Hello, my name is Karen A. Sparks, a survivor of filicide, an ultra runner, and founder of The Great Root Movement a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. In 2015, I experienced an unimaginable tragedy when my two children were murdered by their father. In the aftermath of this devastating loss, I struggled with my mental health and debilitating depression. However, through therapy, exercise, and a supportive community, I was able to find my way back to hope.

Thank you for considering sponsoring our event.  I need your help as we prepare for our 2nd Annual Love Never Ends Trail Run. The proceeds benefit our scholarships, The RIZE Scholarship for Bereaved Mothers and The Reagan and Grant Small Endowed Memorial Scholarship for local high school seniors.

If you've heard my story, there are thousands of mothers like me, and we want to provide a space for them to feel seen, heard and loved through their grief journey.  By connecting them with approved therapy and restorative programs, we can help grieving mothers, domestic abuse survivors, and many others to re-engage in life and find purpose.

We believe that we are rooted in love, that our roots grow deep, and when we love, move, and rize together, hope and healing are possible.  As a sponsor, this is a great opportunity to reach a diverse and growing community of walkers and runners of all skill levels.  Last year, our event was covered by WFAA Ch. 8 News as a follow-up story to the Lone Star Emmy-Winning Human Interest Story by WFAA on Karen's 100 Mile-Run for her children.  H.E.B and Bravura Counseling for First Responders & Veterans are two big sponsors as the list continues to grow. Our sponsors play a huge role in helping us make this event possible. We have a first-rate photographer covering the event, fantastic trails, a food truck, and great volunteers!  The City of McKinney Parks & Rec Department has honored us by having us back. We take pride in our trail stewardship and keeping things clean. Our participants said that this race was one of the best they'd participated in all year, as it was such a positive and fun environment and so well-organized.  It's a fantastic opportunity for your organization to get involved in a growing area of DFW and connect with the participants! Let's transform lives together!

thegreatrootmovement.com

karenasparks.com

https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/McKinney/LoveNeverEnds

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Come join us for the 2nd annual Love Never Ends Trail Run. The 5k,15k, and 30k race takes place at Erwin Park, which offers 10 miles of wildly popular mountain bike and running trails. The scenic race course covers open single-track trails, and traverses wooded sections as well as technical rolling hill sections that will give the 15k runners a little over 700 ft. of elevation and 30k runners a little over 1400 ft. of elevation. 

Proceeds from the event benefit The Great Root Movement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  TGRM provides The RIZE Scholarship for Bereaved Mothers to attend therapy and The Reagan and Grant Small Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund for High School Seniors at Van Alstyne ISD and Melissa ISD. 

Fleet Feet McKinney will be a sponsor and location for packet pickup on Thursday, September 28th. There will also be packet pickup at Erwin Park Friday afternoon, September 29th, 4-6 pm & Saturday of the event at Erwin Park (Pecan Pavilion) starting at 6 am.

Registration will close Wednesday, 9/27/23! 

Check out all our great sponsors this year, that will have some cool giveaways for our raffle. You will get a raffle ticket in your swag bag at packet pick-up. Make sure to be present with your ticket after the race to win!

* Note: Medals will be mailed to virtual runners only. T-shirts will NOT be mailed to participants who registered and do not attend the race. Everyone attending the race Live will receive a shirt and medal.