Bob Beckert Memorial Scholarship 5-K

This time of year, there are many opportunities to test your fitness in local road races. I find the races to be not only a test of my fitness level, but a reward for the sometimes grueling and occasionally boring aspects of training. Don't get me wrong, 99 to 100 times I feel better, mentally and physically, after a run than before it. But a workout like five one-mile repeats at race pace on a treadmill? Usually, the endorphins kick in because you're done!

One of my favorite local races is the Bob Beckert Memorial Scholarship 5-K at Watchung Hills High School to be held June 6th 10:15am, the Beckert Run traditionally attracts a crowd of about 300 runners. That's enough to have someone near you at all times (a motivating factor in keeping your pace), but not be crowded at the start, or time consuming in registration.

The race is mostly flat to rolling, with one exception - a steep incline up the parking lot at Watchung Hills to the finish line, about 300 yards ahead. Usually, your lungs are heaving at this point of the race, and the quadriceps can turn to stone up this short, steep dash to the finish. Many of the Watchung Hills track athletes participate in the race, which benefits a scholarship fund at WHRHS in Bob Beckert's memory. To pre-register for the race, download a form at http://www.bestrace.com/