contribute and play a vital role in breaking the cycle of human trafficking.
Break the Cycle Brand Guidelines
Using the Break the Cycle brand? Download our Brand Guidelines to get links to logos and guidance on usage in various contexts.
