Annual 5K Continues Tribute to Local Track Legend Bob Beckert

Submitted by Russ Schumacher

The ninth annual Bob Beckert Memorial Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K will be held June 3 at in Warren.  Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 10:15 a.m.  The Kids 1K event will begin at 9:15 a.m. 

Registration is required for both the 5K Run/Walk and the Kids 1K.  Participants have three options for registration: 1) online at www.active.com;  2) online at www.bestrace.com; or 3) by mail by downloading the form from bestrace.com and mailing the completed form and check to Bob Beckert Memorial Scholarship 5K Fund, 41 Vail Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069.  There is a service charge for online registration. 

The deadline for pre-registration is May 28.  The pre-registration entry fee is $18 per person and $16 for USATF members.

The fee for registrations submitted after May 28 is $20 per person and $18 for USATF members.  The deadline for registration in advance of the race is June 2.  There is no fee for the Kids 1K run, but registration is required.  Runners and walkers who make last-minute decisions to participate can register at the event, but are requested to arrive early.

Bob Beckert, who grew up in Warren and was raising his family with wife Nancy in Watchung, was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 2004 while traveling on business.  He was a devoted husband, father of four children, successful businessman, and active volunteer in the community.  Bob was a member of Watchung Hills’ state high school championship cross country team and continued to be an active runner as an adult. 

His friends and family believed an annual run was a fitting way to honor Bob’s love of running, community, youth, and fun. Additional information about the run and Bob’s life can be found on the group's Facebook event page.

The flat and scenic race course allows runners and walkers of all ages and levels to enjoy participation in the event.  For competitive runners, the race is sanctioned and certified by the USATF and is a New Jersey Grand Prix event.  Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 men and women in each of the following age groups:  under 14, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.  T-shirts are guaranteed for all pre-registered entrants in the 5K and Kids 1K. Water, fruit, and MILA smoothies will be provided to all participants. 

All of the profits of the event fund college scholarships for deserving graduates of Watchung Hills Regional High School.

For more information, contact race coordinator Martha Ard at 908-561-5134 or by email.