UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop logo

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop is a running race on October 9, 2026 in Gainesville, FL, with an entry fee of $30.

Date
October 9, 2026 (100 days to go)
Distance
Other
Price
$30
Sport
Running
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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 opens on July 27th 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 $32 for individuals ages 5-15 and $20 for all ages 16 to 100. 

CLICK HERE FOR RACE MAP: https://www.gatorgrowl.org/gatorgallop

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

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop$30

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.

Sunrise 7:27 AMSunset 7:05 PMDaylight 11h 38m

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

Approximate location — pin shows the host city, not the exact venue.

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, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

100

Days to train

Race
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop
Date
October 9, 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 - Gator Gallop?+
UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop is a running race held in Gainesville, Florida on October 9, 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 - Gator Gallop?+
Friday, October 9, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida at Plaza of the Americas. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Gator Gallop

Oct 9, 2026

Register →