UF Homecoming & Gator Growl – Chomp for Charity 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl's Chomp for Charity 5K is a race through Depot Park that raises money for the Humane Society of North Central Florida, a Gainesville-based, 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter committed to ending the needless euthanasia of healthy, treatable pets. The Humane Society of North Central Florida serves as a lead agency for reducing local shelter euthanasia through adoption, low-cost veterinary care, and fostering. Students and the Gainesville community will join together to race through Depot Park in Downtown Gainesville, celebrating UF Homecoming & Gator Growl's commitment to charity. Students and families of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Chomp for Charity 5K! Join us at First Magnitude Brewing Company for an unforgettable event through one of Gainesville's most beloved locations! Registration opens on JULY 27TH and closes on September 16th at 4:00 pm . Groups will be paired with animals from the Humane Society to run for, and there will be dogs at the event. Participants who place in the top 3 in either group (men or women) will receive a prize. Registration will be accepted on the day of, with a $5 price increase for all individuals. If you are interested in supporting the Humane Society of North Central Florida in any other way, please consider donating to the cause using the 'donate' page above. To learn more about the Humane Society of North Central Florida, please visit their official website: https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org/ Parking: Please utilize either First Magnitude Brewing or Depot Park parking lots for race day parking. Starts at First Magnitude Brewing Company (1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601) Timeline: 5:00 PM: Check-in begins at First Magnitude Brewing Company 5:15 PM: Petty Theft Band Performs 6:15 PM: Petty Theft Band Finishes their Performance 6:30 PM: The Chomp for Charity 5K Starts in Depot Park!