Written by Doug Mayer for ATRA’s Winter 2016 Trail Times Newsletter.
One of the highlights of my year is co-race directing the Randolph Ramble, a rugged, late-fall 10km in the wilds of the northernmost region of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It’s everything I love about trail running—a tough challenge with friends old and new, and plenty of time after to hang out over great food and recount war stories from the run. Proceeds go to two local outdoors organizations.
Much of my own trail running season is spent in the Alps, where I organize trips for Run the Alps. As part of that job, I seem to be a magnet for trail running gear—shoes, vests, socks—you name it. (And, because it’s Europe, I also get buffs in every color and compression tights in neon orange, too!) Staring at a pile of gear this fall, I realized it was time to clean house. But, how? What to do with it?
With my co-race directors, we decided to set up a table at the Randolph Ramble, tag each item with a “priced to move!” cost, and send the proceeds to the US Junior Mountain Running Team. Thanks to one of the country’s top trail runners, Shannon Payne, Salomon kicked in some demo shoes, too. (Okay, a bunch of shoes! Thanks guys.) Paul Kirsch, Manager for the Junior team, helped with the project. With his never-ending enthusiasm for all things trail running, the results were flat out phenomenal. We raised over $600 for the Junior team!
If our little race, capped at 100 runners, can raise $6 per person… what can your race do? Whether it’s the Junior team, ATRA, or another great group working for trail running, here’s hoping we can all lend a hand, recycle lightly-used gear, and raise money for a sport we all love.
