TGRM Board of Directors

Karen Sparks is more than a survivor of filicide. After the murder of her only two children, Reagan and Grant, by her soon-to-be ex-husband in 2015, she spiraled into debilitating depression and grief. Her discovery of ultra-running led to a new realization of her faith, healing, hope, and purpose. She founded TGRM and became the Race Director of the Love Never Ends Trail Series, LNE Trail Run, The Great Root Trail Race, and started the Love. Move. Rize. Women’s Group-- a walking/running support group that also volunteers in the community. Karen credits her relationship with God, her family, friends, and the various communities in her life as key factors in her ability to "show up, Love, Move, and Rize."

Currently, Karen is writing an untitled memoir with a bestselling literary agency and has participated in multiple podcasts and speaking engagements. She remains dedicated to empowering women in her community and beyond.  As a race director, Karen oversees every aspect of trail running events. This includes course planning, obtaining permits, managing volunteers, implementing safety protocols, handling logistics, and marketing the events, all while ensuring the smooth execution of the race on the day of the event. Her priority is the safety of participants on the trails, which encompasses course design, logistics, safety and risk management, marketing promotion, and post-race activities. She works closely with parks and recreation departments to ensure that all trails are clean and compliant with city regulations.

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 (LNE Trail Run & The Great Root Trail Race.)
• 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.

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 Great Root Movement (TGRM), others may find encouragement and strength even in their darkest times. Her vision for TGRM is to inspire hope and purpose in 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."

Kori is Karen's sister and the aunt of Reagan and Grant. She has played an instrumental role in helping Karen start TGRM. Involved at every step, Kori has overseen day-to-day operations, community relations, and promotional materials and works behind the scenes for the Love Never Ends Trail Series and the Love.Move.Rize. Women's Group. Kori is an award-winning film producer and former educator. She has an extensive background in the film industry, having worked in various roles on more than 25 major Hollywood studio productions, including those at Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, Universal, HBO, and Walt Disney Studios. Kori has had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with some of the top talents in film and television. As a film producer, Kori manages the business and creative aspects of film production. Some of her responsibilities include selecting scripts, planning and financing, hiring crew members, casting, managing logistics, e.g., location scouting and travel arrangements, managing daily shooting schedules, budgeting, and overseeing marketing and distribution. Before her film career, Kori was a secondary history and english teacher and a coach in Texas and Los Angeles. She co-created a Second Chance Program for repeat and at-risk students, served as a Peer Assistance Leadership Skills Teacher, developed a pilot program for Leadership Skills classes, and was an on-campus Girls Athletic Coordinator. With God's guidance, working together with Karen and their parents, and in memory of R&G, Kori aims to cultivate the growth of TGRM. She prays that the seeds planted through tears will produce life-changing resources of hope and purpose for as many people as possible.