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 13 at 10am, 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 13, 2025 | College Avenue Gym | 10am start | Rain or Shine

$27 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 12, from 2–5 pm and Saturday, December 13, 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 8 - December 15, 2025.

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 8– Monday, December 15.

RACE FEE & DONATIONS

In 2024, through the generosity of our participants and donors, over $8,000 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.