Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Sparks.
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the Founder of The Great Root Movement 501(c)(3), as well as the Founder and Race Director for the Love Never Ends Trail Series, and Love. Move. Rize.. We are rooted in love, hope, compassion, and support for others.
On November 1, 2015, I received a phone call that changed my life forever. I was notified that my soon-to-be ex-husband murdered my only two children, Reagan (9) and Grant (8). In that moment, everything I knew ceased to exist. In the immediate aftermath and throughout the days, months, and years that followed, life became a dark and painful blur. During this time, I spiraled into debilitating depression and grief. By 2018, I no longer knew how or why I should go on, and I tried to take my own life.
My children’s voices inspired and cheered me on to keep moving forward and help others. I drew on my background as an athlete. Reagan and Grant, my children, played many sports, and my best friend from junior high, a runner, invited me to train for the 2016 BMW Dallas Marathon. After running that marathon, I transitioned to trail and ultra running, where nature and the trails became my sanctuary and running became my therapy. The support I received from the running community was invaluable. In 2018, I began a 90-day stay at a residential therapy program in Tennessee. Step by step and mile by mile, my faith in God, along with time in therapy and ultra running, led to healing, renewed hope, and purpose.
In 2020, on the 5th anniversary of Reagan and Grant’s death, I ran a solo 100-mile race. I ran to reclaim the legacy of my children and my own identity. I’ve competed in many races and I’ve been chosen to pace runners in big races like Cocodona 250 and Badwater 135. But this past year, I made it my “Love. Move. Rize.,” mission to run 1 mile every day for 365 days. I move, run, walk, and hike with purpose—for the silenced, for the survivors, for those starting over. And I invite you to join me virtually. I’m here to pace you. This movement is not just mine— it’s yours.
November 1, 2025, marked the 10th anniversary of my children’s deaths. As each year passes, the pain and grief grow more difficult. I still find myself standing at the foot of their graves, remembering how each casket was lowered six feet into the earth. Each day, it feels as if I begin twelve feet under. Yet, every day, faith, family, friends, community, and running help me “rize” back to level ground, which serves as my starting line. Some days, getting out of bed is tough. Still, I choose hope. I share our story and the deep love I have for Reagan and Grant. Life is a constant mix of emotions, and everyone faces dark moments. From my own experience, I know that hope and healing can happen.
I started The Great Root Movement 501(c)(3) in 2018 to support people dealing with domestic violence, grief, and trauma. In 2022, I created The Love Never Ends Trail Series, a fundraiser for our nonprofit, and I serve as Race Director. Our Love. Move. Rize. Group began as a way for women of all skill levels to connect through walking, hiking, running, and volunteering. It has since expanded significantly. On the trails and in life, I encourage us to support one another and reach goals we once thought impossible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The pain of burying my only two children became overwhelming, and I attempted suicide. God’s love and my children’s love intervened and reminded me I had purpose. I chose hope, not knowing what it looked like.
“The only way out is through, the only way through is in.” – Robert Frost. This quote became my reality when I was in residential therapy.
Every day brings some joy and hope, but life is tough for everyone. Trauma affects people differently. When faced with tragedy, all we can do is choose a way forward. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m not a therapist, but by choosing hope and facing my tragedy, I am living proof that you can lose everything and still cross your finish line.
Running a non-profit and being a race director come with many challenges, but I am deeply grateful for the incredible people who show up, help, participate, and generously donate their time and funds. The most rewarding part has been connecting with people from all over our community—experiencing healing and endless inspiration through their stories, kindness, and support.
Ten years have passed, and I miss Reagan and Grant more than ever. I have grown in ways I thought impossible because I know God has a reason for me to share our story. As I stated earlier, each day, my starting line is 12 feet under. It never gets easier, but hope and healing are possible, and each of us has a purpose. Take the first step. You can walk a mile a day with me, follow on my journey, and share yours at youtube.com/@lovemoverize. Or join us at our Love Never Ends Trail Run Series—either virtually or in person. Register to participate, invite a friend, volunteer, be a sponsor, or vendor. This event is open to all, and your involvement truly matters.
I remind myself daily to get up and do it scared. Completing more than 30 races, running a nonprofit, and serving as a race director have helped me heal. One day, I’ll finish my own race and see R&G again. Until then, I’ll keep running at my own pace and help you find yours.
You are seen, heard, and loved.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In memory of Reagan and Grant, I founded The Great Root Movement 501 (c)(3), a non-profit supporting those affected by domestic violence, grief, and PTSD. Through our RIZE Scholarship, we raise and provide funds for therapy, programs, and resources for those in need. Through the TGRM Scholarship and the Reagan and Grant Small Endowed Memorial Scholarship, we provide funds for graduating high school seniors nationwide. As the Race Director for our Love Never Ends Trail Series, we raise crucial support for our mission.
At Love. Move. Rize., our aim is to create a safe community where people find balance, renewed spirit, and collective strength. We foster collaboration with local businesses and nonprofits, offering meet-ups and opportunities to give back. Whether on the trails or in support groups, we provide a place to belong. Together, we love, we move, we rize.
I pray that by sharing my story, others will find encouragement and strength even in the darkest of circumstances. I invite you to take the first step and join me, virtually or in person, at our Love Never Ends Trail Run Events. Register today, bring a friend, or reach out to volunteer. This movement is for everyone, and your participation makes a difference. You are seen, heard, and loved.
Start today, get involved. We’re building something that not only changes lives but also saves them. In the next few years, we’ll build deep roots so no person, child, or warrior stands alone. Join me. Whether by giving to TGRM, participating in our Love Never Ends Trail Series Events, or by taking your own next step forward. You don’t need to be a runner. Just believe in hope and that you can turn your pain into your purpose. Together, we will “Love. Move. Rize.,” cross our finish lines, and pace others across theirs.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Best: DFW is where I grew up, it’s always been home.
I love that DFW is a sports town.
The culture and the food.
The sense of community.
Least:
Traffic.
I would like to see more nature trails.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenasparks.com
- Instagram: @greatrootmovement
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatrootmovement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovemoverize
- Other: https://linktr.ee/k_dawg77
