HoBOOken 5K Race - USATF Certified Course

When you register for the HoBOOken 5K race, you are running to support the mission of The Hoboken Shelter to end hunger and homelessness one person at a time. Since we opened our doors on 300 Bloomfield Street in 1982, we've been helping our neighbors in need move from crisis to stability while treating every person with care and dignity. Your support helps us provide 50 safe sleeps every night, 500 meals every day, and 1,000 showers a week. Thank you! 

Virtual Scavenger Hunt Fee: $10.00 per child  |   Register
($10 allows us to serve 5 meals at the Hoboken Shelter)

Looking for something to do at your family's own pace? Register for our interactive Scary Scurry Virtual Scavenger Hunt. You and your Halloween partners can visit various fun spots around Hoboken and pick up special stickers to complete the official Scavenger Hunt course. Available from October 27 through October 31.

2022 Step & Repeat Photographs 

2022 Official Race Photographs

2022 Costume Contest Winners - Scroll Down

Directions to Access the Official Race Photographs:
Congratulations on finishing the 2022 HoBOOken 5k. To receive your FREE DIGITAL RACE PHOTO, compliments of the Hoboken Shelter, please click on your thumbnail image to enlarge it and then click on the download symbol (a white arrow pointing down) that appears above the right corner of your photo (two symbols after the ‘heart.’) That's it -- nothing else to do! Please note: this is the ONLY way to get your free digital download.

Here is the link to this year's photos.

Finish photos are grouped according to finish clock time. Due to the size of the race, not everyone was captured. You may also purchase regular prints and photo products from the photographer's website. Take 25% off any photo print/product order! COUPON CODE: 25off (Coupon MUST be applied at the time of checkout to receive the discount. NO EXCEPTIONS!) For any photo/pricing questions you may have please go to the frequently asked questions section the photographer's website.

2022 Race Photographs Courtesy of:

Jack McCoy Photography
(516) 359-6427
www.jackmccoyphotography.com
www.facebook.com/jackmccoyphotography
 
 

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The race will be timed by Compuscore. The timing device will be a b-tag that you will receive attached to your bib. We’ll have timing mats at both the start and the finish, which means your net time will be recorded regardless of when you cross the start line.

PAST RESULTS

2018 5K Results

2017 5K Results

2016 5K Results

2015 5K Results

2014 5K Results

2013 5K Results

2012 5K Results

2011 5K Results

2010 5K Results

The HoBOOken 5K is Hoboken’s biggest 5k race, drawing 2,000 runners and hundreds more volunteers, fundraisers, and cheering neighbors. Organized by The Hoboken Shelter’s dedicated staff and volunteers, this festive fall tradition is our largest fundraiser of the year—supporting vital programs that provide food, shelter, and hope to our most vulnerable neighbors.

Interested in making a difference while gaining great visibility in the community? Become a sponsor! Email us at sponsorship@hobokenshelter.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Why We Run

The HoBOOken 5K isn’t just a race—it’s a movement to end hunger and homelessness right here in our community. Every step taken helps fuel the mission of The Hoboken Shelter: to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and support services that help our neighbors move from the streets into stable housing.

Thanks to community support, The Shelter provides 50 safe sleeps every night, 500 hot meals a day, and 1,000 showers a week. When you run, fundraise, volunteer, or sponsor, you help keep these critical services going—and give our Guests the support they need to rebuild their lives.

FAQS

Please check to see if your question is answered here.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

General Race Questions: info@hobokenshelter.org

Marketing Inquiries: development@hobokenshelter.org

Becoming a Sponsor: sponsorship@hobokenshelter.org

Downloadable Sponsor Kit: https://hobokenshelter.aflip.in/1ee3de7b58.html

Volunteering: getinvolved@hobokenshelter.org

Setting Up Race Teams: getinvolved@hobokenshelter.org

STAY IN TOUCH!

We’ll be posting news and details leading up to the race, as well as photos and results after the race.

Follow us to keep in touch! Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram

SNAPPED A GREAT PIC?

Tag us @Hoboken_Shelter and use #HoBOOken5K so we can share your post and celebrate your support! ❤️

Pier A Park in Hoboken is located at 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ

PARKING

Street parking is limited in Hoboken. If you chose to drive, we recommend parking in one of Hoboken's municipal parking garages.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Pier A is a 3-minute walk from the Hoboken Terminal, which is easily accessible by:

• NJ Transit buses, trains and light rail
• PATH trains 

You can also take the NY Waterway Ferry from NYC.

Race Day Questions

Sponsor the Race

When/where do the IN-PERSON races take place?

Both the 5K and Kids' Scary Scurry races start at Pier A at 100 Sinatra Ave in Hoboken, NJ.

They take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025

• The 5K Race starts promptly at 10 am
• The Scary Scurry Race starts promptly at 11 am
• Awards Ceremony is at 10:40 am

When/where do the VIRTUAL races take place?

The virtual 5K race and the virtual scavenger hunt for kids can take place anywhere in the world and at anytime over race weekend on Saturday or Sunday. Virtual 5K runners can upload their race results here.

Is there a bag drop?

For your convenience, an area for bag drop will be provided at the race. Please consider not bringing a bag to check on race day and leave your valuables at home. The Hoboken Shelter is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Bag check opens at 8 am and closes at 11:30 am 

Can I run with a stroller or dogs?

• Strollers: Yes — however, there will be a separate start for stroller runners and they must run in the back of the main group of runners. 
• Pets: We cannot allow animals to run in this race. If you require a service animal for assistance, please contact us at info@HobokenShelter.org by October 15 so accommodations may be made for you.

Is there parking available? 

Street parking is limited in Hoboken. If you choose to drive, we recommend parking in one of Hoboken's municipal parking garages. We highly recommend taking public transportation – additional details are available here. Please pay close attention to all parking signs and restrictions to avoid a costly parking ticket. 

What if the weather is terrible?

We rely on guidance from the City of Hoboken for what is considered to be safe running conditions for everyone. If the race is cancelled, we will let you know via email or social media posts. No refunds will be provided for race cancellations. 

• Please note: The Kids' race is more vulnerable to the weather. The safety of our youngest racers is always prioritized so there may be sudden race-day adjustments for the Scary Scurry Run due to weather restrictions like rain, which would not impact the 5K run.

I can no longer make it - can I get a refund or transfer my registration?

Race fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to next year’s race. We offer two options to make the most of your registration:

• Change your event from in-person to virtual. (Learn how to transfer your event.) Virtual races can be run at anytime on Saturday or Sunday.
• Transfer your registration to another participant. You can transfer until online registration closes (Friday before the race at 11:59 pm EST). This can be completed through the online registration page once you have logged into Race Roster. There will be a transfer fee along with any event price adjustments. There will be no registration transfers after the online registration deadline or on/after race day.

If you still cannot use your registration, please consider your registration a donation to the Hoboken Shelter. (Did you know, every $2 feeds 1 person at our Shelter?)

Packet/Race Bib Pickup

When/where can I pick up my bib, swag, and race packet?

Thursday, October 23rd: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Hoboken Shelter (300 Bloomfield St., Hoboken)

Friday, October 24th: Noon to 8:00 pm at The Hoboken Shelter (300 Bloomfield St., Hoboken)

Saturday, October 25th: 8:00 am to 9:30 am on Race Day, Pier A, Hoboken. 

• Bring a copy of your registration (on paper or on your phone)
  • If you do not have a copy, visit this link. Enter your name, click "more details" and you can resend yourself a copy of your registration to the email you signed up with.

Can I pick up for a friend or for my team?

• For friends: YES — You will need copies of everyone's registration (on paper or on your phone). 
• For teams: MAYBE — Team packets can be grouped together ONLY if you registered as a team and request ‘team pick-up’ ahead of time by emailing us at events@hobokenshelter.org.

Fundraising Questions - Enter the Run Miles for Meals Contest

Do I have to register for the race to be a contestant in the Run Miles for Meals Contest?

No! Anyone who is interested in helping the local community can be a Run Miles for Meals fundraiser and compete for prizes!
Visit this page to learn more about how to create a fundraising page.

How do I create a fundraising page?

Visit this page to learn more about how to create a fundraising page and sample messaging.

Volunteering Questions

How can I volunteer on Race Day?

Volunteers are always needed for race day! Learn more here.

Can I join the Race Committee?

Yes! We have a small but mighty committee of volunteers who tirelessly work on organizing this race from March – October each year. We are always looking for people to help with sponsorships, marketing, social media, and more! This is a great opportunity for people who have skillsets in these areas they would like to donate their time to as well as for people who are interested in learning new skills. To learn more, join us at our next virtual meeting – contact us at events@hobokenshelter.org.

Can I volunteer at the Shelter?

Yes! We couldn't do what we do at the Shelter without our wonderful volunteers. To learn more, visit here.

Still Have Questions?

If you need additional information, please email us at info@hobokenshelter.org.

Live Race Fee: $25.00 per child  |   Register   (includes a FREE event t-shirt)

Age Requirements

The Scary Scurry Kids' Run is open to children age 2 and up. (Older kids are welcome to run in the adult's HoBOOken5K race.)

An adult must be present at all times with registered children. This is not a drop-off event. 

• Ages 3 and under (child runs with parent)

• Ages 4 and 5 (optional parent-guided run)

• Ages 6 and up (child runs independently (if able))

If your child needs any assistance during the race, please just ask our race staff—we'll make sure your child has a great time with us!

Details

This live fun run is organized with age-appropriate heats that begin at 11:00 am on the open grass field located on Pier A in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The approximate race course length is 100 meters. We shorten the course for our youngest runners. 

Registered children are encouraged to run in their favorite Halloween costumes! (Kids costumes are excluded from the broader costume judging event.)

Please note: This is a different race and a separate registration from the 5K.  The Scary Scurry is untimed, participants will not receive medals, and the race is weather permitting.

T-Shirt and Bib Pick Up

Please pick up your child's free t-shirt and race bib at The Hoboken Shelter (300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken) on Thursday, October 23rd, between 4 pm and 8 pm or Friday, October 24th, between noon and 8 pm.

You can also pick up these items on race day between 8:00 am – 9:30 am at the registration tent on Pier A.

Scavenger Hunt

Virtual Scavenger Hunt Fee: $10.00 per child  |   Register 
($10 allows us to serve 5 meals at the Hoboken Shelter)

Looking for something to do at your family's own pace? Register for our interactive Scary Scurry Virtual Scavenger Hunt. You and your Halloween partners can visit various fun spots around Hoboken and pick up special stickers to complete the official Scavenger Hunt course. Available from October 25 through October 31.

Run the HoBOOken5K:  Register 
Includes a race t-shirt, race bib, medal, and access to our digital goodie bag with coupons, discounts and offers from our sponsors.

Here's an overview of what you can expect on race day:

Timed Race

The race will be timed by Compuscore. The timing device will be a b-tag that you will receive attached to your bib. We’ll have timing mats at both the start and the finish, which means your net time will be recorded regardless of when you cross the start line. Results will be available at Compuscore about a day after the race.

In order to avoid congestion at the start we’ll have minute per mile signs. Please line up at your expected pace per mile (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11+). Walkers and people with strollers should line up at the back.

Bag Drop

For your convenience, an area for bag drop will be provided at the race. Please consider not bringing a bag to check on race day and leave your valuables at home. The Hoboken Shelter is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Start Line

Finishing times vary between 17 and 65 minutes. In order to avoid congestion at the start we’ll have minute per mile signs. Please line up at your anticipated pace per mile (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11+). Walkers and strollers will line up in back of the running race group.

Rules of Competition

Entrants must comply with the HoBOOken 5K official rules or risk disqualification and removal from the race. 

Race Course

The HoBooKen 5K race course is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control (construction, weather, emergencies, etc.). Please check back to see any updates on course changes. No refunds will be issued due to race course adjustments. 

After the Race

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the race! Join your fellow runners and check out the great vendors at the Race Village on the pier.

HoBOOken 5K Run & Scary Scurry Kids’ Race Rules & Regulations 

Organized by The Hoboken Shelter

GENERAL RULES & GOVERNANCE

The HoBOOken 5K and Scary Scurry Kids Race are conducted in accordance with USA Track and Field (USATF) rules and are managed with a focus on safety, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

Participants must also follow:

• These official Event Rules
• All city, county, state, and federal laws
• Hoboken city park and street use regulations
• Instructions from event volunteers, staff, law enforcement, and emergency personnel

SAFETY & PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

Event Officials:

All participants must follow the instructions of race staff, volunteers, emergency responders, and local law enforcement. Participants must stop their race immediately if instructed to do so for safety or health reasons.

Registration:

All participants must register using accurate personal information. Race entries are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Sportsmanship:

Participants must behave respectfully toward other runners, volunteers, and spectators. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including the use of offensive language or falsification of race information, may result in disqualification.

BIB & TIMING

Race Bibs:

•Each participant will receive a race bib with a built-in timing chip.
•Bibs must be worn on the front of the outermost garment and must be clearly visible.
•Bibs may not be folded, altered, or obscured.
•Runners without visible, official bibs will not have an official time recorded.

Bib Transfers Prohibited:

•Bibs are non-transferable.
•Selling, giving, copying, or altering a bib is strictly prohibited.
•Anyone running under someone else’s bib will be disqualified.

Lost Bibs:

If a bib is lost during the race, the participant must report it to event staff after the finish line for possible result verification.

START AREA

Start Corrals:

Participants must begin the race in their designated corral. Late arrivals may be required to start at the back for safety. We line up participants from their estimated mile time (5-minute mile, 8 minute mile, etc- fastest time in front. Volunteers hold signs designating the start areas. You are welcome to run with a storller - Strollers are in the back. If you arrive late, please follow the directions of designated course volunteers. 

Race Start:
Races will begin with an air horn. Runners must start behind the line and follow all starter instructions.

Bathroom Use:

Public urination or defecation is prohibited and may result in removal from the event. Port- aporties at the start. 

TIMING

Official Time:

•The 5K is chip-timed. Timing begins when you cross the start line and ends at the finish.
•The Kids’ Race is not chip-timed and is a fun run.

Time Limit:
All 5K runners must finish within 90 minutes. Streets will reopen at Noon. All runners must finish the course by Noon. 
Participants will be asked to move to the sidewalk if they fall behind

ON THE COURSE

Course Markings:

The course will be clearly marked with signage, cones, and volunteers. Participants must stay within the marked route and obey traffic control.

The official course may be changed in the event of weather, construction, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. We will notify all participants as soon as possible if a course change takes place. 

Note: We are closely monitoring the current construction project along Frank Sinatra Drive and the planned course route. Should any construction delays continue, City officials have committed to providing an alternate course route for the race. We will continue to update runners with any updates as we receive them. While our current running route is a Certified USTA route, available alternate routes may not be. 

No refunds will be issued for any course adjustments or race cancellations. 

Hydration Stations:

Water stations will be located along the course. Participants may also carry handheld bottles or hydration belts. 

Course Participants:

Only registered participants may be on the course. Dogs and other animals are not permitted (see service animal information below under Accessibility). Unofficial pacers, bikes, scooters, are not allowed.

Content Capture:

•Personal photo and video use is allowed but must not obstruct others or create a hazard.
•Selfie sticks, drones, and large camera equipment are not permitted.
•Content may not be used for commercial purposes unless pre-approved by The Hoboken Shelter.

ACCESSIBILITY & PARTICIPANTS

Participants with service animals or those using wheelchairs or adaptive equipment must contact race organizers by October 15 for accommodations. Please email us at info@HobokenShelter.org.

DISQUALIFICATION & PENALTIES

Participants may be disqualified or removed from results for reasons including, but not limited to:

•Transferring or running under another person’s bib
•Course cutting or not completing the full course
•Obstructing other runners
•Disregarding event staff instructions
•Engaging in public urination or unsafe behavior

WEATHER & CANCELLATION POLICY

The race will take place rain or shine. However, in case of dangerous weather or other unforeseen safety issues, the event may be delayed, altered, or canceled. No refunds will be issued for any reason.

QUESTIONS?

For more information, contact us at events@hobokenshelter.org or visit www.hobokenshelter.org/hobooken5k

Revised: 4/25/2025

Racers who have signed up for the Virtual Run can run from anywhere in the world and at any time Saturday or Sunday during race weekend.

If you choose to run in Hoboken, we've provided two suggested routes through midtown and along the waterfront! Please note that the suggested routes may not be available due to construction, weather, emergencies, etc. 

Suggested Midtown Route

Suggested Waterfront Running Route

Be Part of the Halloween Magic!

The HoBOOken 5K, Hoboken's largest 5K race, helps support the mission of The Hoboken Shelter to end hunger and homelessness - and we can’t do it without the help of volunteers like you.

Whether you’re preparing runners on race day, helping with registration, supporting outreach efforts, or boosting our social media in the weeks leading up to the big race, there’s a volunteer role for everyone!

We’re currently looking for volunteers for race day (Saturday, October 25) as well as pre-race opportunities including community outreach, social media assistance, administrative support, and more.

All current volunteer shifts are listed on our Bloomerang volunteer platform — and we’ll be adding new shifts as they become available.

To volunteer:

•Create an account on the Bloomerang Volunteer platform
•Browse available shifts for the HoBOOken 5K race
•Sign up and join the fun!

Start here: https://www.hobokenshelter.org/donate-time

Questions? Reach out to Natalie Hull, our Volunteers/Corporate Relations & Development Specialist, at Natalie.Hull@HobokenShelter.org.

The HoBOOken5K Halloween Race is Hoboken's largest 5K (and only costumed) race!

The race is organized by staff members and volunteers from The Hoboken Shelter. Originally founded in 2010 by the Elysianettes Running Society, the race has become the Shelter's biggest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from this race allows the Shelter to continue to:

    •    Sleep 50 people each night
    •    Serve 500 meals daily
    •    Host 1,000 showers weekly

The Hoboken Shelter’s mission is to be a community partnership that transforms lives by providing meals for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and services to support people to become housed.

In 2024, the Shelter helped find permanent housing for 157 formerly homeless Guests — moving people from the streets, into the Shelter, then into their homes of their own. 

To learn more about the Hoboken Shelter, view their impact in the community, and find ways to get involved, visit their website at The Hoboken Shelter.