It’s one of the biggest sporting events in Jacksonville all year.

Among the thousands who will run the Gate River Run, is a small group of 19 runners known as streakers who have run the race every year since it began.

In the crisp late fall of 2021, Jeremy and his father, Chris Hebda, shared a special bond over their love for running. Their exhilarating 3-mile runs were more than just a physical activity; they were moments of connection and bonding between a father and his son. Chris, a long-distance runner himself, saw potential in Jeremy and encouraged him to pursue his passion for running.

The annual Gate River Run is Saturday, and if you’re entered, now might be the time to make sure you have the right shoe.

The event announced that all slots for the day — the 15K, 5K, mile challenge, the Junior River Run and the diaper dashes — have been filled for the 47th running of the iconic road race in Jacksonville.

There are countless first-timers in the field each year. One that News4JAX met this week, Vidya Ramachandran, said she had been preparing for Saturday’s race for nearly a year after joining Moms on the Run.

According to Gate River Run officials, 13,500 runners registered for the 46th annual Gate River Run. But only 20 of them -- known affectionately as “Streakers” -- can say they’ve run them all.

Emily Sisson claimed her third straight women’s title in Saturday’s Gate River Run, but this year’s $5,000 Equalizer Bonus went to the man who caught her on the Hart Bridge off-ramp: Olympic steeplechaser Hillary Bor.

Tens of thousands of people participate each year in the Gate River Run, which is the largest 15K in the country and serves as the USA 15K championship.

Mother Nature and Emily Sisson. And a lost minute. These are the three biggest storylines heading into Saturday’s Gate River Run, the national championship 15K.

On Saturday, the Gate River Run will be held for the 46th year, and for the first time in recent years, runners won’t have to adapt to a new course.

Watch the 2022 Gate River Run broadcast.

More than 13,000 people ran in this year’s Gate River Run, which is a 9.3-mile road race winding through the streets of Jacksonville.

Crystal Davis claimed the women’s title and Nathan Jubran took the men’s, finishing the fastest among local competitors in the race on Saturday morning.

Women’s defending champion Emily Sisson dominated for the second year in a row to claim the 2022 Gate River Run women’s title and the equalizer bonus in a time of 47:28.

If there’s anyone who knows how the body responds to running the River Run, it’s Page Ramezani. Not only does Ramezani hold records at five ages at the Gate, but he also is a cardiologist at the Florida Heart Clinic.

After two years plagued by COVID-19 precautions, the Gate River Run actually feels like the event of old. The 45th installment of the event, which will be televised on WJXT Channel 4 and streamed on News4JAX.com, is Saturday morning.

Augie Leone finished the race at 92 years old, becoming the oldest runner in Gate River Run history. Leone broke his own record set last year. He finished the River Run in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 24 seconds.

For me, it’s on the Mt. Rushmore of Jacksonville sporting events. Saturday’s Gate River Run, the 45th running of the 15K race, will be my fifth year as part of the broadcast. It’s also one of my favorite days of the year.

Things are getting back to normal at the Gate River Run. For the most part. One year after race organizers limited the field to 8,000 participants, about half of the usual number, they’re back to a full field, and runners are not missing their chance to be a part of it.

“The ER doctor told me that my lungs were the worst COVID lungs that he had seen so far,” Shapard said. During his battle with COVID, he lost 30 pounds and continued to have lingering symptoms of the virus for 10 another months. Not quite one year after being released from the hospital, Shapard set his sites on running the 2021 Gate River Run. I need to run this.’ I need to run on that date. I’m going to run it, I’m going to walk it.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The excitement and energy were contagious Saturday morning as people ran the Gate River Run and many participants told News4Jax they were just excited to be racing again. First-time runner Krista Roehlig was one of 8,000 who made their way through the streets of the River City in cool and windy conditions. It’s the best race,” Roehlig said. Hard, but fun.”RELATED: Emily Sisson, Clayton Young win Gate River Run | Mandarin, UNF grad Sem Sultanov claims top local honor at River Run | Look up finish timesAdSeveral runners said the wind was especially challenging on the Hart Bridge, somewhat affectionately dubbed the “Green Monster” by participants. “It was very tough.”WATCH IT AGAIN: News4Jax broadcast of the 2021 Gate River RunAdDid we spot you among the runners this year?

He wasn’t going to be in the elite field for the Gate River Run. Another well-known area name was the top finisher for the women’s First Coast Cup, former Fletcher High running star Kayley DeLay. RELATED: Emily Sisson, Clayton Young win Gate River Run | Gutsy runners survive gusty test on Hart Bridge in this year’s Gate River RunAd“Throughout the race I passed a lot of the guys, you know, that started the elite race. Then you’ll be feeling good, so just keep your head up, you know, and don’t give up.”PHOTOS: Did we spot you at the 2021 Gate River Run? I think having the Gate River Run and then just having such a great field out here, I was just really hungry to come back, because I hadn’t raced since 2017 here,” she said.

On a blustery, windy Saturday morning in Jacksonville, Sisson turned in a dominant effort to win the 44th Gate River Run in dominant fashion. Clayton Young, the men’s winner, didn’t have nearly the buffer as Sisson. With the win, that was kind of an unexpected element so I had to run a bit off field,” Sisson. Young, in a pack of runners at the Green Monster, slowly began chipping away inside that final mile and a half. I was surprised there was such a pack at the top of that gigantic overpass,” Young said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The field for Saturday’s 44th annual Gate River Run is limited to 8,000 runners because of the pandemic. But the U.S. 15K National Championship is expected to draw one of the best fields of elite runners in recent years. Due to the pandemic, Alred said the elite runners will be tested for COVID-19 and will be kept separate from other runners on race day. RELATED: A look at the changes in place for the Gate River RunThere will also be two start lines this year. All of the runners participating in this year’s Gate River Run will have to wear a mask when they are not running.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on Saturday, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. But this week, physical therapist Lizzy Cooper takes runners right up to race day, and then a little beyond. There may be a desire to load up on carbs before the race to provide energy. Cooper of H2 Health said that many things like that can arise during the days before a big run. “Eat things that your body knows how to digest.”AdWhat about one final hard core training run before the big race?

First wave of runners take of in the 2020 Gate River RUnJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 44th annual Gate River Run is less than one week away. One start line will be at the corner of Duval and A. Phillip Randolph streets. The second start line will be at the corner of Adams and A. Phillip Randolph streets. It’ll be a safe event for everybody, and most people who come will feel like this is a traditional run.”The Gate River Run said it is expecting one of the best elite fields in recent years because of the limited number of races last year. AdWJXT will broadcast the Gate River Run again this year.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. We’ve focused on hamstrings before during our path to the River Run. But this week, physical therapist Michael Bailey covers two very easy ways to gauge just how flexible those muscles are. Hamstrings need to be stretched. That’s effectively going to pull your pelvis bones back where they belong, before you run and after you run.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. There are multiple positions and exercises associated with the plank for runners and walkers to address their core muscles. AdOne of the many plank exercises to explore is called the Superman exercise, which works out areas from the arms to the feet. “And what you’re going to do is then you’re going to pick up both upper body and lower body and raise them up and hold that position. You’re going to try to hold it for about 10 seconds, working up to 30 seconds, to a minute.

Runner’s knee or jumper’s knee, two different but similar conditions, often fall into a larger ailment known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. “So, this is commonly known as runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, also called Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. So, people typically complain of a dull achy pain right along the front of the kneecap. They usually present as a sharp pain right above the knee along the outside. Pain usually gets worse when you bend the knee, when you run when you jump when you go up or down inclines,” Heather said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gate River Run, an annual 15K running event that attracts both recreational and competitive runners, is your pick for Jacksonville’s best road race. SPECIAL SECTION: Gate River RunIn a typical year, the race would be followed by a festival in the Jacksonville Fairgrounds where thousands of runners and their family and friends wind down from the race and socialize. RELATED: Changes coming to Gate River Run in 2021Instead of a 15,000-runner field, entries have been capped at 8,000. Should the status of the event change due to coronavirus-related issues, the actual race would be canceled and moved to a virtual event. AdBecause of the limited number of top-flight races in the country, the elite field is expected to be one of the best in recent history.

Celebrating crossing the finish line of the 2020 Gate River Run. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gate River Run is getting closer and race organizers are moving ahead on pulling off the 44th annual event next month in downtown Jacksonville. The coronavirus pandemic is forcing quite a few changes to the iconic race, including a field that’s been reduced by nearly half. There won’t be a Junior River Run, Diaper Dash or Brooks Challenge Mile this year. Harroufi later failed two drug tests by USADA, including one at the River Run on March 7, and his results were scrubbed from the list.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. We’ve covered a variety of topics thus far and this week’s may be one of the simplest for runners and walkers to perform. John Kovacs, the vice president of sales at H2 Health, said that the method hits numerous areas for runners and walkers and the benefits can be substantial. “So, you just work your way slowly down the leg. “You get to decide how much pressure you put on the foam roll and you’re just going to roll your way up and down,” Arrigenna said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. It can be useful for runners who are just coming off of a taxing run to continue to run, albeit, with less pressure on their joints. For those who are working through an injury, the treadmill affords runners the chance to gradually build strength and mobility back up. “It allows you to reduce your body weight by up to 75% to help you focus better on mechanics, form, without pain,” Cooper said. “So, when used in a rehabilitation field … reduction in body weight will allow you to work more on your gait mechanics, your form, your posture, with less pain in your joints.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. Two of the top treatments for issues like that are Astym and cupping, both noninvasive methods to help in the recovery process. John Kovacs of H2 Health said those two methods can be ideal for runners and walkers during the lead up and even after events such as the Gate River Run. Astym treatment is done on the surface of the skin and helps damaged soft tissue heal. “One of the main physiological affects, it helps to lift the skin and by lifting that skin we can help promote oxygen and bloodflow back to that area,” Kovacs said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – WJXT will, once again, broadcast the Gate River Run in 2021 on Saturday, March 20. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing a number of changes to the race day activities. 2021 Gate River Run starting course (1st place sports)One starting line will be at the corner of Duval Street and A. Phillip Randolph street as it was last year. AdSome other notes about this year’s race:All runners and walkers should be in position by 7:30 a.m.Elite women will start at 7:54 from the Duval Street starting line. Here’s a look at where the starting waves will line up:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. John Kovacs, the vice president of sales at H2 Health, said that as runners begin to build up to the run there are simple things to help prevent injuries and loosen muscles. Take care to loosen up the hamstrings in the legs both before and after a run. Get those things assessed before it’s too late,” he said. If you imagine, that musculature is going to shorten with exercise so you want to keep it long.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Each week leading up to the Gate River Run on March 20, H2 Health will provide tips for runners. John Kovacs, the vice president of sales at H2 Health, said it’s one of the most common and even overlooked elements of running — finding the right shoes. “Make sure you’ve got the right running shoes. Make sure [your] gear, that’s probably most often the thing that causes the most discomfort,” he said. “We see a lot of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, just from wearing the wrong running shoes.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gate River Run will limit its field to 70% capacity and put numerous other safeguards in place for its 2021 event due to the coronavirus pandemic. The biggest change is capping race entries at 8,000 for the marquee 15K event. The Gate River Run has been televised live on WJXT for years. Harroufi later failed two drug tests by USADA, including one at the River Run on March 7, and his results were scrubbed from the list. • All participants and volunteers must check their temperature on race morning prior to coming to race.

Julie Stackhouse repeated as the winner of the Cup, while Ryan Speir was the male champ on a chilly and windy Saturday morning at the Gate River Run. In the 43rd River Run, that went to Speir and Stackhouse. “It was obviously good conditions for the run today, minus the wind,” Speir said. “I just wanted to line up and I run for Brooks and my motto was run happy today,” Stackhouse said. Just wanted to soak it all in, enjoy the crowds, enjoy the competition, enjoy the course.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Even if you’re an old pro at navigating your way around the runners in the annual Gate River Run, you’ll want to read this. The course start and route have changed a bit because of construction on the Hart Bridge Expressway. If you’re headed anywhere downtown or on the Southbank on Saturday, check out what times certain roads will be closed so you can plan ahead. Race Day Course Closures

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gate River Run is Saturday, and News4Jax is getting you ready for the big event. A lot of runners won't even think about lacing up their shoes without a pair of headphones and a playlist. They found listening to songs with high beats per minute boosted performance up to 15%. Spotify has its own playlist of songs with high BPMs that is aimed at runners. We wanted to know what songs fuel you, so we asked on Facebook.

For those who are new to the spectacle that is the annual Gate River Run, you might be surprised when you're handed a beer after crossing the finish line -- or even during the race (got to love those volunteers!) Experienced runners know beer is actually a good way to re-hydrate because most American beers are mostly water, have a small amount of protein and have a third of their calories from carbohydrates, according to RunnersWorld.com. And some craft brewers have taken advantage of runners' love for beer by designing “recovery-friendly” ales and lagers that can ease aches. RunnersWorld said these beers add vitamin-rich fruit or salt to replace lost electrolytes. According to RunnersWorld, the seven best beers to end a run with are:Sufferfest Beer Co.'s FKTZelus' Race Pace New England AleDogfish Head's SeaQuench AleMispillion River Brewing's War GooseGoose Island's SoleilSam Adams' Raspberry Lemon GoseAvery Brewing Co.'s Go Play IPAFor more on these beers and why they can benefit you after a run, check out RunnersWorld’s breakdown.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are be a few changes for the Gate River Run this year, and certainly the most noticeable is a new location for the starting line. Early work on the demolition of the Hart Bridge ramp forced organizers to move the starting line two blocks north -- from Bay Street to Duval Street. Alred said the new starting line will be closer to the finish line than ever before. Also, as a result of relocating the starting line, the 5K race -- which usually starts at the same time as the 15K -- will now start 30 minutes later. Alred said while there is adequate parking, if you have never run the Gate before, be prepared for the size of the crowd.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – The ladies have dominated the men in Gate River Run participation for the past several years. However, that age group has dwindled -- down to 1,361 in 2012 to 879 last year -- even though women still outnumber men overall. We know there are other things that people can get attracted to besides running,” Alred said. This year will be her third Gate River Run. Men vs. women finishers in first 41 years of Gate River Run* Race delayed one day by ‘Storm of the Century’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In less than two weeks, thousands of runners will hit the pavement for the 43rd Annual Gate River Run. What are they doing in the final days to prepare them to run 15K? Dr. Michael Bradburn with UF Health Jacksonville visited The Morning Show Saturday to discuss what a big feat this is can be recreational athletes. Bradburn said carb loading is important and starting three or four days out, 70% of your calories should come from carbohydrates. “You want to be pre-hydrated because you know the weather is likely going to be hot and you’re going to be sweating.”To watch the rest of the interview, click the play button above.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Gate River is exactly two months away. Starting on Thursday they’ll be hosting their second annual Gate River Run Training Series. The full series will run nine weeks long alternating between lectures and runs until the week of the Gate. During the lectures experts will provide everything you need to know, from footwear to the mental aspect of preparing for the Gate River Run. For those not familiar, Marathon High is a program that was started a few years ago to help at-risk teens train to run a half marathon.

But she and the other elite runners did get a six-minute head start. Others were just trying to finish their first 15K run. For the first time ever, two of the Elite women runners crossed ahead of the first man. UNCUT: Sam Kouvaris' interview with Molly HuddleKorir crossed the finish line of his second Gate 15K with an unofficial time of 43:06, besting Saturday's field and his 2017 winning time by 16 seconds. FIND YOUR TIME: Database of 2018 Gate River Run resultsIMAGES: The 41st annual Gate in photosYOUR POSTS: A running conversationSPECIAL SECTION: 41st Annual Gate River RunOther familiar faces in the Gate were the 38 "streakers," those who have run in each of the race's 41 years.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the last 15 years Carey Hepler and his family have dedicated only three days out of their year for charity. Hepler got the idea from a running magazine years ago and figured that the concept would work perfectly with the River Run each year. Now a days the Heplers get between 1,000 and 1,200 pairs of shoes and have now started to accept t-shirts as well. "In talking to the local shelters, they will tell you that shoes are like gold. It is the first thing that they run out of and they love it when we come by.

"If you feel some discomfort during the race don't be afraid to pull up and go over to the side and stretch out just a little bit," said Matt Serlo who is the owner of Five Star Physical Therapy. The key to having a a good run happens long before you reach the start line. So sleep is a very important thing that's often overlooked." "Recovery, recovery, recovery matters,"said Esser. All to often people run across the finish line and the they're done when they're really not.