Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run
Sat, Jul 4, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT
- Location
- Watervliet, MI
- 287 W. Baldwin Ave, 49098
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
A heartfelt 4th of July memorial run supporting local track and field, with a competitive edge in Watervliet.
- Competitive
- Festive
- For a Cause
Competitive
Festive
For a CauseWho it's for
- Beginner Friendly
- For a Cause
- Kids & Youth
- Military & First Responders
Beginner Friendly
For a Cause
Kids & Youth
Military & First RespondersGreat for: beginners, families
Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing
Join the Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run, a cherished 4th of July tradition in Watervliet, MI. This 5K event honors Gene Bednarowski, a beloved local mentor, teacher, and coach, with proceeds directly supporting the Watervliet Track and Field Program. It's also a proud partner of the Fruitbelt Run Series, offering a chance for competitors to earn a special 20th-year series medal. Runners can look forward to a competitive atmosphere with awards for overall and age group winners. Celebrate community, memory, and local athletics.
What to expect
- • Participate in a meaningful memorial run on the 4th of July.
- • Support the Watervliet Track and Field Program with your entry.
- • Compete for overall and age group awards, or work towards a Fruitbelt Series medal.
- • Receive a commemorative race t-shirt.
Standout details
- 4th of July tradition
- Supports local Track & Field
- Part of Fruitbelt Run Series
- Awards for top finishers
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
4 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 1 Miles
Sat, Jul 4, 8:00 AM EDT · From $16.90
Opens Mar 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EST · Closes Jul 1, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
- 5K
Sat, Jul 4, 8:30 AM EDT · From $38.10
Opens Mar 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EST · Closes Jul 1, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
- 5K
Sat, Jul 4, 8:00 AM EDT · From $38.10
Opens Mar 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EST · Closes Jul 1, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
+ 1 more optionHide
10K Run
Sat, Jul 4, 8:00 AM EDT · From $38.10
Opens Mar 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EST · Closes Jul 1, 2026, 7:59 AM EDT
Vibe Check
Easygoing
Easygoingwarm-day exposure
- Rolling area
- Warm season
Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.
The course
- Rolling
- Family-oriented
From the organizer
The Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run has traditionally been run on the 4th of July weekend, and this year is no exception to that rule. We are actually running on July 4th this year. The event is in memory of Gene Bednarowski, a former Watervliet mentor, teacher, and coach. Proceeds support the Watervliet Track and Field Program.
At one time in the history of this event, there was also a 10K race and we are hoping to bring that back this year as well, providing we can get the approval from the State of Michigan. If the approval comes through, the race will be run through neighborhood streets, along the scenic Paw Paw Lake and through the city of Watervliet.
We are also happy to be partnering with the Fruitbelt Run Series again. This race can now count towards the completion of Fruitbelt series, which allows competitors to run a series of 5 races which will result in a series medal. This year's prize is a special medal commemorating the 20th year.
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 racers receive a t-shirt with entries by June 26th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date
5k & 10K 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 26th. 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 26th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date. Shirts will be mailed to participants beginning week of July 6th.
Packet Pickup : Friday, July 3 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.
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