Family Honors Somerset Co. Dad, Husband With 5K Memorial Race

BEDMINSTER, NJ — A Somerset County family is coming together to honor their father and husband's legacy with a 5K race.

The Bob Hendricks Memorial 5K Run/Walk kicks off at 9 a.m. on Sunday at River Road Park in Bedminster. The course is certified and sanctioned by the USATF and can also be run virtually.

At 64 years old, Hendricks of Bridgewater died on March 5 following a brief yet brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He left behind his wife of 36 years, Barbara, his children - Lauren, Megan, and Danny - and two new granddaughters, Claire and Addie.

Though the loss of Bob was heartbreaking, the family pulled together quickly to figure out a way to have his legacy shine on. The logical decision was a race.

Hendricks had a tight group of friends and a triathlon team, TMB Racing, with whom he spent countless hours running, biking, and training. His daughter Lauren is also a member of this team and was one of her father's running partners.

They not only logged hundreds, perhaps thousands, of miles together training, but also raced many long-distance races with one another, always at the starting line together, even if one would occasionally pull away to finish before the other.

"My dad met every person, situation, and challenge in his life with the kindest heart, the desire to give, and make everything and everyone he touched better for knowing him or knowing of him. I had the privilege of being so close to him my whole life as his daughter, but we also had a special bond over running," said Lauren. "My dad and I trained for a 50-mile ultra together, we raced so many marathons together, and spent hours running and talking in all kinds of conditions. He was an absolute inspiration and unforgettable to all. We so look forward to honoring his memory by running, one of his greatest passions."

"Knowing Bob made me a better man. Every time we were at a race together and I was not doing well, we would pass each other, and his infectious laugh and always smiling face would make me think that if Bob was having fun. I have to have fun!" said Ray Campeau, Bob’s coach.

The Bob Hendricks Memorial 5K Run/Walk is a USATF-certified course and sanctioned event on clearly marked paved paths connecting River Road Park to the Bedminster Police Station.

Flat and fast, with only one pedestrian bridge crossing, this course is perfect for runners of all levels as well as walkers. A virtual option is also available for those who wish to participate from afar.

Parking is available along the first set of fields. Race registration, start, and finish are near the dog park.

• 7 a.m. – Volunteers show up | Vendors set up
• 8 a.m. – Race registration | Check-in opens
• 8:30 a.m. – Pre-race introduction
• 9 a.m. – Race starts for 5K run/walk
• 10:15 a.m. – Post-race awards ceremony

For more information on the Bob Hendricks Memorial 5K Run/Walk or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bedminster/BobHendricksMemorialRun.

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