Our
Mission
At Active Youth Wisconsin, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to move, play, and grow. Through accessible and inclusive programs, we help kids experience the mental and physical benefits of movement while building confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.
Our
Commitment
We’re more than an organization—we’re a community-driven movement reinvesting in youth well-being. 100% of entry fees from our events go back into local schools and communities, ensuring all kids have access to active opportunities, regardless of background.
What We
Believe In
Inclusivity
Empowerment
Community
Wellness & Development
Giving Back
FROM ONE RACE TO A STATEWIDE MOVEMENT
June 26, 2011
Tri 4 Schools was born with the mission of building healthy, active kids through events.
August 13, 2011
Our very first kids triathlon kicks off in Middleton with incredible community support.
April 1, 2015
We introduced Training Teams to help kids prepare together with friends and coaches.
September 18, 2017
Launched the Grants 4 Schools program, directly funding school health and wellness intiatives through our events
November 23, 2023
The Thanksgiving Day 5k/10k attracts over 6,000 people and is the only race where 100% of proceeds remain in the community
December 27, 2024
We transitioned to Active Youth Wisconsin to grow beyond our original programs and expand our impact, creating more opportunities for all kids to get active.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
OUR
TEAM
Executive Director
Amanda joined Active Youth Wisconsin in 2021, bringing expertise in project management, business development, and event planning. In 2025, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree and one of Brava Magazine’s Women to Watch for her leadership and impact in the community. Amanda’s favorite part of her work is creating meaningful, long-term impact for kids—helping them build confidence, fitness, and a strong sense of community through every program and event.
Outside of work, Amanda is a passionate triathlete who loves being outdoors, especially when she’s on the lake. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference fuel everything she does—both professionally and personally.
Executive Director
Amanda joined Active Youth Wisconsin in 2021, bringing expertise in project management, business development, and event planning. In 2025, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree and one of Brava Magazine’s Women to Watch for her leadership and impact in the community. Amanda’s favorite part of her work is creating meaningful, long-term impact for kids—helping them build confidence, fitness, and a strong sense of community through every program and event.
Outside of work, Amanda is a passionate triathlete who loves being outdoors, especially when she’s on the lake. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference fuel everything she does—both professionally and personally.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Executive Director
Amanda Marek
Amanda joined Active Youth Wisconsin in 2021, bringing expertise in project management, business development, and event planning. In 2025, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree and one of Brava Magazine’s Women to Watch for her leadership and impact in the community. Amanda’s favorite part of her work is creating meaningful, long-term impact for kids—helping them build confidence, fitness, and a strong sense of community through every program and event.
Outside of work, Amanda is a passionate triathlete who loves being outdoors, especially when she’s on the lake. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference fuel everything she does—both professionally and personally.
Operations & Program Director
Rachael Hagen
Rachael joined Active Youth Wisconsin full time in 2021 after 30+ year career in teaching, coaching and aquatic programming. Her background in curriculum writing, instruction, managing staff & training and motivating kids made for a smooth transition into her role of overseeing the afterschool and summer programming that Active Youth Wisconsin provides. Rachael loves helping schools and communities provide opportunities for kids to reap the physical and mental benefits that come from being a part of a team working towards a common goal. When she’s not working, Rachael enjoys hiking, kayaking & camping and is a big swim nerd.
Race & Volunteer Director
Katie Brasel
Race Director for Active Youth Wisconsin since 2016, Katie Brasel brings over 20 years of experience in coordinating high-impact community events that promote youth fitness and engagement. With a strong foundation in project management and large-scale event coordination, she excels at overseeing logistics, managing teams, and delivering smooth, successful race-day experiences. Outside the race course, she enjoys stage managing for local community theatres, visiting farmers’ markets, and cheering on the Badgers. A proud mom to three active kids, she blends her personal passion for youth development with her professional expertise to inspire the next generation to stay healthy, active, and involved.
Program Director
Karen “KC” Cigale
Karen, or KC as most people call her, retired from PBS Wisconsin after 30 years of working in fundraising. (Yes, she had a hand in interrupting your favorite shows for Pledge breaks and Auction!) A good friend asked her to help at the Berbee Derby, which led her to Active Youth Wisconsin and the Birdie Derby. A fun random fact is that she has been to 15 Bruce Springsteen concerts. You can also find her volunteering around town, playing softball, hanging out at the pool, watching reality TV, and strolling the Costco aisles.
"To see the determination and pride on his face as he did something new reminded me how important it is to challenge ourselves at any age. "
"The impact Tri 4 Schools has made on our school is immeasurable. Our kids love the program, learn valuable life lessons, and our department has received thousands of dollars to support our classes. "
"It was so exciting to see the smile on my child’s face as she crossed the finish line! Seeing her proud of her accomplishment means everything!"
"This was the best organized and fun event I’ve been to in my 11 years as a father!"
MAKING AN IMPACT
25,000 kids have crossed the finish line of a Tri 4 Schools event since the beginning
MAKING AN IMPACT
Donated over $500,000 to local schools