3rd Annual Ghost-to-Gobble 1-Mile, 5k, & 8k

About this event

After two incredible years, Ghost-to-Gobble is back for 2026 and bigger than ever! Co-hosted by UCA Physical Therapy and Exercise & Sport Science, this unique fall favorite brings together the community for a fun, festive event on UCA’s beautiful campus. Whether you are racing for a personal best, jogging with friends, walking with family, pushing a stroller, or simply coming out to enjoy the atmosphere, all are welcome at Ghost-to-Gobble.

Ghost-to-Gobble operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit event. For the 2026 race, 10% of profits will benefit UCA Living Unleashed, a nonprofit organization that raises and trains highly skilled companion dogs through Canine Companions for Independence for individuals with disabilities. These dogs serve in life-changing roles as service, assistance, hearing, and facility dogs. Remaining proceeds directly support the UCA Physical Therapy and Exercise & Sport Science programs through student scholarships, research initiatives, national conference attendance, and free or low-cost therapy services for the community.

New in 2026:

* New 8k distance! * New custom trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall Male & Female for each race * New age group awards * FREE photos * New referral refund incentive! Refer 5 friends, get $15 refund (friend must complete registration to count, max refunds $30)

Registration (NO REFUNDS due to event planning complexity)

1-Mile Jun 6 – Aug 31: $15 Sep 1 – Nov 6 (noon): $20 Finisher medal included (to maintain lower registration cost to make the race accessible to more participants, no giveaway shirt for 1-mile)

5K Jun 6 – Aug 31: $25 Sep 1 – Nov 6 (noon): $35 Finisher medal & event T-shirt (MUST register by Oct 9th to guarantee shirt)

8K Jun 6 – Aug 31: $35 Sep 1 – Nov 6 (noon): $45 Finisher medal & event T-shirt (MUST register by Oct 9th to guarantee shirt)

Awards

We have revamped our award categories and prizes for 2026!

Overall Male & Female New Ghost-to-Gobble trophies will be given to the top 3 male & female participants in the 1-mile, 5k, and 8k races. (If you are a top-3 overall finisher, you are excluded from age-group awards)

NEW Age Group Categories Trophies will be given to the top (1st place) male & female participant in the below age-group categories for the 1-mile, 5k, and 8k races.

<14 15-24 25-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65

Course

The USATF-certified 5K course winds through UCA landmarks (Estes Stadium, Reynolds Performance Hall, Harding Fountain, Old Main, Stone Dam Creek).

Wheelchairs/assistive devices welcome Bikes & pets not allowed 1 aid station for 1-Mile & 5k, 2 aid stations for 8k. Conway FD & UCA AT coverage for safety

Parking

Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts: 2150 Bruce St. Conway, AR. 72035

Student Success & Veterans Resource Center: 302 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR. 72035

Donaghey Hall: 244 Elizabeth St. Conway, AR. 72034

Bear Baseball Stadium: 2400 Bruce St. Conway, AR. 72034

- There will be a home football game that afternoon, so parking may be difficult in this area.

Stay Connected

Find the Ghost-to-Gobble 5k event on Facebook and Instagram for event information and exciting updates! Interested in sponsoring? Contact us!