Friends of Kayaker Killed on Percy Priest Lake Honor Him at Nashville Marathon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) -- This weekend, the Nashville Marathon is taking place, and a group of friends will be participating with heavy hearts.

The renowned Pittsburgh athlete Don Slusser was known for his running abilities. died while paddling on Percy Priest Lake earlier this month.

Slusser's friends, such as Carl Kondrach, ensured that the lake was the very first location they visited when arriving in Nashville for the race.

The group of runners aimed to visit the location where his body was discovered three weeks prior, as authorities stated that the 73-year-old had vanished during a severe storm while paddling a kayak with his spouse on their holiday.

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Slusser had accumulated over 300,000 miles throughout his lifetime, and Kondrach mentioned that the team felt their emotions surge once they caught sight of the lake in the distance.

You begin to consider what went through his mind," Kondrach stated. "What thoughts crossed his brain. What emotions was he feeling? Since we still don't have all the details, we're left wondering whether this came as an abrupt shock or if he understood his fate. Were there fears gnawing at him? Was he isolated with these thoughts? Did reflections of his spouse enter into it?

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Kondrach mentioned that he had never paid his respects to anyone in this manner before, but felt it was the appropriate action for a crucial member of his running group.

Special shirts were created in honor of Slusser for both the upcoming race this weekend and the Pittsburgh marathon scheduled for next weekend.

It provides you with motivation and assists in pushing you forward," Kondrach stated. "When you hit a mental roadblock, it comes into play. Every marathon runner experiences such obstacles; it often feels like a battle between your mind and body. Your physical self urges you to slow down because it's difficult and painful, but mentally, you tell yourself, 'Yes, I can get through this.' Having that additional source of encouragement reminds us of Don. For instance, 'Don would not give up. He never did. He completed more than 200 marathons.'

Gazing at the lake, the group discussed how much Slusser would have cherished this serene, natural setting. They even dipped their hands into the water from the dock where their friend had been discovered.