The distance -- a mere 100-meters to glory -- of our Sprint for Spat 0.10K may be a joke to some, the two local organizations this race benefits are anything but. Get to know the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the Oyster Recovery Partnership: 

Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

Who? The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is a leading voice in the young adult cancer movement and works at a grassroots level to support, educate, connect and empower young adult cancer survivors. UCF is based in Baltimore. 

What? Since its inception in 1997, UCF has worked tirelessly at both the community level and with national partners to raise awareness of the issues young adults with cancer face, and to ensure all young adults and families impacted by cancer have a voice and the resources necessary to thrive.

Why? Nearly 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year, and a diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 39 is nearly eight times more common than a diagnosis during the first 15 years of life. Today, cancer is the leading disease killer among 20- to 39-year olds. However, despite advances in early detection, treatment and prevention, there's been no improvement in survival rates in this age group. 

Oyster Recovery Partnership

Who? The Oyster Recovery Partnership plans, promotes and implements science-based and sustainable shellfish restoration, aquaculture and wild fishery activities to protect the environment, support the economy and preserve the cultural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. ORP is based in Annapolis.

What? As the leading nonprofit restoring oysters in the Bay, more than 5.2 billion oysters have been planted on 1,700 acres of oyster reefs in Maryland, including the largest sanctuary reef in the United States. ORP also manages the largest Shell Recycling Alliance in the country and has trained more than 50 commercial watermen to grow oysters to support Maryland's booming aquaculture industry. 

Why? Oysters are a vital piece of the Chesapeake's ecosystem and the current population is a mere 1% of the historic peak. In addition to Sprint for Spat, proceeds from Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout have enabled ORP to replant over 5 million oysters in the Bay since 2010.

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Now, support both UCF and ORP by registering now for Sprint for Spat. Ticket price includes a race t-shirt, 0.10K bumper sticker and mid-race oyster shooter. Sign up by Monday, April 13 to guarantee your preferred t-shirt size.