UF Homecoming & Gator Growl - Chomp for Charity 5K

Race Overview

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!

Event Details

• Date: 2026-09-16
• Location: 874 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, FL
• Registration: IS NOW OPEN and closes on September 15th at 11:59 pm.
• URL: Register Here

Vendors

Vendors include: Gator Grill Club, Peach by Pump, B-12 Vitamin Company, and the Humane Society of North Central Florida.

Participation Details

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.

Post-Race Celebration

AFTER COMPLETING THE RACE, join us for 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 while enjoying a free drink, included with your registration purchase.

Support the Cause

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.

Race 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