Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run
- Date Sat 5th July 2025
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Watervliet, Michigan
- Price $16.90 - $38.10
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for a celebration of community and fitness at the Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in the charming city of Watervliet, Berrien! This exciting event marks the return of the beloved Bednarowski 5K Run/Walk, held during the festive 4th of July weekend. In memory of Gene Bednarowski—a dedicated mentor, teacher, and coach—the race offers participants a chance to enjoy a scenic route through neighborhood streets and alongside the beautiful Paw Paw Lake.
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join in the fun, with race categories including a 5K and a special 1 Mile Youth Race for participants aged 13 and under. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group, and all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt (guaranteed for those who register by June 27). Don't miss the chance to support the Watervliet Track and Field Program while enjoying a day filled with health, camaraderie, and the spirit of the holiday. Be part of this uplifting event and make unforgettable memories!
Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join in the fun, with race categories including a 5K and a special 1 Mile Youth Race for participants aged 13 and under. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group, and all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt (guaranteed for those who register by June 27). Don't miss the chance to support the Watervliet Track and Field Program while enjoying a day filled with health, camaraderie, and the spirit of the holiday. Be part of this uplifting event and make unforgettable memories!
Organiser's Description
For many years the Bednarowski 5K Run/Walk was held on the Saturday during the Watervliet 4th of July Festival weekend. After a hiatus of a few years, we are bringing it back and it will again fall on the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend. The event is in memory of Gene Bednarowski, a former Watervliet mentor, teacher, and coach. Proceeds support the Watervliet Track and Field Program.
The race will be run through neighborhood street and along the scenic Paw Paw Lake. We are avoiding major throughfares, such as the state highway running through town.
We will have overall male and female winners plus age group winners and placers, 1st - 3rd.
5K GROUPINGS: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34,
35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
AWARDS & PRIZES:
1 MILE YOUTH RACE (13 AND UNDER): Awards for the top 10 finishers. Youth races receive a t-shirt with entries by June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date
5K RUN/WALK: Awards for the top 3 male and female winners in each division and the overall male and female finishers. 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date.
VIRTUAL 5K RUN/WALK: Virtual 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date. Shirts will be mailed to participants beginning week of July 7th.
PACKET PICKUP: Friday, July 4 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Watervliet North Elementary School, and morning of the race starting at 7:00 AM. The address is 287 W. Baldwin Ave, Watervliet, MI 49098
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Elementary+School/@42.1973907,-86.2612903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88174ab558339a6f:0x94e89b99be4c3cbe!8m2!3d42.1973907!4d-86.2612903!16s%2Fm%2F076pqpl?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
RACE DAY PARKING: Available at Watervliet North Elementary School.
The race will be timed by the Southwest Michigan Timing.
The race will be run through neighborhood street and along the scenic Paw Paw Lake. We are avoiding major throughfares, such as the state highway running through town.
We will have overall male and female winners plus age group winners and placers, 1st - 3rd.
5K GROUPINGS: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34,
35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
AWARDS & PRIZES:
1 MILE YOUTH RACE (13 AND UNDER): Awards for the top 10 finishers. Youth races receive a t-shirt with entries by June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date
5K RUN/WALK: Awards for the top 3 male and female winners in each division and the overall male and female finishers. 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date.
VIRTUAL 5K RUN/WALK: Virtual 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 27th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date. Shirts will be mailed to participants beginning week of July 7th.
PACKET PICKUP: Friday, July 4 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Watervliet North Elementary School, and morning of the race starting at 7:00 AM. The address is 287 W. Baldwin Ave, Watervliet, MI 49098
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Elementary+School/@42.1973907,-86.2612903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88174ab558339a6f:0x94e89b99be4c3cbe!8m2!3d42.1973907!4d-86.2612903!16s%2Fm%2F076pqpl?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
RACE DAY PARKING: Available at Watervliet North Elementary School.
The race will be timed by the Southwest Michigan Timing.
Races
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th July 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$38.10
CLOSED -
1 Mile Fun Run
Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th July 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$16.90
CLOSED -
Virtual 5K Run Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
$38.10
CLOSED
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