About the Flatwoods 5K. The Flatwoods 5K is touted by many local runners as Gainesville’s most beautiful, memorable 5K venue, run just after sunrise on a scenic limerock loop road around UF's Austin Cary Forest (10625 NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609). The sights, sounds, and smells of the Forest, shared with friends and family, are sure to create lasting memories. Race proceeds support forestry education and outreach to help sustain Florida's natural heritage.
The race is chip timed by Start2Finish Race Management. The course is accurately measured (but not USATF certified), with mile markers. There is a water station at the halfway point, and post-race refreshments. Strollers are welcome, but please note the road is unpaved. Note also that parking and the starting line will be approximately 2 miles (5-8 min. drive) from the main gate on Waldo Rd.
Start time is 8:00 AM.
Registration and race t-shirt. Registration is $20 and is available online through RunSignUp until 30 minutes before start time. Note that there will be no day of race paper registration. Runners 12 years and under race for free. Race t-shirts (sizes XS to XXL) are available for $10 if ordered before October 17. The race t-shirt features performance material and a scientific illustration that promotes awareness of Florida's forests and forest science – this year we pay tribute to bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). The shirt will be white material with black lettering.
Packet pickup is available 3:00-7:00pm on Friday Oct. 28 at Cypress & Grove Brewery (1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville, FL). Participants can also pick up their packet 6:45-7:45am at the Austin Cary Forest on race day.
Pine cone trophies made from native longleaf, loblolly and slash pine cones go to top open and masters runners, and top 3 in all five-year age/gender groups. All runners 14 years or younger will receive an award.
Please contact Taylor Stein, Flatwoods 5K Race Director, with any questions: tstein@ufl.edu.