‘Becker Strong’: Community Honors Late Hollywood Principal with Charity 5K

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Hollywood community will gather at Brian Piccolo Park to honor the late Robert Becker, affectionately known as "Mr. B," through the second annual "Becker Strong" 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk. This event not only commemorates his enduring impact but also raises funds for sarcoma cancer research.

 

For over two decades, Mr. B served as the principal of Embassy Creek Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida. His dedication to education and his passion for running left a lasting impression on students, staff, and the broader community. Even during his battle with cancer, he remained committed to promoting healthy living and community engagement.

 

The event offers multiple participation options:

 

Mr. Becker 5K

Time: 7:30 AM EST

Registration Fee: $40 (increases after October 15)

 

Students 5K

Time: 7:30 AM EST

Open to ages 18 and under

Registration Fee: $25

 

1 Mile Run/Walk

Time: 8:15 AM EST

Registration Fee: $20

 

Participants can pick up their race packets on Friday, November 14, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Alligator’s Cycling, located at 10426 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines. For those unable to attend on Friday, packets will also be available on race day from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM at the event site.

 

Parking is available at the park for $3 per vehicle, as per park regulations. Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female participants in the 5K run/walk, as well as to the top runner in each age group. Age divisions are as follows: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75, and 76 and over.

 

Proceeds from the event will support sarcoma cancer research and provide scholarships for Broward County students, causes that were close to Mr. B's heart. His son, Brian Becker, emphasized the importance of continuing his father's mission:

 

"Not only is it to raise awareness about an extremely rare form of leiomyosarcoma, but I think that during his 20 years he impacted so many people in the community, that to allow him to continue inspiring and to continue helping students with scholarships and stuff like that, which is what we are raising the funds for."

 

Coach Larry Lynch, a close friend and colleague, recalled their shared experiences:

 

"We did the NYC Marathon together in ’92. We’ve done races from Key West up to Gasparilla in Tampa."

 

He also highlighted Mr. B's unwavering commitment:

 

"He was here on a daily basis when he probably wasn’t physically capable of being here, but this is where he wanted to be, that was what he was and it was so encouraging. He fought the fight and he was here up to the last days."

 

Those interested in participating or making a donation can visit the event's official website. By joining the "Becker Strong" 5K, the community continues to honor a remarkable leader and support vital causes in his memory.