HPEF Back-to-School 5K

The Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF) Back-to-School Community Run, including a 5K, 1 Mile Run/Walk, and Kids Fun Run will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 with the specific route to be determined.  This incredible community event will start with a Kids Fun Run, a 100 meter run open to children age 2 and up, followed by a 1-mile run/walk open to all, and then a timed 5K. All event proceeds will benefit the Hoboken Public School District.  All registrants prior to August 15th will be guaranteed a race shirt (we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all entries up to race day). Awards will be given for overall winners and each age group.

HPEF is a parent-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to elevate and enhance the public education experience through private funding. We fund innovative and meaningful programs to strengthen and enrich the academic and co-curricular offerings of the Hoboken Public School District, and we encourage the involvement of parents, community members and local businesses to generate a spirit of local enthusiasm for our individual schools and our district as a whole. To learn more about HPEF funded initiatives, visit www.hobokenpef.org.

RACE DAY QUESTIONS

 

WHEN DO THE RACES TAKE PLACE?

Sunday, September 21, 2025

• The Fun Run starts promptly at 8:30am
• The 1-Mile starts promptly at 9:00am
• The 5K Race starts promptly at 10:00am
   

WHERE WILL THE RACES TAKE PLACE?

Pier A

100 Sinatra Drive 

Hoboken, NJ 07030

The Fun Run will take place on Pier A.

The 1-Mile and the 5K will then head out along the waterfront. The specific route is TBD due to construction.

 

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Street parking is limited in Hoboken. Municipal parking garages are available. Public transportation is highly recommended. Pier A is a 3-minute walk from the Hoboken Terminal, which is easily accessible by NJ Transit buses, trains and light rail as well as PATH trains. You can also take the NY Waterway Ferry from NYC.

 

IS THERE A BAG DROP?

An area for bag drop will be provided. Please consider not bringing a bag and kindly leave valuables at home. The Hoboken Public Education Foundation is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

 

CAN I PARTICIPATE WITH A STROLLER, WHEELCHAIR OR DOG?

• Wheelchair/Stroller: Yes! We welcome all participants. For everyone’s safety, there will separate start for individuals in a wheelchair or with a stroller and they must remain in the back of the main group of runners.
• Pets: No. Unfortunately, animals are not permitted to participate in the races.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?

The HPEF team relies on guidance from the City of Hoboken for what is considered safe running conditions for everyone. If the race is cancelled, we will let you know via email or social media posts. 

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN NO LONGER PARTICIPATE IN THE RACES? 

Unfortunately, race fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please consider your entry a donation to the Hoboken Public Education Foundation. Learn more about this incredible organization and the impact it makes here. 

 

WHAT IS THE COURSE OF THE RACES?

All events start at Pier A and run on closed streets and paths. A map of the route can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2024?

• 7:30-8:30am   Registration at Pier A
• 8:30am            Kid's Fun Run Start
  • • • All participants will receive medals immediately following the event
• 9:00am            1-Mile Run/Walk Start
  • • • Award ceremony immediately following the event
• 10:00am          5K Run/Walk Start
  • • • Award ceremony immediately following the 5K

 

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY FEES FOR EACH EVENT?

• 5K
  • $30 - Early Registration on or before June 30
  • $40 - Regular registration July 1 - July 31
  • $50 - August 1 - August 31
  • $60- Late Registration Sept 1 - Sept 21
  • $75- VIP (Includes $40 donation to HPEF)
• 1 MILE RUN/WALK
  • $20
• KIDS FUN RUN
  • $10 - Recommended for ages 10 & under- all are welcome

Registration fees are non-refundable.

 

PARTICIPANT INFO

WILL ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A T-SHIRT?

T-shirts are first come, first served during packet pick-up and guaranteed if registered before August 15th. Sizes available while supplies last.

 

HOW WILL THE RACE BE TIMED AND SCORED?

Professionally timed and scored by CompuScore using disposable, electronic tags attached to the bib number. Be sure to wear your bib number to the front, pinned at all four corners, visible, and unaltered.

Results will be posted on the race site.

 

WILL PRIZES BE AWARDED?

• T-shirts for participants while supplies last. 
• Fun Run: all participants will receive medals.
• 1-Mile: medals will be awarded to the winning male, female and non-binary individuals.
• 5K: medals will be awarded to the winning male, female and non-binary individuals in the following age groups:
  • 9 and under
  • 10-19
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60-69
  • 70+

 

PACKET/RACE BIB PICKUP

WHERE AND WHEN IS BIB PICK-UP?

• Friday, September 19th: 4:00pm-8:00pm at Hoboken High School
• Saturday, September 20th: 10:00am-2:00pm at Hoboken High School
• Sunday, September 21st: 8:00am-9:30am on Race Day, Pier A, Hoboken

Hoboken High School bib pick-up will take place in the cafeteria. Participants will enter only from 9th Street between Grand and Clinton Streets, near Columbus Park. 

Bring a copy of your registration (on paper or on your phone) for anyone for whom you are picking up bibs.

 

VOLUNTEERING & SUPPORTING HPEF

CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON RACE DAY OR WITH HPEF?

Yes! You can sign up to volunteer here or email 5k@hobokenpef.org with your name, contact information and interest and someone will respond to you shortly with next steps.

 

CAN I DONATE WITHOUT PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF THE RACES?

Of course! Please click on this link to donate to HPEF and support public school students in Hoboken.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please email us at 5k@hobokenpef.org with any specific questions.

 

Social Feeds:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/hobokenpef
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hobokenpef
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoboken-public-education-foundation/

 

Sponsorship is a great way for your organization to support HPEF in our mission to elevate and enhance the education experience for Hoboken Public School District students by funding critical academic and co-curricular initiatives.

 

To learn more about our sponsorship packages, please contact us at sponsors@hobokenpef.org.

1 Mile Run/Walk: T-Shirt

5K Run/Walk: T-Shirt

5K VIP: T-Shirt

Kids Fun Run: T-Shirt