Dr. Bob Run 5K Event set for Sept. 16

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Health, Sport, & Exercise Sciences invites walkers and runners to participate in the eighth annual Dr. Bob Run 5K Event, supporting student scholarships. The 2017 Dr. Bob Run event will take place at 9 a.m. Sept. 16 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.

This year the Dr. Bob Run has partnered with Ad Astra Running Store, located in Lawrence. Store owners J Jenkins and Grant Catloth will provide the prizes for each Dr. Bob Run participant age group.

As a part of the partnership, the Dr. Bob Run will serve as the first 5K event in the Lawrence Triple Crown of Races sponsored by Ad Astra Running Store. The Lawrence Triple Crown of Races includes three 5K events held monthly September through November. More information can be found here.

“We’re excited to see everyone at Rim Rock Farm again this year,” said Jordan Bass, associate department chair. “We had a record number of participants last year, and we can’t wait to honor Dr. Bob and raise money for student scholarships again on Sept. 16.”

Cost to participate in the Dr. Bob Run 5K event is $25 per participant until Sept. 15, then $30. Children can participate in the 1 Mile Kids Run at no cost.

New to the event is a virtual 5K option for participants who cannot travel to Lawrence the day of the event. Cost to participate in the virtual 5K is $30, and virtual participants will be mailed a race bib, event T-shirt and each of the additional items provided in the participant race packets. More information and online registration can be found here.

The Dr. Bob Run was established in 2010 as a means to raise funds and awareness for the Dr. Bob Frederick Scholarship Program while promoting a healthy, active family lifestyle. Frederick died June 12, 2009, and his family established the scholarship to celebrate his life and professional contributions to the university and surrounding community. 

Frederick was a KU athletic director and served the HSES department as interim chair and a faculty member in the sport management program. He was an avid runner and biker and also coached the Lawrence High School girls cross country team. He competed in numerous 5K races, marathons and triathlons. Throughout his career, Frederick challenged athletes, students, colleagues and friends to live a life that mattered. Through this scholarship, his memory continues to make a difference in the lives of students.

The 5K course at Rim Rock Farm has been described as scenic and challenging. As the home to the KU cross country team, Rim Rock Farm features two covered bridges, specific hills, turns and other landmarks that are named after former Jayhawks.

The Department of Health, Sport, & Exercise Sciences is housed in the School of Education, a nationally ranked school preparing educators and health/sport/exercise professionals as leaders.