Race Rules
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
