The Middleton High School and Glacier Creek Middle School cross country teams are coming together again this year to host an event in honor of Evan Kratochwill, a Middleton High School student who died in 2021. The 2025 Evan Kratochwill Memorial Invitational includes a community 2-mile cross country run/walk plus events for middle schoolers as well as junior varsity and varsity runners.
“The run/walk is more than an event; it’s a living tribute,” said Coach Brian Finnel, who coaches both Middleton High School and Glacier Creek Middle School's cross country teams. “It keeps Evan’s memory rooted not only in our hearts but also in action – bringing people together, just as he always did.”
Finnel, who also teaches science at Glacier Creek Middle School, said Evan participated in cross country and attended Glacier Creek Middle School before attending Middleton High School.
“As Evan’s coach, having the run/walk continue in his honor is a powerful reminder of the impact he had on those around him,” Finnel said. “He was a teammate, a friend, and a young man who carried himself with kindness and energy that lifted others up. The continuation of this event creates a space where his spirit is still present with us. Each mile run and each step walked is a way of saying that his life and legacy continue to move us forward.”
Finnel said the event gives Evan’s family and friends “a chance to see how far his influence has stretched, how many lives he touched, and how he continues to inspire us to live with the same joy and generosity he brought to the team.”
Finnel said about 225 participants have taken part in the run/walk each year. He shared some of the changes the team has made to the event.
“We’ve adjusted the course to better reflect the high school 5K,” Finnel said. “To enhance the race-day experience, we added light snacks at the finish line, and two years ago we introduced live timing with a big results board – something our runners really appreciate.”
Finnel added that last year’s event included an awards ceremony for the first time, recognizing the top three finishers in each age group. This year’s event will include new banners at the start line and mile markers to continue building a professional and welcoming atmosphere.
“Each of these changes reflects our ongoing commitment to making the event not only a race, but a true tribute to Evan – a day that brings people together, honors his memory, and celebrates the community that continues to support his legacy,” Finnel said.
Finnel said he looks forward to reconnecting with runners who return for the event.
“It’s always special to see former runners who come back, year after year, to honor Evan and to support the event,” he said. “For me, those conversations – catching up on their next chapter in life and seeing the people they’ve become – are a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds created through this team and through Evan’s memory.”
Finnel said what makes the event meaningful is how it brings the community together.
“The one thing I want everyone to know about Evan is that he had a genuine way of making people feel valued, whether you were a teammate, a friend, or simply someone who crossed his path,” Finnel said. “He brought energy, kindness, and a sense of togetherness that lifted those around him.”
Finnel said the run/walk reflects Evan’s spirit.
“My hope is that when people leave this event, they remember Evan for the light he brought into our lives, and they feel that same light within the community that continues to celebrate him,” Finnel said.
The run/walk takes place at Glacier Creek Middle School. Visit the event’s website for more information and to register.
Photo captions: The 2024 run/walk at Glacier Creek Middle School with photo credit to Jamie Seidel; Evan Kratochwill; and Coach Finnel.