Runners on the course. Gate River Run 2024. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Around 15,000 runners will hit the pavement in Downtown Jacksonville on Saturday for the 48th annual Gate River Run.
The main race, which is the largest 15K in the country and serves as the 15K national championship, sold out on Thursday.
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The day’s events include the 5K for charity, the Junior River Run, the Brooks Challenge Mile and the Diaper Dash.
The 15K race begins at 8 a.m. on Gator Bowl Boulevard and will end this year at the base of the Hart Bridge, affectionately nicknamed “The Green Monster” by runners who must cross the steep, 1-mile structure at Mile 8 of the 9.3 mile race.
Here’s a breakdown of what runners and spectators need to know for race day:
The expo will be open at the Jaguars' Flex Field from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and will be open from 6:30 a.m. until the start of the race, but only for out-of-town participants.
Runners then turn away from the river toward Hendricks Avenue, making their way toward Atlantic Boulevard.
Another zig-zag through neighborhood streets begins the runners back to Atlantic Boulevard as they head toward the dreaded “Green Monster” of the Hart Bridge for the last full mile of the race.
The race finish will now be a straightaway on Gator Bowl Boulevard coming off the bridge.
The River Run organizers have provided interactive maps of both the 5K (click here) and the 15K courses (see below):
Parking
The stadium has about 8,000 parking spaces in lots A, C, D, E, J, M, P, S, V, W, X, XX, Y and Z. There’s also the Arena Garage and an open lot near the RV Parking area.
With close to 20,000 participants in all of Saturday’s events, obviously, there are only enough lots to handle about half of the participants.
Runners are asked to car pool if possible and plan to arrive early.
Parking will take a while and you might have a 10-minute walk to your starting area.
Race organizers shared the parking map below, with lots highlighted in teal:
Parking map for Gate River Run 2025 (Gate River Run)
Race Day
By the time the race starts Saturday morning, runners can expect temperatures in the low 50s and a light westerly wind.
The Top-25 seeded women runners will start at 7:55 a.m., and the elite men will begin with Wave One runners at 8 a.m.
The five-minute head start for the elite women is part of the equalizer bonus, which gives an extra $5,000 in prize money to the first person (male or female) to cross the finish line.
Wave Two will begin at 8:05 a.m., Wave Three will begin at 8:10 a.m., and Wave Four will begin at 8:15 a.m.
Bag check will be available near the finish, and runners should wear their race numbers on the front of their clothing so they can be identified in online pictures.
Every participant will receive a men’s or women’s technical, moisture wicking shirt.
Water stations and toilets will be located throughout the course, and entertainment will be provided each mile during the race, according to organizers.
All miles will be marked and digital clocks will display the elapsed time at each mile mark.
All 15K participants need to be at the Hart Bridge, which is at mile 8, by 10:45 a.m., which is a 20-minute per mile pace.
Bikes and dogs are not allowed on the course under any circumstance. Biking next to a runner could lead to the runner being disqualified.
Every finisher of the 15K will receive a medal.
Following the race, there will be a celebration at Metropolitan Park next to the finish line. Publix will be providing free food and drinks. There will also be free beer, a live band, kids’ bounce game, and, of course -- an awards ceremony.
Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.
