2026 Trail Grinder Benefit Run
Fifth Annual Trail Grinder Benefit Run Supports Superficial Siderosis Research
The fifth annual Trail Grinder brought runners, volunteers, and sponsors together on September 5, 2026, at Atlanta MTB Trail in Atlanta, Texas. Organized by Tanya Beers and sponsored by the Superficial Siderosis Research Alliance, the benefit event featured 5K and 10K trail runs to support research on superficial siderosis.
From runners making their way through the piney woods to supporters celebrating at the awards presentation, the day reflected a community’s willingness to help advance research into this rare neurological disorder.
Trail Running for Superficial Siderosis Research
A Challenge Through the East Texas Piney Woods
Atlanta MTB Trail provided a wooded setting for the benefit run. Its full 6.2-mile single-track loop features approximately 630 feet of elevation gain, offering runners a challenging route through the East Texas landscape.
With two race distances available, Trail Grinder offered participants several ways to tackle the course while supporting SSRA’s research mission.
Connecting Our Community With Our Mission
Our annual Trail Grinder also created opportunities to introduce people to superficial siderosis and the families affected by it. Community events help SSRA reach people who may never have heard of the condition and invite them to join our work.
Every registration, sponsorship, and volunteer contribution helped make this research benefit possible.
Thank You to Our Trail Grinder Sponsors
Business Sponsors Supporting SSRA
We gratefully recognize the businesses and medical professionals who sponsored the fifth annual Trail Grinder:
Their generosity linked local support to SSRA’s commitment to advancing research on superficial siderosis.
- CHRISTUS St. Michael – Atlanta
- Richard L. Hozdic III, MD, FAAFP
- Caffe’ Crema
- Texarkana Machine Inc. (TMI)
- Tanya and Greg Beers
Rori-Suzanne and Gary Daniel donated the event’s expenses, allowing 100% of the funds raised to support research.
Trail Grinder 2026 Results
Congratulations to our winners and placing runners. Thank you for bringing your effort and enthusiasm to the trail.
Male Under 20
| Place | Runner | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Noah Thonton | 27:52 |
| 2nd | Keaston Carpenter | 35:03 |
| 3rd | Preston Bailey | 39:41 |
Male 21 and Over
| Place | Runner | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Shannon Jones | 30:13 |
| 2nd | Will Allen | 31:41 |
| 3rd | Edward Garrett | 48:12 |
Female Under 20
| Place | Runner | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Maci Smoak | 39:54 |
Female 21 and Over
| Place | Runner | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Arista Hott | 46:07 |
| 2nd | Marli Garrett | 47:36 |
Celebrating Our Runners, Volunteers, and Supporters
The People Behind the Event
A successful trail run depends on people giving their time, energy, and resources. We thank everyone who helped organize the event, prepare the course, welcome runners, and support participants throughout the day.
To our runners, volunteers, sponsors, families, and friends: thank you for making the Superficial Siderosis Research Alliance part of your day.
Share the Trail Grinder Story
Enjoy the photographs from this year’s event and help us recognize the community that made it possible. Sharing the Trail Grinder story introduces more people to superficial siderosis and the research our community works to support.
Learn more about SSRA’s research, education, and advocacy efforts at ssra.livingwithss.com.
Empowering Research. Inspiring Hope.
