Flatwoods 5K

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. Parking and the starting line will be approximately 2 miles (5–8 min drive) from the main gate on Waldo Rd.

Start time is 8:30 AM. Registration is $20. Runners 12 years and under race for free. You can purchase a race t-shirt for an additional $15. T-shirt orders will stop two weeks before race day — October 18.

Early registration ends Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 11:59 pm. You can register on site, but given that there will be many people checking in, it's best to do it early.

Early packet pickup will be THURSDAY October 30 from 4:30 to 7:00 at First Magnitude Brewing Company (1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601). Participants can also pick up their packet 7:00 am to 8:15 am 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: [email protected].