HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — For more than 20 years, Robert Becker — better known as “Mr. B” — served as principal at Embassy Creek Elementary School in Hollywood. He died from cancer a year and a half ago.

Coach Larry Lynch, one of Mr. B’s closest friends and colleagues, remembers their years of racing together.

“We did the NYC Marathon together in ’92. We’ve done races from Key West up to Gasparilla in Tampa,” Lynch said.

Lynch, who still teaches physical education at Embassy Creek Elementary, said Mr. B dedicated more than 30 years of his life to students.

“He was always able to connect to every type of kid on our campus, from kindergarten to fifth grade, from the kids who were totally motivated to the kids that needed a little motivation,” Lynch said.

Motivation was something Becker never lacked. Inside the school’s front office, his smile still greets visitors. Just outside, the street where the school sits now bears his name.

“My dad was very passionate about his job. He loved being a principal, would come home and talk about stories, never complained,” said his son, Brian Becker. “When he was sick, the whole time he was only focused on work and running.”

Saturday at 7:30 a.m., runners and walkers will take off from at the Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome in Hollywood to celebrate his life and legacy.

“Not only is it to raise awareness about an extremely rare form of leiomyosarcoma,” said Brian Becker, “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.”

As the billboard reads, proceeds will support sarcoma research and scholarships for Broward County students — something Mr. B championed until his very last day.

“To help people realize how much he truly fought and how resilient he was,” Brian Becker added.

Lynch said his friend’s determination never wavered.

“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,” Lynch said. “He fought the fight and he was here up to the last days.”

Those who wish to participate in the “Becker Strong” 5K can sign up at beckerstrong.org. Donations for student scholarships can also be made through the same website.

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