Community Corner

Bob Beckert Memorial 5K, Kids Dash Returning To Warren On June 7

The annual Warren event at Watchung Hills Regional High School supports scholarships and local youth groups.

WARREN, NJ — The 23rd Annual Bob Beckert Memorial 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Watchung Hills Regional High School, 108 Stirling Road in Warren.

The event is organized by the Bob Beckert Memorial Fund Committee and will include race day registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Kids Dash at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K road race at 10 a.m.

The annual event honors Robert "Bob" Beckert and brings together families, friends and runners of different skill levels in Warren and the surrounding area. According to the announcement, the run and walk celebrates Beckert’s life and connection to the Watchung and Warren communities.

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Beckert died at age 46. He was a Watchung Hills graduate, an Eagle Scout, a member of the 1974 New Jersey State Championship Cross Country Team, a husband and father of four, and an active community volunteer.

Organizers described the event as a family-focused day that reflects Beckert’s commitment to family and community. The program includes a Kids Dash for younger participants with finisher ribbons, prizes for top finishers in each male and female age category, a raffle table for all registered 5K participants, and refreshments including fruit, bagels, donuts and coffee.

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Proceeds from the event benefit the Bob Beckert Memorial Fund. The fund has awarded more than $117,000 in scholarships to Watchung Hills Regional High School seniors and has also supported youth organizations in the local area.

Online registration is open at run4rjb.com. Organizers encouraged participants to register early in order to guarantee a race shirt and support the scholarship program tied to the event.

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