07/22/2026
Our hearts are incredibly heavy today as we mourn the unspeakable loss of Dekota and his sister, Abigale. They were a light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Their lives, along with their motherās, were tragically and brutally taken from this world.
Our hearts and prayers are with their father and all who loved them as they face this unimaginable loss. May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
if you are in a position to help, there is a gofundme to help cover funeral expenses and other unexpected costs
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-abigail-and-dakotas-memory
You may have seen these two out on the trail yesterday -- this is our 25K sweeper, John Sloan and his 14-year old son Dekota. Safe to say, they had a fun day collecting the trail ribbons! They brought a smile to the face of everyone who saw them (along with a few cases of mild panic by people who thought they were hallucinating!)
John swept for us last year and this year his son volunteered to help too. Before the start, I told them I was available to come get Dekota if he needed to bail out before the finish. Dekota swiftly replied "No way, I'm not giving up!" You better believe that kid sprinted around the lake to the finish, yellow and orange ribbons flapping behind him.
At the heart of what we do when we put on the Kanawha Trace Trail race is give people the opportunity to experience our trails, challenge themselves, and make wonderful memories along the way. I'd say mission accomplished.
