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

Date
September 16, 2026
Location
Gainesville, FL
Venue
874 SE 4th Street
Start Time
5:00 PM
Sunrise
7:13 AM
Entry Fee
$25.00
Events
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K
Register NowRegistration Open

This is a 1-mile running event held in Gainesville, Florida on September 16, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM. The UF Homecoming & Gator Growl – Chomp for Charity 5K benefits charity and takes place at 1220 SE Veitch St. Entry is $35. The evening start time means you'll be running in cooler temperatures, which can be advantageous during Florida's September heat. This shorter distance makes it accessible for runners of various fitness levels, from those training for longer races to casual participants looking to support a good cause during the university's homecoming festivities.

From the Race Organizer
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 Depot Park for an unforgettable event at one of Gainesville's most beloved locations! Registration IS NOW OPEN and closes on September 15th at 6:00 pm . Vendors include: Gator Grill Club, Peach by Pump, B-12 Vitamin Company, and the Humane Society of North Central Florida. If you choose to fill out which organization you are running with or for, you and your group will be paired with animals from the Humane Society to run for. 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. AFTER COMPLETING THE RACE , join us in our first Chomp for Charity 5K reception at First Magnitude Brewing Company. Come and celebrate by watching the student band Petty Theft take the stage at 7:30 pm at First Magnitude while enjoying a free drink, included with your registration purchase. 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. Timeline: 5:00 PM: Check-in begins at the North Pavilion in Depot Park 6:30 PM: The Chomp for Charity 5K Starts in Depot Park! 7:30 PM : Petty Theft Band takes the stage at First Magnitude

Course & Travel Notes

The race starts at 5:00 PM, well after sunrise at 7:14 AM on race day. Expect warm early-fall weather typical of mid-September in Gainesville, with average highs around 88°F and lows near 69°F, though be prepared for rain as about 37% of days see measurable precipitation during this period. The venue sits at 174 feet elevation in Gainesville, Florida, and Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is conveniently located just 4.1 miles away.

⛰️ 174 ft elevation☀️ Typically 88°F / 69°F · 37% chance of rain✈️ Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) — 4.1 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 16.

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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl – Chomp for Charity 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL takes place on September 16, 2026. The race is held in Gainesville, Florida.

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

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl – Chomp for Charity 5K 2026 — Gainesville, FL is held at 874 SE 4th Street in Gainesville, Florida.

Where can I find hotels near UF Homecoming & Gator Growl – Chomp for Charity 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.