Trails & Tales 5K: Making a Difference Through Literacy
The 3rd Annual Trails & Tales 5K was a tremendous success, bringing together runners, walkers, families, community partners, and literacy champions from across Northern New Mexico in support of children’s literacy.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of participants, sponsors, donors, and supporters, the event raised more than $60,000 for the Reach Out and Read Program at CHRISTUS St. Vincent. These funds help provide children with books during pediatric visits and encourage families to make reading a meaningful part of everyday life.
Research shows that early literacy experiences are essential to healthy childhood development. By connecting books and reading with pediatric care, Reach Out and Read helps build language skills, strengthen parent-child relationships, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.
Trails & Tales is more than a community event. It is an opportunity to invest in the future of local children and families. Every registration, donation, sponsorship, and step taken on race day helps expand access to books and literacy resources throughout our region.
The continued growth and success of Trails & Tales reflect the community’s shared commitment to education, health, and opportunity for all children. Together, we are helping create brighter futures, one book, one child, and one story at a time.
We invite you to explore event highlights and photos from this year’s race and learn how you can be part of next year’s Trails & Tales 5K.
Interested in supporting children’s literacy year-round? Learn more about the Reach Out and Read Program and the many ways you can make a difference in a child’s life.
About the Reach Out and Read Program
The Reach Out and Read program at CHRISTUS St. Vincent is dedicated to building stronger families through literacy. Each year, the Foundation raises $20,000 to support this vital service, which provides books to children and empowers parents to read aloud and engage in their child’s educational development. At each well visit for children ages 6 months to 5 years, providers give a new book, and parents are encouraged to incorporate reading into daily routines. This shared experience not only strengthens the bond between parents and children but also sets the stage for lifelong learning.
In Northern New Mexico, where access to books is often limited, this program has made a lasting impact by increasing language development and promoting educational success for children, especially in low-income families. Studies show that families participating in Reach Out and Read are more likely to read with their children regularly, improving literacy skills and enhancing the healthcare experience.
Why Support Reach Out and Read?
Your participation and support of the Trails and Tales 5K Walk/Run will help ensure that the Reach Out and Read program can continue to make a positive difference. By raising funds for this program, you are helping create a brighter future for young children, empowering families, and strengthening the fabric of our community.
2025 Trails & Tales 5k walk/run
Our 501(c)3 tax ID number is: 85-0282847