UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K is a running race on September 16, 2026 in Gainesville, FL, with an entry fee of $35.
- Date
- September 16, 2026 (19 days to go)
- Price
- $35
- Sport
- Running
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 Depot Park for an unforgettable event through one of Gainesville's most beloved locations! Registration IS NOW OPEN and closes on September 16th at 4:00 pm.
If you choose to fill out which organization you are running with or for, you and your groups 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
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
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
About Gainesville, FL
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
What Are You
Waiting For?
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.
19
Days to train
- Race
- UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K
- Date
- September 16, 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.
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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.
Coming Up
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UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K
Sep 16, 2026