Richards Run HHK 5K - Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey - Running

"Richard's Run HHK 5K "

I'm happy the organizers brought this event back after taking off for a few years due to COVID restrictions. Maggie, the Race Director did an incredible job pulling this event off with what appeared to be very little help from other aadult avolunteers. With 251 timed finishers not More... including the Bergen County Police Academy the numbers were down considerably from previous years.
Let's explore why:
Pros: The event raised funds to benefit the Go4theGoal Foundation, a local five star non-profit organization. Go4theGoal's unwavering mission is to improve the lives of children battling cancer by providing financial support, developing and implementing unique hospital programs, funding innovative research, and granting personal wishes.
Picturesque course through the winding streets of HoHoKus.
Pre race pickup and registration was seamless
Race started on time and individual results were found on mobile devices.
Chip timed event with a nice quality designed tee shirt
Police bagpipers prior to the race added much spirit.
There was also plenty of spirit among the participants

Cons: As far as I know this was not a USATF sanctioned event nor a Grand Prix event
There was no PA system. Just a bullhorn I believe to start the race. Runners just walked up to the start line and all of a sudden we were off to the races.
No DJ to make announcements about the event and acknowledge sponsors.
The promotion on Runsignup makes mention
This fun, fast, family race winds through the beautiful town of Ho-Ho-Kus...and finishes with an always talked about post race party right in the center of town. a There was no post race party a as they had in the past. Only two trays of bagels , some energy bars, water and some Dunkin Donut coffee
Although mentioned but not policed there were kids on razors and bikes in the race. A dangerous situation for runners possibly getting injured.
The course could have been marked better with directional arrows. I had no idea where I was going if not for following other runners.
There were no water stops on the course
Mike 2 marker was off by two blocks.
Age brackets were in 10 year increments
5 year increments would have been better
Finishing times were not posted or announced.
There was no swag which runners enjoy

I enjoyed this event and want viewers to realize this is only constructive criticism. I speak from experience. I've run over 225 races over the past 25 years. Races that included a wide spectrum. Everything from two mile beer runs down the shore to the NYC Marathon.
I've been a Race Director for a very successful local 5K event for the past 15 years. I wish this event future success and would participate in it again next year.