This year’s Original A2 Turkey Trot promised to be quick and simple, at least from a Zero Waste standpoint, and after the crazy-busy summer I was looking forward to it. And then Epic Races director Eva approached the Zero Waste Station holding a full-size turkey costume.
“Hey, Jeff,” she said. “How would you like to…”
And so began a potentially promising gig if I ever give up my recycling business.
What started out as a chilly morning at Hudson Mills Metropark turned into a perfect day for a run, sunny and cool, and we had a great turnout. Runners can choose a one-mile, 5K, 10K, or the “Iron Turkey” option (5K+10K). For the youngest runners, there’s the 200-yard (ish) “Drumstick Dash.” After I warmed them up with some calisthenics, fellow “turkey for the day” Reese and I led them through the finish line. (See video below.) It went so well I did the same for the 10K and the mile distance, then stood at the finish line cheering people in, especially the kids.
While all this was going on, HPR intern Charlie held down the fort in the finish area collecting food waste, compostable plates and cups, and cardboard. (And he took the video above. Thanks, I think.) Food was pumpkin spice pancakes, egg & cheese wraps, bananas and cookies.
Like last year, we set up an unstaffed station on the other side of the park building. We also put out All Waste boxes near the Water Monster. Using that with cups meant no water bottles to deal with, which is fantastic for us – no loose bottle caps or half-empty bottles to empty out. We covered or moved a couple of park trash cans in the race area, and near the end, pulled out race waste from the inside trash bins and one near the playground.
Landfill was up slightly, although so was attendance. As usual, the largest contributor was foil contaminated with food waste.
Everything went smoothly, with no big surprises. We were packed up and outta there at 12:30. A great way to end the Epic Races season! And who knows about my future as a giant turkey? Eva says I have the job again next year!
Happy Planet Running 