About the Flatwoods 5K. The Flatwoods 5K is touted by many local runners as Gainesville’s most beautiful, memorable 5K venue, run just after sunrise on a scenic limerock loop road around UF's Austin Cary Forest (10625 NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609). The sights, sounds, and smells of the Forest, shared with friends and family, are sure to create lasting memories. Race proceeds support forestry education and outreach to help sustain Florida's natural heritage. The race is chip timed by Start2Finish Race Management. The course is accurately measured (but not USATF certified), with mile markers. There is a water station at the halfway point, and post-race refreshments. Strollers are welcome, but please note the road is unpaved. Note also that parking and the starting line will be approximately 2 miles (5-8 min. drive) from the main gate on Waldo Rd. Start time is 8:30 AM. Registration and race t-shirt. Registration is $20. Runners 12 years and under race for free. You can purchase a race t-shirt for an additional $15. T-shirt orders will stop two weeks before race day - October 18. Early registration ends Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 11:59 pm . You can register on site, but given that there will be many people checking in, it's best to do it early. Early Packet pickup will be THURSDAY October 30 from 4:30 to 7:00 at First Magitude Brewing Company. (1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601). Participants can also pick up their packet 7:00 am to 8:15 am at the Austin Cary Forest on race day. Pine cone trophies made from native longleaf, loblolly and slash pine cones go to top open and masters runners, and top 3 in all five-year age/gender groups. All runners 14 years or younger will receive an award. Please contact Taylor Stein, Flatwoods 5K Race Director, with any questions: tstein@ufl.edu.
Course & Travel Notes
Race day at the Flatwoods 5K will take place in early morning conditions typical of late October in Florida, with temperatures rising from around 61°F to the low 80s, so bring layers and plan for potential rain on roughly one in four days. The race starts at 8:30 AM, just before sunrise at 7:42 AM, so a headlamp or reflective gear is recommended for visibility. The venue sits at 194 feet elevation, offering relatively flat terrain. Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is conveniently located just 2.3 miles from the race venue.
⛰️ 194 ft elevation☀️ Typically 82°F / 61°F · 23% chance of rain✈️ Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) — 2.3 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 31.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Gainesville, FL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Flatwoods 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL takes place on October 31, 2026. The race is held in Gainesville, Florida.
Where is Flatwoods 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL held?
Flatwoods 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL is held at 10625 NE Waldo Rd in Gainesville, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Flatwoods 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Gainesville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
