What originally began as a benefit for a community impacted by a natural disaster has grown into an event with an incredible reach far beyond just the local area.
The 11th annual Reading Tornado Trot and Trail took place at Reading Park Saturday morning with right around 100 participants either running or riding the route. Organizer Jan Briggs says this was easily one of the largest turnouts they have had for the event in recent memory.
The Trot and Trail began back in 2011 as a benefit for the community following an EF-3 tornado that damaged the town and killed one person. Most recently the event has grown and evolved into a fundraiser benefiting Handlebars of Hope.
Handlebars of Hope is a charitable organization that provides free bikes for disadvantaged residents both locally and in Mexico. Briggs says by supporting Handlebars the community now gets to play a major role in impacting the lives of so many far beyond their borders.
Fellow organizer Nancy Standiferd says the event would not be possible each year without the support of the Reading community.
Standiferd adds that not only does Reading show up to support the event every year, but so do several surrounding communities.
Totals from the Tornado Trot and Trail will be announced at a later time. For more information visit the Tornado Trot and Trail Facebook page.
