Rutgers Big Chill 5K 2026 — New Brunswick, NJ

The Rutgers Big Chill 5k is a charitable event that has served the Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ community since 2003. Similarly to last year, we will offer both an in-person and virtual race. Our in-person race will occur on December 12 at 10 am, with runner check-in taking place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The Rutgers Big Chill has been a staple within the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Community for over 20 years and is enjoyed by thousands of runners yearly. We aim to continue the Big Chill tradition while giving back to the community and keeping participants active and motivated. In-Person Race December 12, 2026 | College Avenue Gym | 10am start | Rain or Shine $30 In-Person race fee at registration + a toy for children valued at $10 or more. Toys should be brought to Runner Check-In on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. No cash donations for the toy will be accepted. Participants will receive the traditional long-sleeved Big Chill t-shirt during runner check-in. We limit the in-person event to 3,250 runners and will close registration once we reach 3,250 runners. Runner Check-in will occur on Friday, December 11, from 2–5 pm and Saturday, December 12, from 8-9:45 am at the College Ave Gym, 130 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ. Virtual Race Location of your choice | Complete Virtual Race from December 7 - December 14, 2026. The $10 virtual race fee includes a printable bib online. Shirts available for purchase. Virtual participants can run or walk a 5K at a location of their choice and submit their 5K times anytime from Monday, December 7– Monday, December 14. RACE FEE & DONATIONS In 2025, through the generosity of our participants and donors, over $10,000 raised from The Rutgers Big Chill was contributed to the No Hungry Knights Fund to fight food insecurity on campus. Additionally, the toys collected were distributed to children and families in the local New Brunswick community. The race fee supports the operational costs of hosting The Big Chill, ensuring we can continue making a meaningful impact year after year. BIG CHILL STORE Get ready for race day! The official Big Chill 5K Store is now live — shop your favorite Big Chill gear today. Virtual runners can purchase their race shirts directly through the site. All runners can grab extra shirts, cozy sweatshirts, and hats to show off their Big Chill spirit all season long. Visit the store now and gear up for one of Rutgers’ favorite traditions: https://shoprhouse.com/collections/store-big-chill