FAQs
If you don’t see the question (or answer) you are looking for, please contact us or check out our Family & Friends page for more FAQs. ContactFamily & FriendsIs the 4K for Cancer a non-profit organization?
The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Foundation. Ulman Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Ulman’s 5013c EIN number is 52-2057636.
How can I make a donation?
You can make a donation to a specific rider or runner through their fundraising pages. If you would like to donate by check, you can mail it to the address below. Please be sure to include the rider or runner’s name in the memo line, so it is properly attributed to them.
ATTN: 4K for Cancer
Ulman Foundation
2118 E Madison Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
What are the age restrictions?
Our participants are between the ages of 18-28 to provide the best experience possible for our riders and runners.
Where does the money raised go?
The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Foundation. The money raised by participants goes towards supporting the efforts and initiatives of Ulman, which focuses on direct patient services. For more information, please visit our donate page.
How does cycling or running across the country help fight cancer?
The money raised by our 4K participants will support Ulman’s vital programs and services such as Cancer to 5K, Young Adult Patient Navigation, and the Ulman House. Runners and cyclists will also provide support through community service events during their cross-country journeys.
What kind of shape do I need to be in?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to do the 4K for Cancer. We emphasize that this is an experience and not a race, but in order to ensure the enjoyment of your trip to its fullest, it is important to assess your personal fitness level when deciding to apply and participate. All riders are required to log a total of 500 miles and complete a 50 and 70-mile ride before departing. All runners are required to follow a 20-week training plan and be comfortable running 10-minute miles or less
How far do you bike or run each day?
Our riders will cycle anywhere from 50-120 miles per day, most often averaging about 75-80 miles per day. Our runners will run anywhere from 6-16 miles per day, most often averaging about 10-14 miles per day. Runners will cross the country in a relay-style format.
What is the fundraising minimum?
The fundraising minimum for the 4K ride and run is $5,000. We provide a fundraising guide and one on one support to all our participants while they are fundraising.
How do I train for this trip?
The staff will provide an 18-week ride training plan or a 20-week run training plan and an online platform to record your miles.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
Participants do not need to carry their own luggage. All luggage will be held in the support vehicles while on the trip.
Are meals provided?
Participants get a majority of their meals donated during the summer. The hosts usually provide breakfast and dinner for the team. For lunch, participants seek out food donations from restaurants and grocery stores in local communities. This process is explained and practiced during orientation before you depart for the summer. Each team has a supplemental budget for meals if needed.
Is lodging provided?
The teams are hosted by churches, schools, gyms, YMCA’s, rotary clubs, etc. Members of the communities we pass through come together to provide a safe place for each team to sleep. Our teams will occasionally camp when they pass through National Parks or more rural communities. Each team will be provided with tents for these occasions.
Do I need my own bicycle if I am participating in the ride?
Each rider receives a bicycle from Ulman for his or her ride. Once you receive your bike it is your responsibility to learn how to properly ride and maintain it. In the event a participant breaks or damages their bike while training or on the trip, they are responsible for the repairs – Ulman will not replace or repair bikes before, during, or after the ride. In the event a participant withdraws from the program prior to reaching the minimum fundraising and prior to the start of the trip, he or she must return their bike.
Do I need my own shoes if I am participating in the run?
Each runner receives 2 pairs of running sneakers from Ulman for his or her run across the country.
What should I pack for my trip?
We have created a comprehensive Gear Guide to help you pack for your journey. It covers both riders and runners.
Can I receive mail during the trip?
Each team will have multiple mail drops during the summer. As they are confirmed they are posted on each of the team pages before Send-Off and provided to the participants and their families & friends.