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 bringing that back this year.  As of Monday June 8, 2026, we received the approval from the State of Michigan to close one lane of M140. Therefore, 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 who run in at least 5 of the Fruitbelt races to earn a series medal at no additional cost.  This year's prize is a special medal commemorating the 20th year.  The Fruitbelt organizers will be set up at the Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry Run.

We will have overall male and female for the 5K and 10K winners plus age group winners and placers, 1st - 3rd.

Race Day: As like last year, we are planning on starting the 1 Mile Fun Run at 8:00AM and the 5K and 10K will start simultaneously at approximately 815AM - 820AM.  

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 run/walk & 10K run: Awards for the top 3 male and female winners in each division and the overall male and female finishers.   5 and 10K 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 the Watervliet High School cafeteria and at the starting area the morning of the race starting at 7:00 AM. The address for the start is 123 1st Street, Watervliet, MI 49098 (Plymouth Congregational Church

Google Maps: 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Plymouth+Congregational+Church/@42.1869429,-86.2648939,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8810b54e6e77eea9:0x752701a67c78cd9b!8m2!3d42.186939!4d-86.262319!16s%2Fg%2F1vd76j1c?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYwMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Race day parking:  See the attached file with the Heading: Parking

The race will be timed by the Southwest Michigan Timing. 

This will be updated as more information is available.