Gators invited to gallop along University Avenue before parade

September 30, 2005

UPDATED Oct. 3, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gator Gallop continues its 25-year-old tradition at the University of Florida Friday morning.

The 2-mile foot race starts at 11 a.m. at the Percy Beard Track Stadium and continues on West University Avenue to Southwest Sixth Street where participants will turn right and then again right on Southwest Second Avenue. The race ends at Southwest 13th Street.

“Gator Gallop is a great way for students, faculty and Gainesville residents to get some exercise and to get involved with this year’s Homecoming celebration,” Gator Gallop 2006 Director James Woods said.

To participate in the event, runners and walkers pay a $10 registration fee in advance or $15 on the day of the event. Participants receive a T-shirt commemorating the event, included in their registration fee.

In past years, more than 1,100 students and Gainesville residents have participated in the run, which is sponsored by the University Athletics Association and SunTrust.

After Gator Gallop 2006 ends, more than 100,000 people are expected to line the streets of University Avenue to observe the numerous bands, floats and special units in the parade, which starts at noon. The grand marshal of the parade is the band, Sister Hazel.

For more information, call 352-392-1671, ext. 400, visit the Web site http://www.ufhomecoming.org or e-mail Anna Fletcher at af430@ufl.edu.