Nolan Davidson Champions Run

The name NOLAN means "champion" and the 2nd annual Nolan Davidson Champion's Run was established to celebrate Nolan Davidson and the spirit of competition and determination in which he lived his life. On December 7th 2023, Nolan tragically passed away from injuries sustained from a drunk driving accident. Nolan's love for sports and compassion for others left a lasting impact on his school community and the Kansas City youth soccer community.

With last year's race proceeds, the Nolan Davidson Foundation was able to donate $30,000 to KC Fusion Soccer Club for youth scholarships, fully fund the Foundry Church’s Club 45 youth group nights for fourth and fifth graders, and donate over 1,000 toys to Children’s Mercy Hospital.

We look forward to continuing our support this year to these programs as well as providing four KC metro high school cross country runners each a $1,000 scholarship. Your support will have a direct and positive impact by supporting the next generation of athletes, accessibility to church activities for youth, and gifts for hospitalized children.

This family friendly event will offer an opportunity for all ability levels with a 5k, 10k, and 1.10 mile run. Bring your family, friends, and teammates out to join us in celebrating Nolan Davidson. Runners, walkers and stroller riders are all welcome! The race will start and finish at Children's Mercy Park and loop around the Kansas Speedway. 

All registered participants will receive a complimentary Nolan Davidson Champion's Run t-shirts and all finishers will receive a custom race medal.

Nolan Davidson passed away on December 7, 2023, at the age of 9, due to injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. His loss profoundly impacted his school, the Kansas City youth soccer community, and beyond. Nolan was deeply involved in sports, most notably as the captain of his KC Fusion soccer team, where he demonstrated the qualities that make a great teammate—compassion, leadership, and a commitment to always giving his best.

The Nolan Davidson Champion's Run was created to celebrate the life and legacy of this youngster, whose name fittingly means "champion." The event, taking place this year for the first time on December 7, honors Nolan’s unwavering passion for competition and determination to succeed in all aspects of life.

In addition to soccer, Nolan  enjoyed basketball, golf, fishing, and running, having completed several 5k races with his family. He was a member of DeSoto Thunder basketball and Herd Running, a Lenexa-based youth club, embodying the spirit of competition in every sport he played.

Nolan, just a third grader at Christa McAuliffe Elementary, “was a friend to everybody in almost every grade, and they all knew him. You know, he could be the mayor of the place,” said former principal Michael Orr.

Above all else, Nolan loved Jesus and loved others well. He lived his life to the fullest, seeking the needs of others before his own. His quick smile, easy laugh and warm and infectious personality will never be forgotten and will never be replaced.

The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God. Micah 6:8

BE GOOD. BE NICE. WORK HARD. BE HUMBLE

Nolan's Journal Writing 2023 - 3rd Grade

Email joannastruble@gmail.com