UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k logo

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, featuring the 5K distance, with an entry fee of $35.

Date
September 16, 2026 (77 days to go)
Distance
5K
Price
$35
Sport
Running
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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

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k$35

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.

Sunrise 7:14 AMSunset 7:33 PMDaylight 12h 19m

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.

77

Days to train

Race
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k
Date
September 16, 2026

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.

Read the Guide

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k?+
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k is a running race held in Gainesville, Florida on September 16, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k?+
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida at 1220 SE Veitch St. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5k

Sep 16, 2026

Register →