Weehawken 5K for Food Justice 2026: Student-Led Race on Nov. 14

A group of Weehawken students is asking Hudson County to lace up for a good cause. On Saturday, November 14, 2026, the 2nd Annual Weehawken 5K Walk/Run for Food Justice returns to the Weehawken waterfront in Hudson County, NJ, with a one-mile fun run for kids, a competitive 5K and a relaxed 5K walk/run. According to the organizers, 100% of the money raised goes to support PERC shelter in Union City and community education about food insecurity.

The race is run by Food Justice For All, a student-led group, and it has a real track record: the group says it raised $15,000 in 2025 and has set a goal of $20,000 this year. Here is everything our team confirmed from the official race pages.

Weehawken 5K for Food Justice at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026 (rain date: Sunday, November 15)
• Location: Weehawken Field, 1 Port Imperial Blvd, Weehawken
• Check-in opens: 6:30 a.m.
• 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:30 a.m., $30 plus a $1.40 sign up fee
• 5K Run in under 30 minutes: 9:15 a.m., $40 plus a $1.70 sign up fee
• 5K Walk/Run: 9:45 a.m., $40 plus a $1.70 sign up fee
• Register: official Weehawken 5K registration page

Registration for the under 30 minute 5K closes Friday, November 13 at 9 a.m. The 5K walk/run closes at 9:45 a.m. on race day, and the fun run closes at 9 a.m. on race day. If the weather forces a move to Sunday, organizers say they will alert registered runners by 12 a.m. on November 14.

The Course: Flat, Scenic and Right on the River

The 3.1 mile course follows the scenic, level Hudson River waterfront path starting from Weehawken Field. It is a good pick for first time racers, with the Manhattan skyline across the water. Every 5K entry includes a race t-shirt, a chipped bib and access to a digital goodie bag with discounts and coupons from race sponsors. Packets are picked up the week before the race, and there is no mail option.

Two rules to know before you go: no strollers and no pets are allowed on the course. The competitive 5K is only for runners who can finish in under 30 minutes, so everyone else should sign up for the walk/run that starts at 9:45 a.m.

A Fun Run Made for Kids

The one mile fun run is open to children of all ages and begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Weehawken track. Runners under 7 must run with a guardian who is at least 14, and a parent needs to be present. Organizers are also planning face painting, music and prizes for kids during and after the race, so it works well as a family morning out.

The Students Behind the Race

Food Justice For All is a group of students across three Weehawken schools. Its community work with the shelter began in 2021, when a then 12 year old raised more than $7,000 for the local food bank as a mitzvah project. Two years later another student raised more than $7,000 and helped create an outdoor garden space for shelter residents. Since then the schools have run food drives, baked and cooked meals, built and planted a garden and served pizza parties and homemade desserts for residents.

The group’s belief is simple: food is a human right, and everyone deserves access to healthy food. The race adds a learning piece too, with education about plant based meals and ways to feed large groups of people.

Where the Money Goes: PERC Shelter in Union City

Race proceeds support the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation, better known as PERC, which runs a shelter, food pantry and public soup kitchen in Union City. We wrote a full guide to PERC, including the supplies it needs most and how to volunteer, in our article on PERC shelter in Union City. Want to get involved beyond race day? Food Justice For All welcomes new volunteers and race sponsors through the contact form on its website, foodjusticeforall.org.

Make a Day of It in Weehawken

After you cross the finish line, stay by the river. Our guide to Hudson County waterfront parks this fall has more spots for a post race walk, and our roundup of things to do in Hudson County in November lists the other races and events on the calendar. Looking for something more this week? See things to do in Hudson County this weekend. If you like running for a cause, our story on the HoBOOken 5K benefiting The Hoboken Shelter is worth a read.

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Featured photo: Kidfly182, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.