Rutgers Big Chill 5K
- Date Sat 12th December 2026
- Time 10:00AM EST
- Location New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Price $11.60 - $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join the excitement at the Rutgers Big Chill 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, December 12, 2026, in New Brunswick, Middlesex! This beloved event has been a cherished tradition since 2003, bringing together the Rutgers community to support local children through the donation of toys. Participants can choose between an in-person experience at the College Ave Campus, starting at 10:00 AM, or a virtual race that can be completed between December 7 and December 14 from any location.
Registration for the in-person race is just $30, and participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more to help make a difference in the lives of children in need. With a cap of 3,250 runners, don’t miss your chance to be part of this heartwarming event! Plus, all participants will receive a long-sleeved Big Chill t-shirt and two free tickets to the Rutgers Football game against Nebraska. Whether you run, walk, or join virtually, your participation supports a great cause and continues a legacy of giving back. Get ready to make a positive impact and enjoy a fun-filled day with the Rutgers community!
Registration for the in-person race is just $30, and participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more to help make a difference in the lives of children in need. With a cap of 3,250 runners, don’t miss your chance to be part of this heartwarming event! Plus, all participants will receive a long-sleeved Big Chill t-shirt and two free tickets to the Rutgers Football game against Nebraska. Whether you run, walk, or join virtually, your participation supports a great cause and continues a legacy of giving back. Get ready to make a positive impact and enjoy a fun-filled day with the Rutgers community!
Organiser's Description
The Rutgers Big Chill 5K Run/Walk is a charitable event that has served the Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ community since 2003, helping to provide thousands of toys each year to local children. Similarly to last year, participants may choose between an in-person or virtual race. The in-person race will take place on Saturday, December 12th at 10:00am on the College Ave Campus with participant check-in available on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
For more than 20 years, the Rutgers Big chill has been a cherished tradition that brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in support of a meaningful cause. We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back.
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. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash donations in lieu of a toy donation. We kindly ask that participants bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the event's charitable mission.
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 25 pm and Saturday, December 12, from 8-9:45 am at the College Ave Gym, 130 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ.
BIG CHILL PERK: All runners will receive 2 FREE tickets to Rutgers Football vs Nebraska on Saturday, November 14th. To receive your two free tickets, each attendee must register separately. Upon completion of your registration, you will automatically be linked to the Rutgers ticket site to obtain your free tickets. The link for tickets can also be found in your confirmation email. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate of $25. Be sure to complete your registration by November 11, 2026.
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. If you are interested in purchasing a Big Chill shirt or other Big Chill merchandise, items are available through our online store.
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
For more than 20 years, the Rutgers Big chill has been a cherished tradition that brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in support of a meaningful cause. We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back.
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. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash donations in lieu of a toy donation. We kindly ask that participants bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the event's charitable mission.
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 25 pm and Saturday, December 12, from 8-9:45 am at the College Ave Gym, 130 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ.
BIG CHILL PERK: All runners will receive 2 FREE tickets to Rutgers Football vs Nebraska on Saturday, November 14th. To receive your two free tickets, each attendee must register separately. Upon completion of your registration, you will automatically be linked to the Rutgers ticket site to obtain your free tickets. The link for tickets can also be found in your confirmation email. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate of $25. Be sure to complete your registration by November 11, 2026.
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. If you are interested in purchasing a Big Chill shirt or other Big Chill merchandise, items are available through our online store.
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
Races
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Rutgers Big Chill 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Rutgers Big Chill Long T-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 12th December 2026 (10:00AM EST)
$32.80
THE BIG CHILL 5K WILL TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!! IN-PERSON RACE RUNNER CHECK IN Please drop off your $10 toy during runner check-in during the following dates and times: Pre-registered runner check in is located at the College Avenue Gym at 130 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 during the following times: Friday, December 11, 2026 2:00pm-5:00pm Saturday, December 12, 2026 8:00am-9:45am OTHER INFORMATION Restrooms will be inside and portapotties will be outdoors on the corner of College Ave and Senior Street. Food and water will be available to participants outside upon completion of the 5K. Results for participants will be available live on the Compuscore website and upon completion of the race. Big Chill Perk: All runners get 2 FREE tickets to Rutgers football vs. Nebraska on Saturday, 11/14. To receive your 2 free tickets, each attendee must register separately. You must register by 11/11 to receive your tickets. The Big Chill Store is Now Live Shop your favorite Big Chill gear today including the long sleeve race shirts. All runners can grab extra shirts, cozy sweatshirts, and hats to show off their Big Chill spirit. Visit the store now and gear up for one of Rutgers favorite traditions: https://shoprhouse.com/collections/store-big-chill -
Rutgers Virtual Big Chill 5K
Incl. $1.60 Fee
$11.60
VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION Virtual race participants may complete their race anytime between 12/7/26 -12/14/26. The official Big Chill 5K Store is live. Shop your favorite Big Chill gear today. Long sleeve shirts can be purchased directly through the site along with cozy sweatshirts and hats to show off your Big Chill spirit. Visit the store now and gear up for one of Rutgers favorite traditions: https://shoprhouse.com/collections/store-big-chill 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. HOW TO DOWNLOAD DIGITAL BIB -Stay in profile under upcoming events. -On the right hand side is a button View Digital Bib. -Click and print bib and place on clothing during your run. -You can also download it onto social media. Take pictures with Rutgers Gear and Bib and upload your photos! HOW TO UPLOAD PHOTOS -After submitting results, you will be taken to a confirmation page. -Select Submit Your Photos and begin uploading. -Click on results (after submitting race time) -Click on photos and upload photos Submit From Big Chill Race Page -On top of page find headings Race Info, Event Info, Sign up, Team, Find Participant, and More -Click on More -Click on Photos and upload your photos DOWNLOAD FINISHER CERTIFICATE -Stay in profile -Click on Results (after submitting race time) -Click on View Finishers Certificate on the right hand side.
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130 College Avenue, New Brunswick, 08901, NJ, United States
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