Here’s a look at the route the tens of thousands of runners will take Saturday through the heart of Jacksonville and over the Main Street and Hart bridges.

“And so, that’s probably why I love running the most, because it allows me to be free.” Road closuresįor the first time in a few years, runners won’t have to adapt to a new course. “That’s when I’m probably the happiest, is when I’m running and enjoying the crowds and being in the moment,” Croft said. Runner Lucy Croft said running sets her mind free. “The only medal I ever kept was from a marathon years ago,” Wong said. I wasn’t a runner, but I became so addicted, and running has changed my life,” McClanahan said.Īs for Sandy Wong, she’s not in it to win it. “The first time I ever ran, my boss talked me into running it like three days before. READ: Gate River Run official virtual program | 2023 River Run schedule Speaking of having a support system, Carolyn McClanahan said that goes way back for her - 26 years, to be exact. “I have friends that asked if I would train with them and help them do their first race and those friends aren’t doing it - so, now I’m doing it by myself,” Bennett said. Gidget Bennett said this is her 10th time running, and her reason for lacing up Saturday is quite interesting. The Gate River Expo at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds was packed Thursday as thousands of Gate River Run participants made final preps ahead of the big race. Saturday.Īlso starting Friday, there will be a bypass around the starting area through parking Lot J for inbound traffic and Lot K for traffic coming from town. but road closures began Friday with Gator Bowl Boulevard shutting down at noon between Georgia and Duval streets. RELATED: Biggest storylines for Gate River Run: Emily Sisson and Mother Nature | Complete River Run coverage With so many people hitting the pavement Saturday, there are a few things you need to know now if you’re going to be in the downtown area.

– More than 13,000 runners will participate this year in the Gate River Run, which is the largest 15K in the country and serves as the USA 15K championship.

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