Perth cyclists took to the highway today to raise a record $4.5 million for cancer research.

More than a thousand riders took off from South Perth this morning on the MACA Ride to Conquer Cancer - a 200km, two-day return ride to Mandurah to raise money for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Participants prepare to ride to Mandurah and back in the MACA Ride to Conquer Cancer. Credit:Edwin Santiago

Institute director Professor Peter Leedman said the ride was "a testament to strength in numbers".

"We are incredibly grateful to the community of riders, crew members, volunteers, donors and sponsors who have made the fourth annual Ride to an overwhelming success," he said.



"One in two Australian men and one in three Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.