On a brisk Thanksgiving morning, hundreds of people gathered for the annual Turkey Trot at the Oregon Zoo. Across the Willamette River, however, the plant-based Tofurky Trot also geared up for its annual event.
Laughter filled the air as runners and trotters waited for their races to begin. A sea of turkey hats, costumes and matching t-shirts began taking over the courses as each running pace reached its send-off time.
First-time runner and University of Oregon alumna Katie Slavin joined the race at a friend’s request. Slavin chuckled, explaining that once she received the link, she did not pay attention to any of the details on the website.
“I was thinking that I was coming to do a relatively flat 5K, and then got here and realised it was an incredibly hilly almost 4 miles,” Slavin said. “But I finished, it was fun, and I love seeing all of the people dressed up.”
Despite their different approaches, the two 5k courses are a reliable way to bring families and community together. Both the Tofurky Trot and the Turkey Trot raised money for important causes, such as local farm animal sanctuaries and the Oregon Zoo.
Sarah Farmer, another first-time runner, shared she was thankful the admission went to the Oregon Zoo, as her kids ditched the race at the last minute.
“That softened the blow when I paid for my kids to do their run and they didn’t show up,” Farmer said. “So I was like ‘at least I’ve donated some money.’”
Diego Ponce, a three-year veteran at the Tofurky Trot, comes to the race to support vegan causes. Ponce is vegan himself and has participated in other events put on by Northwest VEG, such as their Harmless Halloween event.
“I love the Tofurky Trot and raising awareness for animal rights,” Ponce said.
As the races came to a close, participants quickly huddled for photos, celebrations, and, more importantly, to head home and feast.
