Last Saturday at Lions Park in Big Lake, several bikers participated in the fifth annual Running for Justice Bike-a-Thon. The riders sponsored by companies and individuals in an effort to raise money to go towards helping victims of human trafficking and raising awareness of the issue. Funds raised throughout the year go to various groups, but this event specifically raised money for the Stories Foundation.

 Riders and Volunteers

Several bikers and volunteers participated in Saturday’s event. In all, three riders did the full, 100-mile ride that day, five participated in the 50 mile ride, and five did a 20-mile ride. One biker participated in the 100 mile ride virtually, last month. Through the sponsorship program, registration, and campaigns by the group, $20,000 was raised for the cause, though they will continue to accept donations through the end of June at their website, RunningForJustice.org.

Other volunteers include the road crew, who follow the bikers in their vehicles and make sure they are safe, and the greeters, who cheered on the riders as they returned from their ride. 

Susie Wiegel has organized this annual bike-a-thon for the last five years. She runs the group with her family. She and her son, Scott, were two of the 100-mile bikers who participated on Saturday, along with Molly Winters, a 50-mile rider who decided to double her effort.

“I give Jesus Christ the glory, for directing me to start this organization and leading [us] in it,” Weigel said, on founding the organization. 

 COVID-19 Changes

“We did our first two Bike-a-Thons from Duluth to Elk River, 75 miles a day for two days,” Weigel said. For the last two years, because of a smaller turnout due to COVID-19, they decided to bring the event closer to home. They also held a live Share-a-Thon on Facebook as they rode, so others could participate from home, which Weigel considered to be a more effective method of education, anyway.

“Without [the Share-a-Thon], and just raising funds, we are missing our vision of bringing education and awareness of human sex trafficking and sexual exploitation and related issues,” Weigel said. 

 Funds Raised

Most of the funds raised for the event will go to the Stories Foundation, which is building a cafe in Ramsey, MN. The purpose of the cafe is to support survivors of human trafficking, by providing them with a support network, income opportuites, and temporary housing (in the form of two apartments above the cafe.)

Running for Justice also periodically sends funds to the A.C.T United and Courageous Love organizations.