Rutgers Big Chill 5K

The Rutgers Big Chill 5k is a charitable event that has served the Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ community since 2003. Similarly to last year, we will offer both an in-person and virtual race. Our in-person race will occur on December 12 at 10 am, with runner check-in taking place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The Rutgers Big Chill has been a staple within the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Community for over 20 years and is enjoyed by thousands of runners yearly. We aim to continue the Big Chill tradition while giving back to the community and keeping participants active and motivated.

In-Person Race
December 12, 2026 | College Avenue Gym | 10am start | Rain or Shine
$30 In-Person race fee at registration + a toy for children valued at $10 or more.
Toys should be brought to Runner Check-In on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. No cash donations for the toy will be accepted.
Participants will receive the traditional long-sleeved Big Chill t-shirt during runner check-in. 

We limit the in-person event to 3,250 runners and will close registration once we reach 3,250 runners.

Runner Check-in will occur on Friday, December 11, from 2–5 pm and Saturday, December 12, from 8-9:45 am at the College Ave Gym, 130 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ. 

Virtual Race
Location of your choice | Complete Virtual Race from December 7 - December 14, 2026.

The $10 virtual race fee includes a printable bib online. Shirts available for purchase.
Virtual participants can run or walk a 5K at a location of their choice and submit their 5K times anytime from Monday, December 7– Monday, December 14.

RACE FEE & DONATIONS
In 2025, through the generosity of our participants and donors, over $10,000 raised from The Rutgers Big Chill was contributed to the No Hungry Knights Fund to fight food insecurity on campus. Additionally, the toys collected were distributed to children and families in the local New Brunswick community. The race fee supports the operational costs of hosting The Big Chill, ensuring we can continue making a meaningful impact year after year.

BIG CHILL STORE

Get ready for race day! The official Big Chill 5K Store is now live — shop your favorite Big Chill gear today.

• Virtual runners can purchase their race shirts directly through the site.
• All runners can grab extra shirts, cozy sweatshirts, and hats to show off their Big Chill spirit all season long.

Visit the store now and gear up for one of Rutgers’ favorite traditions:
https://shoprhouse.com/collections/store-big-chill

Runner Check-In
Check-in will be at the College Avenue Gym (130 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ) where you’ll pick up your race bib and long-sleeve t-shirt, and drop off your toy donation.

Check-In Times:
Friday, December 12, 2025: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, December 13, 2025: 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
To streamline check-in, please bring the QR code that was sent to your Run Signup account. If you can’t locate the code, we can check you in using your full name. Look for the shortest line—there’s no need to line up alphabetically.

Toy Donation
Thank you for bringing a new toy valued at $10 or more, suitable for a child aged 14 or younger. Toys must be unwrapped and will be collected during check-in. These donations will benefit children in need within the New Brunswick community. Note: We cannot accept cash donations.

Race Winners
Prizes, courtesy of Rutgers Athletics, Rutgers Recreation, and IKEA Elizabeth will be awarded to:

Top overall Male and Female finishers
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age category
Prizes will be presented at the post-race awards ceremony. Winners must be present to receive their prizes.

Bag Check
A supervised bag check will be available for all runners. Please bring any items you’d like to secure to the annex beside the main gym. Bags and labels will be provided on-site—simply place your items inside and clearly mark the bag with your bib number. Your belongings will be stored safely throughout the race and can be retrieved after you finish.

Parking
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the following Rutgers lots: 11, 16, 26, 30, and the College Avenue parking deck.

If you plan to leave before 11:30 AM, please use the College Avenue parking deck.
Lots 26 and 30 are on the race route and will reopen for departure after the race concludes at approximately 11:30 AM.
Street parking is allowed only on roads not part of the 5K course. Check for signs indicating No Parking zones; vehicles in restricted areas may be towed.

Photo Contest
Submit your race photos (virtual or in-person) here for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards! Make sure your bib number is visible in the photo to qualify.

Strollers and Pets
This is a family-friendly event. Strollers are welcome, and well-behaved, leashed dogs may join as well. For everyone’s safety, please line up toward the back if you are participating with a stroller or pet.

Click map to enlarge.

The prizes, courtesy of Rutgers Athletics, are for the following categories:

Overall Winners
Overall Male  
Overall Female 

1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each age category for males and females:

13 & under
14-17
18-21
22-25
26-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+

VIRTUAL RACE PARTICIPANTS

HOW TO SUBMIT RESULTS

-Log into runsignup.com account
-Click on person icon on the upper right hand side
-Click on profile
-Look at upcoming events.
-On the right hand side is a button “Submit Virtual Results”.
-Click and submit time.