Commending Tara Dower.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 42 co-sponsors

Virginia commends Tara Dower for the Appalachian Trail FKT (40d 18h 6m), raising funds for Girls on the Run; a ceremonial resolution recognizing her achievements and philanthropy.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ443ER)

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 443 (SJ443ER) – Commending Tara Dower

What this bill is

A ceremonial joint resolution recognizing and commending Tara Dower, an endurance runner from Virginia Beach, for completing the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the fastest known time (FKT).

SJ443ER is the enrolled version that passed both the Senate and the House of Delegates. It serves to honor Tara Dower’s achievement and express the General Assembly’s respect and best wishes.

Main purpose and intent

Public acknowledgment by the Commonwealth of Virginia of Tara Dower’s record-setting AT completion and her broader achievements as a professional ultramarathon athlete.

Highlighting her charitable effort to raise funds for Girls on the Run and the community support surrounding her journey.

Communicating pride in Virginia athletes and the impact of perseverance, athleticism, and philanthropy on the state’s reputation.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution notes the specific accomplishment: Tara Dower completed the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail on September 21, 2024, in 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes—outpacing the previous FKT by 13 hours.

It provides quantitative details:

Daily pace: averaging about 54 miles per day (more than two marathons) with daily activity often exceeding 17 hours.
Vertical gain: approximately 465,000 feet over the AT.

It acknowledges related prior records set by Dower on other trails (Mountains to Sea Trail in North Carolina, Benton MacKaye Trail, and the Hellbender 100 course record).

It notes her fundraising effort for Girls on the Run and the support provided by her family and crew.

It directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Tara Dower and to extend the General Assembly’s respect and best wishes.

Affected entities

Tara Dower (the honoree) and, by extension, supporters, sponsors, and the Virginia community familiar with her achievements.

No state programs, funding, or policy changes are created or modified; this is a ceremonial recognition.

Procedural/timeline details

Introduced: February 17, 2025.

Engrossed by Senate and agreed to by the Senate: February 19, 2025.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates: February 20, 2025.

Enrolled and presented as SJ443ER: March 3, 2025.

Status: The text passed both chambers as the enrolled SJ443ER; a formal commendation rather than substantive legislation.

Impact and significance

Provides formal recognition from Virginia's General Assembly, which can enhance public awareness of Tara Dower’s athletic achievements and philanthropic efforts.

Serves as a source of inspiration for athletes and young people, particularly in promoting perseverance, fitness, and charitable work.

Minimal fiscal impact due to its ceremonial nature; primarily a ceremonial record and public statement of esteem.