3rd Annual Ghost-to-Gobble 1-Mile, 5k, & 8k

After two incredible years, Ghost-to-Gobble is back for 2026 and bigger than ever! Co-hosted by UCA Physical Therapy and Exercise & Sport Science, this unique fall favorite brings together the community for a fun, festive event on UCA’s beautiful campus. Whether you are racing for a personal best, jogging with friends, walking with family, pushing a stroller, or simply coming out to enjoy the atmosphere, all are welcome at Ghost-to-Gobble.

Ghost-to-Gobble operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit event. For the 2026 race, 10% of profits will benefit UCA Living Unleashed, a nonprofit organization that raises and trains highly skilled companion dogs through Canine Companions for Independence for individuals with disabilities. These dogs serve in life-changing roles as service, assistance, hearing, and facility dogs. Remaining proceeds directly support the UCA Physical Therapy and Exercise & Sport Science programs through student scholarships, research initiatives, national conference attendance, and free or low-cost therapy services for the community. 

Lastly, we are THRILLED to announce that, to add to our animal theme for 2026, Greenbrier, Maumelle, and Conway animal shelters will be at the race this year for an adoption day! They will be setup by the finish line with dogs and cats present for adoption, as well as information about additional animals available at their respective shelters. Help us help local shelters clear their inventory!

New in 2026 :

• New 8k distance!
• New custom trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall Male & Female for each race
• New age group awards
• FREE photos
• New referral refund incentive! Refer 5 friends, get $15 refund (friend must complete registration to count, max refunds $30)

Registration (NO REFUNDS due to event planning complexity)

1-Mile
Jun 6 – Aug 31: $15
Sep 1 – Oct 31: $20
Nov 1 – Nov 7: $25 
Finisher medal included (to maintain lower registration cost to make the race accessible to more participants, no giveaway shirt for 1-mile)

5K
Jun 6 – Aug 31: $25
Sep 1 – Oct 31: $35
Nov 1 – Nov 7: $45 
Finisher medal & event T-shirt (MUST register by Oct 9th to guarantee shirt)

8K
Jun 6 – Aug 31: $35
Sep 1 – Oct 31: $45
Nov 1 – Nov 7: $55
Finisher medal & event T-shirt (MUST register by Oct 9th to guarantee shirt)

Awards

We have revamped our award categories and prizes for 2026!

Overall Male & Female
New Ghost-to-Gobble trophies will be given to the top 3 male & female participants in the 1-mile, 5k, and 8k races. (If you are a top-3 overall finisher, you are excluded from age-group awards) 

NEW Age Group Categories
Trophies will be given to the top (1st place) male & female participant in the below age-group categories for the 1-mile, 5k, and 8k races. 

<14
15-24
25-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
>65

Course

The USATF-certified 5K course winds through UCA landmarks (Estes Stadium, Reynolds Performance Hall, Harding Fountain, Old Main, Stone Dam Creek).

Wheelchairs/assistive devices welcome
Bikes & pets not allowed
1 aid station, Conway FD & UCA AT coverage
 

Packet Pick-Up (ID required!)

Wed, Nov 4 – UCA Buffalo Alumni Hall (11am – 6pm)
Thu, Nov 5 – UCA Buffalo Alumni Hall (11am – 6pm)
Race Day – 5:30–7:30am at Start Line
 

Parking

Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts: 2150 Bruce St. Conway, AR. 72035

Student Success & Veterans Resource Center: 302 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR. 72035

Donaghey Hall: 244 Elizabeth St. Conway, AR. 72034

Bear Baseball Stadium: 2400 Bruce St. Conway, AR. 72034

-       There will be a home football game that afternoon, so parking may be difficult in this area.
 

Stay Connected

Find the Ghost-to-Gobble 5k event on Facebook and Instagram for event information and exciting updates!
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us!