You can not only buy a Men of the Rail Trail calendar, but you can nominate a model

Editor’s note: Running on the Rail Trail in current conditions, when it’s as crowded as it has been the past few weeks, is counter to the mission behind North Carolina’s stay-at-home order. Check out our tips for running during a pandemic for more information. It’s more important than ever to follow the etiquette — in some cases, our lives will literally depend on it. Details follow regarding how to apply to be on the calendar without actually having to add your germs to the already-saturated Rail Trail.

Since the statewide stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 went into effect last month, there has been a surge in outdoor athleticism. This, combined with the need to support out-of-work service industry workers, has inspired a unique and funny fundraising idea: The Men of the Rail Trail Calendar.

Third Rock Events is teaming up with Glory Days Apparel to accept nominations for 12 “Men of the Rail Trail,” who will be featured in a calendar. After nominations are reviewed, the public will be able to vote online for their favorites out of 24 final nominees. After the calendar is printed, proceeds will benefit the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. All nominees are also asked to donate $5, and the online voting process will include a fundraising component.

Shawn Cosner, owner of Third Rock Events, decided to create the calendar as a different way to raise money for those who work in the service industry that could involve the community remotely and with social distancing.

“The Rail Trail is such an iconic staple in our city and our community — and so are the people in the service industry, our friends in restaurants and breweries, and they’re currently unable to work. So why not bring those two things together?” Cosner said.

In addition to raising money for those in need, Cosner hopes that the calendar will bring some much needed comic relief to the community.

“It’s a little bit of picking on ourselves about [how people often are] running up and down the rail trail, not only for fitness but to be social and be seen,” Cosner said. “There is going to be a lot of humor tied to this, and we need to laugh at this time where there’s not a lot of good news out there or a lot of things to laugh about.”

Focusing on runners also highlights the importance of safely getting outside and moving to stay in good spirits during this challenging time.

“We were also thinking about, ‘How do we maintain our mental health?’” Cosner said of coming up with the Men of the Rail Trail concept. “A lot of the experts say it’s really up to exercise and being outside and walking … but at the same time maintaining distance to be safe.”

Nominees are encouraged to use pre-existing photos or to choose a photo location other than the Rail Trail to take pictures for submission if they do not feel like they are able to properly socially distance themselves to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Know someone who would be a great pick for the calendar, or want to nominate yourself? You can apply by emailing three photos and a brief description of yourself or your nominee to info@3rdrockevents.com before April 17 to be considered for the calendar. We’ll let you know how to purchase one as soon as those details are available.

This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 4:55 PM.