This past Friday, I came downstairs to find four matching shirts on my dining room table. Each short-sleeve read “Believe there is good in the world”, with “Be the good” highlighted. Underneath, in purple: “Run Like Kat”.
In high school, I ran track and cross country with a girl named Katarina Boskovic. Kat was my teammate, mentor, and biggest role model. She was an incredibly dear friend to my family and countless others in my hometown of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She remains the most fun, uplifting, and kindest soul I’ve been lucky to know.
Kat passed away in May of 2022. The annual “Run Like Kat” road race was established that fall to bring together our community, which had been so broken by her loss. This event takes place right around Thanksgiving, when many of the young people who knew Kat are able to show up.
The race’s 5K and 1-mile options raised over $70,000 in the first two years for charity and scholarships. This tradition celebrates Kat’s life and her qualities of generosity, intellect, and athleticism (among countless other virtues).
This year, the fourth annual race gathered over 750 participants. Being able to return back to Longmeadow and see a flood of purple shirts—Kat’s favorite color—smiles, and strawberry-frosted donuts truly creates a sense of connection and remembrance that I look forward to each year.
I am the woman I am today because of Kat. I started high school as an insecure teenager knowing nothing besides that I liked to run. Kat built me up; she treated me like a sister. She taught me to be a better friend and human being. She supported others unconditionally and laughed unapologetically. Kat showed me to appreciate and reciprocate love from those who cared for me. She taught me to make a positive impact, no matter how small, and to encourage others to smile even in the hardest moments.
It is impossible to nominate Kat’s best quality. She was an exemplary human being in all senses. But if there’s one thing I wish everyone could emulate, it would be Kat’s instinct to see and bring out the good in others.
If you’re looking for a good cause to support next holiday season (and a reason to get moving after a great Thanksgiving feast), I encourage anyone to sign up for Run Like Kat. You can also donate or participate virtually.
In the meantime, I would urge you to show love to those around you, just like Kat did every day. Find a small way to support or draw together your community.
Be gentle, be kind, be good. Be Like Kat!