Rutgers Big Chill 5K
Rutgers Big Chill 5K is a running race on December 12, 2026 in New Brunswick, NJ, with an entry fee of $27.
- Date
- December 12, 2026 (106 days to go)
- Price
- $27
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 13 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 13, 2025 | College Avenue Gym | 10am start | Rain or Shine
$27 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 12, from 2–5 pm and Saturday, December 13, 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 8 - December 15, 2025.
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 8– Monday, December 15.
RACE FEE & DONATIONS
In 2024, through the generosity of our participants and donors, over $8,000 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
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
46°
Typical Low
29°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from New Brunswick 3 Se, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About New Brunswick, NJ
Population
55,744
as of 2023
City Elevation
89 ft
Nearest Airport
EWR
Newark Liberty International Airport · 21 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Rutgers Big Chill 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
106
Days to train
- Race
- Rutgers Big Chill 5K
- Date
- December 12, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rutgers Big Chill 5K?
When and where is the Rutgers Big Chill 5K?
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Rutgers Big Chill 5K
Dec 12, 2026