
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k is a running race on September 16, 2026 in Gainesville, FL, featuring the 5K distance, with an entry fee of $35.
From the 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 First Magnitude Brewing Company for an unforgettable event through one of Gainesville's most beloved locations! Registration opens on July 20th 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 of the two groups (men and women) will receive a prize. Registration will be accepted day of with the price increase of $5 for all individuals.
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-ins begin
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!
Events
Weather
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
88°
Typical Low
70°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Gainesville Rgnl Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
143,611
as of 2023
City Elevation
135 ft
Nearest Airport
GNV
Gainesville Regional Airport · 5 mi
Major Hub
JAX
Jacksonville International Airport · 69 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
77
Days to train
Coming Up
48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
3 miles away
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3 miles away
Howl-o-ween 5k - Gainesville
Less than a mile away
Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k
Sep 16, 2026