UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop 'Fun Run'
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop 'Fun Run' is a running race on October 9, 2026 in Gainesville, FL, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- October 9, 2026 (73 days to go)
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl is proud to present the 103rd annual Gator Gallop on October 9th, 2026. The Gator Gallop is a 2-mile fun run where students and the Gainesville community join together to run or walk through the University of Florida's campus and along the parade route. Students and families of all ages are welcome to participate in the University of Florida's annual homecoming celebration! Feel free to join us at Plaza of the Americas in the heart of the University of Florida's campus to participate in one of the many UF Homecoming traditions featuring photo-ops, music, prizes, and more! Check-in begins at 9:00 am on October 9th, with the fun run beginning at 10:30 am.
Registration IS NOW OPEN and closes on October 5th at 12:00 pm. Participants will be guaranteed a customized Gator Gallop t-shirt and race medal if they register before September 15th at 11:59 pm. Registrations after this date may not be guaranteed the customized t-shirt or medal. Importantly, registration will be accepted day-of, with a price increase of $20 for individuals ages 5-15 and $32 for all ages 16 to 100.
Parking: Please utilize the Stephen C. O'Connell Center parking lot and garage for race day parking.
(250 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611)
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
84°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
27%
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 - Gator Gallop 'Fun Run', put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
73
Days to train
- Race
- UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop 'Fun Run'
- Date
- October 9, 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.
Coming Up
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Gainesville than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
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UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop 'Fun Run'
Oct 9, 2026