Special Olympics Florida's Race for Champions 5K starts at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at UF's Flavet Field. Registration is $35, with free parking next door.

The Race for Champions 5K is Special Olympics Florida’s fundraising run and walk, and the Gainesville race starts at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the University of Florida’s Flavet Field. Registration is $35 (free for children 3 and under), and anyone can come to watch for free.

Last checked 2026-11-06.

Upcoming dates

  • Sat. Dec. 5, 8 a.m.: check-in and race-day registration open
  • Sat. Dec. 5, 8:45 a.m.: welcome, opening remarks and recognition
  • Sat. Dec. 5, 9:15 a.m.: race starts

The Gainesville race is one of four Race for Champions 5Ks Special Olympics Florida holds around the state; the others are in Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. The organizer does not list a later date for Gainesville.

Where it is and parking

The race is based at Flavet Field on the University of Florida campus, on Woodlawn Drive, and the course winds through campus. Special Olympics Florida says 2026 is the sixth year the race has been held there.

Parking is free, next to Flavet Field at 2305 Woodlawn Drive. Follow the posted signs to the event parking once you arrive. The organizer has not yet posted the race route; it lists the route as “coming soon” on its participant tools page.

Tickets and cost

  • Registration: $35 per runner or walker; $0 for children 3 and under.
  • Fundraising: there is no minimum, but runners can raise money for Special Olympics Florida through their own fundraising page and earn incentive items for it.
  • Race-day sign-up: you can register on site the morning of the race.
  • Spectators: free to attend.

Register as an individual or form or join a team on the race page. Every participant, including those who registered online, must check in at the registration table to pick up a T-shirt, incentives and a race bib.

What to know

  • Age: there is no age limit, but participants under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian on the waiver signed during registration.
  • Weather: the race goes ahead as long as it is safe. There is no rain date; any schedule change will be posted on the race website and emailed to registered participants.
  • Arrive early: the organizer expects a large crowd and says to leave time to sign waivers, check in, pick up your items and stretch before the start.
  • Photos: photographers work the event. You can ask a photographer not to take your picture, or email to have a posted photo removed.
  • Late donations: gifts are accepted until Dec. 31, 2026. Checks go to Special Olympics Florida, 1915 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont, FL 34711, with the participant’s name on the memo.
  • Why it matters: the money supports Special Olympics Florida, which serves nearly 70,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners across the state.
  • Contact: Zoe LoSasso, 904-307-4221, for the Gainesville race.

For other runs this season, see the Critter Creek Turkey Trot and the Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K. For more ideas, see things to do this month.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Race for Champions 5K in Gainesville?

Saturday, Dec. 5. Check-in opens at 8 a.m., opening remarks are at 8:45 a.m. and the race starts at 9:15 a.m.

Where is the Race for Champions 5K?

At the University of Florida’s Flavet Field, on Woodlawn Drive in Gainesville. The course winds through the UF campus.

How much does it cost to run the Race for Champions?

Registration is $35, and free for children 3 and under. There is no fundraising minimum.

Is parking free for the Race for Champions?

Yes. Free parking is next to Flavet Field at 2305 Woodlawn Drive; follow the posted signs to the event lot.

Can I register on race day?

Yes. Special Olympics Florida accepts race-day registration from 8 a.m. at the check-in table.