Remembering a Life
When Scott Poole, a big-hearted young man with a passion for the trails, passed away at the young age of 30, his loved ones knew they wanted to have a trail run in his honor, says Pat Poole, his mother. “So, in March 2015, we had our first Scott’s Trail Run,” she says. They had to skip the past couple of years due to COVID restrictions, making this year the sixth annual Scott’s Trail Run.
“Do More of What Makes You Happy”
From the age of 8, Scott spent time with his father in the trails, riding on dirt bikes, hiking, running, and even helping to maintain some of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. “Scott loved these West Virginia hills,” Pat says. “And one of his favorite sayings was ‘do more of what makes you happy.’ Well, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails made him happy.”
To celebrate Scott’s life, proceeds from this run benefit Williamson Parks and Recreation, of which he was a board member, and the Tunnel to Towers foundation, because he had tremendous respect for the military.
Pat, alongside husband George and daughter Christina, host Scott’s Trail Run alongside the Tug Valley Road Runners Club, of which Scott was a member. In addition to the run itself, they try to keep it a fun event, including a BBQ dinner, customized sweatshirts, memorial wristbands, and participant’s medal for those who participate. They make it a point to support local businesses for all of these items– the food is provided by Kim Maynard, a local food truck vendor, and Michael Stafford with Custom Print and Design helps to provide the event merchandise.
This year’s Scott’s Trail Run will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 11am beginning at the Hatfield-McCoy trailhead on Buffalo Mountain. The race features a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile walk. Folks can register online through April 28 or until 11am on race day. Visit here to register online.
All photos from the Scott's Trail Run Facebook page.
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