South Haven Triathlon

The 2026 USA Triathlon Multisport National Championship Festival is coming to Lake Arvesta Farms in South Haven, Michigan, hosted by Tris4Health. This premier event will bring together athletes from across the country to compete in a celebration of endurance, diversity, and multisport community spirit. Against the backdrop of one of the country's favorite beach towns, participants and spectators alike will experience a weekend filled with world-class racing, camaraderie, and the unique charm of South Haven—making it an unforgettable destination for athletes and fans of all levels.

The Gene Bednarowski Memorial Run has traditionally been run on the 4th of July weekend, and this year is no exception to that rule. We are actually running on July 4th this year. The event is in memory of Gene Bednarowski, a former Watervliet mentor, teacher, and coach. Proceeds support the Watervliet Track and Field Program.

At one time in the history of this event, there was also a 10K race and we are hoping to bring that back this year as well, providing we can get the approval from the State of Michigan. If the approval comes through, the race will be run through neighborhood streets, along the scenic Paw Paw Lake and through the city of Watervliet.

We are also happy to be partnering with the Fruitbelt Run Series again. This race can now count towards the completion of Fruitbelt series, which allows competitors to run a series of 5 races which will result in a series medal. This year's prize is a special medal commemorating the 20th year.

We will have overall male and female winners plus age group winners and placers, 1st - 3rd.

5K Groupings: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34,

35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

Awards & Prizes:

1 Mile youth race (13 and under): Awards for the top 10 finishers. Youth racers receive a t-shirt with entries by June 26th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date

5k & 10K run/walk: Awards for the top 3 male and female winners in each division and the overall male and female finishers. 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 26th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date.

Virtual 5k run/walk: Virtual 5k participants receive a t-shirt which is guaranteed to all entries received prior to June 26th. T-shirts available as supplies last after that date. Shirts will be mailed to participants beginning week of July 6th.

Packet Pickup: Friday, July 3 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Watervliet North Elementary School, and morning of the race starting at 7:00 AM. The address is 287 W. Baldwin Ave, Watervliet, MI 49098

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Elementary+School/@42.1973907,-86.2612903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88174ab558339a6f:0x94e89b99be4c3cbe!8m2!3d42.1973907!4d-86.2612903!16s%2Fm%2F076pqpl?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Race day parking: Available at Watervliet North Elementary School.

The race will be timed by the Southwest Michigan Timing.

About Our Race

The National Blueberry Festival 5k Run and Walk is proudly presented by We Care Community Resource Center and Naturipe Farms. Proceeds from this event will support the National Blueberry Festival and We Care Community Resource Center. The National Blueberry Festival 5k is designed with the racers in mind. We have configured the course to be as straight as possible while still offering scenic views of Lake Michigan, the Black River, and beautiful downtown South Haven. We invite you to join us on Saturday, August 9th!

New This Year - Virtual 5k

Virtual 5k participants can register for this event through race day. Shipping of your packet is included. Once you have finished your Virtual 5k, you can then record your time using the link sent in your confirmation email. Virtual participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher medal. Packets will be mailed out on August 11, 2025.

Age Groups & Awards

5k Run Medals: Medals will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the following age groups: 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 & over

5k Run Trophies: Trophies for the 5k Run will be given to the Top Overall Male and Female, Top Masters (50+) Male and Female

5k Walk Medals: Medals will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the following age groups: 30 & under, 31-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-79, & over 80

Packet Pickup

Friday, August 8th, 12pm - 6:30pm at the We Care Community Resource Center office located at 1301 M-43 Highway, Suite 2B, South Haven, MI 49090

Saturday, August 9th, 6:30am - 7:45am at the corner of Kalamazoo and Eagle Street (near the starting line).

Please note that in order for the race committee to plan for this year's race, registration must take place online prior to the race. We are not offering race day registration this year and we will not be accepting paper applications for the race.

A Note About our T-Shirts

We know our race participants LOVE our moisture-wicking shirts and we're happy to be able to offer them again this year. Please note that the shirts are unisex and because they are moisture-wicking, they have a tendency to run a little large. Only those who are registered as of Friday, August 1st will be guaranteed a shirt.

Strollers and Pets

Strollers are allowed in the run and walk; however, we ask that you start toward the back of the group and be aware of participants around you. For the safety of all participants, pets are NOT allowed in the in-person 5k run or walk.

Gear Check

Do you need someplace to store your car keys, wallet, or other personal items while you are racing? If so, a gear check station will be located at the registration area on race day for your convenience! You can check your gear and personal items prior to the race using your bib number for identification. Gear check pick-up will be located next to the refreshments at the finish line.