Gene Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry Run 2026

The race.

The Gene Bednarowski Memorial and Cherry Run takes place on July 4, 2026, in Watervliet, Michigan, honoring a former mentor, teacher, and coach. The event offers a 1-mile fun run starting at 8:00 AM and simultaneous 5K and 10K races beginning around 8:15–8:20 AM, with courses running through neighborhood streets and along Paw Paw Lake. The 1-mile race awards the top 10 finishers in the youth division (13 and under); the 5K and 10K award overall male and female winners plus age-group placements (1st–3rd). All participants in the 5K and 10K receive t-shirts if registered by June 26; youth 1-mile participants also receive shirts with early registration. Packet pickup is available Friday, July 3, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Watervliet High School cafeteria and race morning at 7:00 AM at Plymouth Congregational Church (123 1st Street). Proceeds benefit the Watervliet Track and Field Program, and finishers can count this race toward the Fruitbelt Run Series medal.