Bob Beckert 5-K 2015

  The first weekend in June is one of the busiest on the New Jersey road racing calendar. Those looking for a local race in Somerset County for a good cause should remember the Bob Beckert Memorial 5-K Run, held each year at Watchung Hills High School in Warren.
   The race is a true charity event, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund at Watchung Hills in Mr. Beckert's name. The race is directed by his daughter, Kristin, and several family members run in it, as well. This was the 12th edition of the event, and (lending to it's small-town appeal) most of the faces are the same, year-to-year.
    Many members of the Watchung Hills cross-country team participate, as well as many of the Beckert's friends and neighbors from Watchung and Warren. Mountain Fitness always has a group of runners from the club, also.
     The first mile of the race is mostly downhill on Stirling Road. It's important to get a good start, because the hills come later. This is a low-key race, and the mile marker is a stripe in the road on Mountain Ave., just past the high school back entrance. No splits, you just have to know.
     The second mile flattens out, and the two mile mark is another stripe on the road, near the corner of Sage and Indian Rock.
     The third mile is the difference-maker. Starting with rolling hills on Mountain Avenue, you make a left into the high school parking lot, where you are greeted by the "Beckert Hill." Probably no more than 200-yards, it seems to go straight up, just when your heart rate is about to blow off the charts, anyway! Every step to the finish line feels like it could be your last.
     There are nice amenities like raffle prizes, bagels, and sub sandwiches afterward, and quilted beach towels (perfect for this time of year) for age-group winners.
    My own race went better than I expected, as I'm finally back down to times I ran "pre-torn meniscus."
A calculated fast first mile in 6:05, evening out the pace in the second, and surviving the third (with a death-like stagger up the final hill) to finish in 20:14.
   A satisfying finish puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day, and then you start thinking about your next race. But for those previously unfamiliar, circle that first Sunday in June for the Bob Beckert Run next year. Hope to see you there!