Karen Sparks is an ultra runner, grief and trauma survivor, and founder of Love. Move. Rize.. This community is for anyone wanting to transcend hopelessness through movement and daily action. She’s also the founder of The Great Root Movement 501(c)(3), a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of grief, trauma, and domestic violence.  As Race Director of The Love Never Ends Trail Series, she raises funds for TGRM nonprofit through each event. 

Her raw, riveting personal story is the heart behind a fast-growing movement of healing, service, and strength. After experiencing unthinkable loss, Karen laced up her running shoes not just to survive, but to transform her pain into purpose.  She now hosts races, paces ultra runners, and anyone willing to get out and move.  She and the Love. Move. Rize. community (live and virtual) are currently running, hiking, walking 1 mile a day for 365 days for themselves, the silenced, the survivors, and those starting over. 

Karen's most important and cherished title will always be "Reagan and Grant's Mom." She prays that by sharing her story in a raw and honest way, along with the love of God reflected in the legacy of her children and the  Love. Move. Rize. Community, others may find encouragement and strength even in their darkest times. Her vision is to inspire hope and purpose to those in need by providing essential resources and support, creating a lasting positive impact on our community and beyond. "Get up and do it scared."

COMING SOON..."Untitled Memoir"...

Karen is currently writing her debut memoir about reclaiming her life after trauma and helping others do the same.  Her message is a powerful blend of grit, grace, and truth that leaves audiences moved, motivated, and ready to take their next step, no matter where they are on their journey.

Karen's growth on her journey through grief has inspired thousands, along with her other accomplishments to date.

• Race Director of The Love Never Ends Trail Series 
• Over 30 Race Finishes.
• 9 x Pacer/Crew Duties, including Cocodona 250 and Badwater 135.
• "Karen's Run: 100 Miles for Her Babies," Emmy Award Winning Original Story by WFAA Sports - Mike Leslie & Arnold Payne in 2020.
• "The Survivor," Featured Story in Runner's World Magazine 2021 by Sarah Hepola.
• The Adventure Jogger Podcast named her one of the 25 Most Inspirational Female Ultrarunners of 2023.

32 Races Completed:

• Ragnar Relay Race Finisher
• 3 x 5k Finisher
• 10k Finisher
• 2 x 15k Finisher
• 9 x Half Marathon Finisher
• 25k Finisher
• 20 Mile Finisher
• 2 x Marathon Finisher
• 3 x 50k Finisher
• 4 x 50 Mile Finisher
• 3 x 100k Finisher
• 2 x 100 Mile Finisher (Unofficial & Official)

Pacer/Crew duties:

• 1 x 50 Miler
• 2 x 100k 
• 1 x 69 Miler
• 3 x 100 - Rocky Raccoon / IT 100
• Badwater 135 
• Cocodona 250

"We are not slaves to fear, pain, debt, abusive relationships, self-doubt, or any evil or darkness.  We are children of God firmly rooted in love and light.  Love never ends."