The Tour de Pier, the popular annual cancer research fundraiser held in Manhattan Beach, raised a record $1.1 million on Sunday, blasting through its original goal of $1 million. The fourth annual event brought together more than 1,500 riders to ride 350 stationary bikes, drawing a crowd of more than 5,000 to the Manhattan Beach Pier.

"To reach this lofty milestone in just our fourth year - and before event day - is a dream come true," said Lisa Manheim, co-founder of the Tour de Pier. "We put out a call to action to help us find a cure for cancer and the community heard us an reacted passionately."

The event benefits the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, and the Uncle Kory Foundation. Event co-founders and Manhattan Beach residents Jon Hirshberg and Heath Gregory are both leaders in their respective foundations benefiting cancer research.

At the event, when organizers announced that the $1 million fundraising goal had been surpassed, Gregory sat down for his promised head-shaving while young cancer survivor Chinny Hackley looked on in approval.

Special guests included rock star Gene Simmons, former Los Angeles Laker Steve Nash, The Biggest Loser's Dolvett Quince, Olympic cyclist Tony Cruz, UCLA football head coach Jim Mora, USC football head coach Clay Helton, and more.

Since 2013, the Tour de Pier has raised more than $2.8 million for cancer charities.

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