Gene Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry Run

The Gene Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry 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.  If we are denied the permit, we will convert those who sign up for the 10K to the 5K race or issue a refund.

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 who run in at least 5 of the Fruitbelt races to earn 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:  The current plan is to have packet pick up on 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. 

This will be updated as more information is available.

Join fellow runners on July 4, 2026 for the Gene Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Watervliet.