creator Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, is a 326-mile survivathon, which demands runners make their own ways from West Memphis, Arkansas, to Castle Rock, Georgia, on busy, open roadways.
McCoy was in Big Cove, Alabama the night before the incident with fellow HOTS runner Thomas Grinovich. They were taking a break and having a beer while sitting on two green patio chairs outside an Exxon gas station, planning on making their way to a Walmart for new shoes. The two decided to team-up for the last 70 miles of the 326-mile run.
According to the Alabama State Trooper’s Office, the two started across the highway 72 near Woodville, Alabama, at approximately 5:35 a.m. on June 24 when Grinovich noticed oncoming headlights and jumped back. McCoy couldn’t—and the Toyota Highlander swerved but clipped the right side of her body.and underwent surgery. Unfortunately, the damage to her right leg was so severe that it had to be amputated above the knee; she also suffered multiple breaks in her right arm.
“Her voice was upbeat,” said Cantrell, who got a phone call from McCoy and her doctor in the ICU. “I can’t imagine anyone mentally stronger to deal with something like this than Kim.” McCoy, a labor and delivery nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, has been competing in ultramarathons since 2013—and she’s known for wearing funny costumes while running.
The true spirit & heart of an ultra runner 🏃♀️
That's powerful. What a force she is. Bless her.