Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run

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 Baldwin Ave, Watervliet, MI 49098

Google Maps: 

Race day parking:  Available at Watervliet North Elementary School.

The race will be timed by the Southwest Michigan Timing.