Run memorialized Charlie Kirk

POWELL (WNE) — After Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 in Orem, Utah, Powell resident Emily Denney wanted to help ease the pain of friends and family and also ensure Kirk was never forgotten in her hometown.

She decided to start a race through the streets of Powell. 

Some may assume she picked Oct. 18 to compete with area “No Kings” marches, but that would be a mistake. 

“This was the closest weekend to his birthday and that’s the significance of today’s date ... so we could remember his life and his legacy; not just his passing, but of him as a man, father and patriot,” Denney said.

She was undeterred when she chose this past Saturday, despite plans for millions of people across the country to march in protest.

So with very little time and experience, she organized the Heart of a Patriot 1K/5K/10K Walk/Run/Bike in Loving Memory of Charlie Kirk.

“I had a little bit of help along the way, but then Turning Point USA reached out to me,” she said.

The event drew 26 runners and about as many volunteers, including representatives from the Post 26 Sons of the American Legion, and onlookers. Participants, some in their senior years, some with dogs, one on a bike and even a couple of toddlers in a stroller showed up on the crisp, beautiful morning dressed in red, white and blue to commune with others also mourning the senseless tragedy.

Denney was “100%” happy with the first-year turnout and a constant stream of support on her social media account. And she intends to start planning for next year.

“We want this to be an annual event,” she said. “The violence needs to be set aside, and people need to come together. That’s the biggest [thing] I want out of this.”

This story was published on Oct. 21, 2025.