D.C. loves their cherry blossom trees, but have you ever wondered how they ended up in Washington, D.C.?

Join Read & Run on the Road D.C.-based organizer Chelsey Stone learn about the 1800s globe-trotting journalist whose foresight and persistence resulted in an annual scene so beautiful that 1.5 million people travel to see it every year.

On this 3.3 mile, easy-paced run, you’ll start at the gravesite of former First Lady Helen Taft (who played a pivotal role), see the site of the first cherry blossom trees, and end by retracing some of Eliza Scidmore’s steps along 15th Street. Afterward, meet author Diana Parsell at Corner Bakery to chat about her book, Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington's Cherry Trees. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.