Do Not Go Gentle: The Allegheny Trail FKT Project
From June 24th to June 28th, I will attempt to run the entire length of the Allegheny Trail across West Virginia—from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. This effort is known as a Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt, but this project is about far more than speed or endurance.
This run is called Do Not Go Gentle because it is a stand against silence, despair, and suicide—and a call toward resilience, connection, and hope.
Why This Matters
I have lost countless friends to suicide, and in 2007, I lost my uncle. Like so many others, these losses changed me permanently. They also made it clear that conversations around mental health cannot wait, and access to support cannot be optional.
This project is about resiliency through running.
It’s about choosing to keep moving—step by step, summit by summit—when things are heavy.
It’s about summits over suicide.
The Mission
This FKT attempt is being done in partnership with Bigger Than the Trail, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness, community support, and access to counseling for everyone.
All funds raised through this campaign will follow a fully transparent budget:
Project-related costs (logistics, nutrition, safety, support, rental vehicle, documentation)
Every dollar raised beyond those costs will go directly to Bigger Than the Trail
In addition, here is a direct donation link to Bigger Than the Trail for anyone who prefers to give straight to the organization.
What Your Support Does
Your support helps:
Fund mental health counseling access.
Normalize conversations around mental health every day and in endurance and outdoor communities.
Honor those we’ve lost.
Remind people who are struggling that they are not alone.
This isn’t about glorifying suffering.
It’s about proving that movement can be medicine, community can be lifesaving, and that even in the hardest terrain, forward is still possible.
If You’re Struggling
You matter.
You are not weak for needing help.
And you do not have to go gentle into your darkest moments alone.
Thank you for supporting this project, sharing this message, and standing with us—for awareness, for access, and for life.
— Donnie Orr
Transparent Budget Breakdown
This project is committed to full transparency. The goal is to cover only the essential costs required to safely and responsibly complete the Allegheny Trail FKT attempt.
Estimated Project Costs Include:
These are estimates. A final cost of project will be made at the projects end and the remainder will go to Bigger Than The Trail.
Nutrition & hydration for 5 days on trail (crew and runner)
$500
Safety & logistics (GPS tracking, emergency supplies, lighting, weather contingencies)
$250
Crew support costs (fuel, vehicle rental, resupply access points)
$1200-$1500
Trail documentation & media (basic recording to share the story and raise awareness)
$500-$1000
Permits, maps, and coaching and planning resources where required
$500-$750
This is a self-supported passion project—there is no salary, appearance fee, or personal profit built into this budget.
Every dollar raised beyond project costs will be donated directly to Bigger Than the Trail, supporting:
Mental health awareness
Access to counseling
Community-based support for athletes and outdoor participant
In addition, here is access to a direct donation link to Bigger Than the Trail for those who wish to contribute straight to the organization.