Schedule and packet pickup
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be race day only at the event starting 1 hour before race time.
Howl-o-ween 5k - Gainesville 2026
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Start time
- 10:30 AM start (New York)
- Location
- Gainesville, Florida
- Entry fee
- From $40 · goes up to $45 on Oct 13, 2026
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
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Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5k | 5K | Oct 17, 202610:30 AM | $40$45 after Oct 13, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
Register on RunSignup
The 5K fee goes up to $45 on Oct 13, 2026.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- $40 until Oct 12, then $45 until Oct 16, then $50 until Oct 17.
Online registration closes Oct 17, 2026, unless the race fills first.
How the price compares
At $40, entry is about 16 percent above a typical 5K in Florida, which costs $34.50 right now.
What a typical finish looks like
A typical finisher at a 5K in Gainesville runs 35:30, about 11:26 a mile, based on 10 races with published results. Women typically finish in 39:15 and men in 31:39.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:31 AM, and the 5k starts at 10:30 AM. The start sits about 170 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
Depot Park, Gainesville, FL 32601
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. Course maps are the organizers' own.
Typical race-day weather
Around October 17 the day usually runs from 61°F at dawn to 81°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 11% of days. Cold snaps dip to 52°F and hot years reach 86°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
From the race's page
What the organizers of Howl-o-ween 5k - Gainesville cover on their registration page, in brief.
Course
Course Map
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6421795297/.
Parking and travel
Parking
Parking is available. Car Pooling is suggested.
Shirt and medal
2026 Race Swag
2026 Race Swag Add on Swag.
Awards
Awards
Awards will be given in the following categories: Overall Male/Female. Top 3 in Age Groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 and over.
Rules and FAQ
FAQ's
Can I Run with My Pet? Absolutely! We are running to support pets, pet lovers, and animal charities! So you can run or walk with or without your LEASHED pet! Can I participate virtually? Yes, click here to register for our Virtual Run for…
Race details
- Where
- Depot Park, Gainesville, FL 32601Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 170 feet
- Included with entry
- T-Shirt
- Distances
- 5K
- Editions
- 2026 (Oct 17, 2026)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is Howl-o-ween 5k - Gainesville?
- Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $40 before processing fees, and rises to $45 on Oct 13, 2026.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Oct 17, 2026, unless the race fills first.
- Is the entry fee high for Florida?
- At $40, entry is about 16 percent above a typical 5K in Florida, which costs $34.50 right now.
- Do runners get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- What distances can I run?
- 5K.
- Where does it start?
- Depot Park, Gainesville, FL 32601.
- Is there a course map?
- Yes, the organizers publish the route on MapMyRun; the link is under Start location and course.
From the organizers
Howl-o-ween 5K is all about Running (or Walking) and supporting amazing animal shelters!
Join us on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:30 am EST for an exciting "Howl-o-ween Themed" event that features Depot Park in Gainesville, FL! This race is a sure thing for a great doggy good time! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.
5k Registration Includes:
Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Finisher Medal
5k Run/Walk Entry
Chip Timed Race Bib
Live Race Results
Finish Line Treats For Humans and Dogs!
Can I Run with My Pet? Absolutely! We are running to support pets, pet lovers, and animal charities! So you can run or walk with or without your pet!