Fair Lawn Patch article .pdf – Posted by Jacob Kamaras , February 18, 2011

A Different Kind of Race for State Senator Bob Gordon

Gordon recently ran the Cupid’s Chase 5K, in addition to recruiting runners and sponsors for the event

State Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) is used to running for office, but a man who says he has “never been accused of being an athlete before” recently stepped outside of his comfort zone to run in the literal sense.

Gordon, a Fair Lawn resident, toughed it out in the cold weather to complete his first 5K last weekend in Glen Rock. He also recruited sponsors and runners for the Cupid’s Chase 5K, which benefited Community Options Inc.—a non-profit that has been developing community-based home and employment support for people with disabilities since 1989.

The legislator didn’t know his exact time, but estimated that he finished the race in under 40 minutes. Gordon normally works out at the in Fair Lawn “a couple of times a week,” but said he trained more seriously for the 5K.

“I guess the training helped, but I didn’t break any world records,” Gordon said, adding that “I do believe I finished ahead of some senior citizens.”

Community Options CEO Robert Stack, who served with Gordon’s wife on Gov. Chris Christie’s transition team, grew friendly with the Gordon family and enlisted them to help raise money and find runners for the Cupid’s Chase 5K. and were among the Fair Lawn sponsors of the event, while Fair Lawn Mayor Lisa Swain ran the 5K and came in second place overall among women.

“I certainly feel good about helping that organization,” Gordon said.

The senator said his previous athletic pursuits included skiing and backpacking. Gordon said he might try another 5K in June, when Little Ferry Councilman Tom Sarlo is organizing the race.

Plus, during this election year, Gordon plans on visiting 6,000-8,000 doors between now and November.

“I usually lose weight doing that,” he said.