Gate River Run (GRR) is a fun filled, "Bucket List" type event. The event draws thousands upon thousands of people from all over the US and even from other countries. While I've ran many 5K's ... GRR was three times of a 5K distance. I participated for the first time along with a group of first timers in 2018. And together, we conquered the event to the very end. It's definitely no cake walk (is "cake run" a word???). If you are planning on signing up for GRR, my only suggestions would be: ** Try to not do it alone. Sign up with other people that will motivate you along the way. Have at least one buddy that will help you get to the very end. It definitely has helped me. ** Stay hydrated through the course of the week leading to the event. ** AND...stretch, stretch, stretch, stretch....this helps ALOT. Other than that, get ready to run/walk/hop/crawl/ChaChaSlide or whatever it takes to make it to that Finish Line. The first 6.2 Miles (equivalent to 10K) is not so bad. And throughout the course of your run, you will encounter live bands playing, street cheerers, as well as multiple Water Break stations. Each Mile is well marked along with a timer so you will know your current progress. On the 8th Mile, you'll encounter "The Green Monster" aka The Hart Bridge. This is about the same time your legs are about to give in, calves screaming, lungs burning. And you still have to run up The Green Monster. It's not fun, but once you are on the bridge, it definitely feels like you're on top of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, going down from that bridge gets easier, just let the downhill momentum of that bridge take your body all the way to the Finish Line. I'm still contemplating about signing up for Gate River Run 2020. For me personally, the problem I have is commitment... because The GRR, The Dirty Pecan (A Road & Gravel bike event held in Monticello, FL ) and The Fat Tire Festival (a famous MTB event held annually in Ocala, FL) are all held..ON..THE..SAME..DAY..OF..EVERY..YEAR. Grrrrrrr!!! #DecisionsDecisions read more

See all

Jacksonville has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Each year we are hosts to a premiere golf event - The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, the Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party at the Florida-Georgia Game, and the National Championship 15k Race known as the Gate River Run! This is an absolutely spectacular event with world class runners competing each year. Our beautiful city is showcased as the course snakes it's way through the Cathedral District downtown, across the St Johns River via the Main Street Bridge, into San Marco with its beautiful river views, through the canopied streets of St Nicholas, over the Big Green Monster (better known as the Hart Bridge) and culminating in the Stadium District at The Bank! What a gorgeous course. But what makes this course even better is the citizens of Jacksonville that lined the streets - cheering us along, offering drinks & treats! Approximately every 3/4 of a mile, there were bands playing. This did so much to lift my spirits & help me push to finish! I'm glad there are 364 days to rest & prepare - but I'm very much looking forward to be a part of this great event again & again! read more

Wow! I made it to the finished line! Hooray!!! What an experience! Everything went on smoothly from picking up the packet to the event itself! Very organized! We arrived as early as 6am to get a better parking, only to find out that other people had the same idea! Lol! But we still parked close to the starting line. The run had 4 waves due to the enormous number of people who participated. It is said to be one of Jacksonville's premier annual events! And it was! Not only do we get live bands perform every mile, but we were also cheered on by the community! They had loud music playing outside of their houses and were giving us shots of tequila and fireball! Beers, mimosa, fruits, doughnuts, etc were aplenty! It certainly was very encouraging and motivated us to finish the race! I had so much fun and planning to do it again next year. Now, I just need to convince my husband :) read more

This was my second year participating in the gate Riverrun, obviously I'm walking the charity walk not the actual run. Perfect weather I have to say and the organizers really do put a lot of effort into coordinating this. Over 15,000 people and from my perspective it was managed with the utmost attention to detail. Nothing is perfect however whatever may not have worked they've managed it very well, including starting the walk 15 minutes later because of congestion from the runners. They had ample vendors providing samples and live entertainment. This truly was a good day and I would encourage others to join if they have the ability. read more

See all

This was my first year participating in the race, talked into doing it by fellow Yelper Susan S. At first I was like there's nooooo way I'm gonna do this but when she said she wanted to walk it I thought it over and figured it wouldn't be too bad. I in turn recruited another Yelper Takara M so join us so she could round out the Shenanigan Gang on this journey. Luckily the day started off cool as people who did it last year complained about how hot it was the entire time. The walkers are part of the 4th wave to start which puts us about 20 mins behind the runners so we can stay out of their way. The walk through downtown and the southbank into San Marco was nothing scenic but I did find the walk over the Main Street bridge a bit interesting. Peering through the grating you can see the river but at no time did I feel like I was gonna fall through. Near each mile and half-mile there was a band and/or a place where volunteers handed you water and encouragement, which was greatly appreciated. The walk on River Road in San Marco was absolutely gorgeous, seeing all the lawns and mansions so beautifully kept. The spectators are something else! With cowbells, signs, front-lawn parties, airhorns, from vodka to goldschlager, blood mary's to grapefruit juice, sausage biscuits, chocolate chip muffins, and rice krispies treats and I can't forget the motivation and encouragement to keep going. I personally started having troubles at mile 6.5 with my hip due to how I was walking and thought about getting on the kart the rest of the way but I had 2 goals: finish on foot and don't finish last. With that, I kept going. The Green Monster aka the Hart Bridge wasn't as bad walking it as I'm sure it was for running it. It did slow us down quite a bit but we made it to the top and stopped to take photos. We made it to the finish line and with the help of my friends I hobbled over it, thanking everything that it was finally over. What a trip. I would do it again but I think I would get checked out to see if my balance is off so I don't run (pun intended) into the same problems I did again. read more

See all

The largest most attended running event of Jacksonville Florida, the Gate Rive Run. I am an bonafide runner, run many 1/2s and fulls....and have ran this many times before. However, due to the crowds of people and non runners, I quit running this race 5 years ago. This year was duff8, as I ran with a group of running friends that convinced me to try again. So of course I run, I mean why not? It was literally in my back yard. First Place Sports knows how to throw a party....with tons of tents and goodies to be had...before and after the race. The starting corrals were set up different and afforded the runners more area to warm up before running. Obviously this is a great idea so runners that want a time can start before the crowds. And speaking of crowds....thank you to ALL the spectators that were along the route and supporting the runners! We need this....especially around the Hart bridge. Well organized but still heavily crowded run....but over look the crowds and just have fun. read more

Gate River Run 15K - My medal - Races & Competitions Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

3/11-12/2016- Arrived at the EXPO on Friday around 3pm and it was very well organized. I picked up my bib, t-shirt, bag (really cute with the colors and logo of the race) then heading in to the expo. They gave you either a mug or glass. I chose the glass because again, it had the cute logo. I was not impressed with the expo, I didn't buy a thing. I wanted recovery sandals and found Oofos, but in lilac and baby blue, not the colors I hoped. The day of the race, we arrived super early and were able to find parking inside the fairgrounds easily. They had tons of potties with tp...very important. The event was very well organized, everything started on time. My favorite part of this race is the community. Running to the neighborhoods and everyone cheering for you, holding encouraging and funny signs, handing you Gatorade, water, beer, mimosas, popsicles, shots, jello shots, sausages, donuts, hosing you off with water. Also, the scenery from the bridges. What a beautiful city!!! At the end of the race, get ready to PARTAYYYY! Lots of vendors, music, food and plenty of beer! read more

See all

Ran/walked it again this year, and I didn't train or stretch this time around. Please make sure you do!! Also, there should be more bathrooms and water stations, every half a mile vs. just every mile. I carried bottled water this time around. Also, I recommend gatorade or powerade, and not water, since only one station provided gatorade refreshments. I hate the yelling yelling "music" they play during the last mile. It makes me want to throw the speakers down the river. Something melodic and upbeat would be nicer. The yelling just made me feel pain in my ears as well as in my legs. Maybe it's a distraction device? Cover pain with more pain, BRING IT ON!! Hahahha Good thing I had my Zune with me. Yay! The other bands were great. Lots of rock bands, mostly covers, and a few country ones too. They really need to get a DJ to come out and play techno, when I say DJ I'm talking about Armin Van Buuren or Kaskade or someone. Hehehe. ^_~ Ok Ok.... A Jville DJ would be nice, too. And a band playing Latin music, that would get me dancing, too. Anyhow... because of you, Gate River Run, my right knee was bugging me crazy. And silly me had isht to do that evening and night and I didn't cancel my plans. Just call me Gate River Run Limper!! (instead of Finisher. hehehe) read more

Ran it this year and let me give a list of the reasons why this run is so much fun: *the runner's expo. Get as much free shit as you can--t-shirts, energy bars, samples, smoothiesl, and meet dudes/chicks/ friendly people who are just as into running/walking/adventure and free beer as YOU are. *The run begins with Chariots of Fire being pumped through speakers, and as you move across that line and pick up speed, it's kinda cool to think that you're side by side with people from all over the country and the world. *I was running with nine Olympic medalists. *You can wear a costume if you want--you can be a complete and total jack-ass.. who cares! Nobody. *There are stages with local bands playing different genres of music during the first few miles. *Yes, you get to see parts of Jacksonville you may have never seen if you were just coming through town. It's a beautiful little city. Also, you get to run over two of their main bridges.. the last bridge, well, it's a bitch! *I high-fived a catholic priest, and then went out of my way to pat the back of a Korean War veteran in a wheelchair--all types of people are sitting on the sides, cheering runners on. *Don't get tanked The night before and think you're going to run this--I saw a guy collapse and get wheeled away in an ambulance. *the folks who live in the surrounding homes like to come out, set up stands with alcohol or food, and try to taunt you to come over and eat and drink with them. that's one of my favorite memories. *at the end you get MORE free food and free beer. *remember to stretch :) read more

See all

This was something that I had never realized was as huge a deal as it is...the amount of people was insane..the amount of organization and planning involved..my coworker is an avid runner and said that he was doing this for his i think 3rd year and that since i had been working on my fitness i should join him...well i in no way thought that i could RUN it..so i asked Maya C if she would want to walk it with me and she, after some consideration agreed! The day of the race, i picked her up at an ungodly hour, along with her friend, and away we went...we parked at my workplace, the nearby Police Memorial Building to avoid all the madness that would be over at the parking for the race, we met up with my coworker Del, and started on over..I was nervous, there was people running to the race they were about to run, there was huge crowds, and I just didnt know what to expect. But the energy is undeniable. There are roughly 17000 people all there for one thing..to conquer. We got to our line up spot, spent some time people watching and smack talking and selfie taking..and then..the race started. Along the 9.3 miles we made jokes, we met friends, we picked up bloody marys, we threw water cups on the GROUND to join all the others piled up, we listened to bands playing at about every mile marker, we complained a little, we laughed a ton, we learned some new things about each other and we conquered. The Main street Bridge, downtown, san marco, and all the other things to see leading up to one huge goal....THE GREEN MONSTER..other wise known as the Hart bridge, this is the final accomplishment, and you are in the home stretch...with maya holding onto my arm for a little support, and both of us so ready to be done..we reached the top of that bridge, and then the finish line below..it was an amazing feeling, and im sure that i will be doing it again in years to come. Special Shout outs to all my friends that ran this beast, and to Jeremy, our way too drunk new friend that made it all the way across the Hart, only to be taken to the medics...After ward we took a small break, and then walked over to Intuition to get some beers..we were tired, we were hot, and sunburnt..but we were also proudly sporting our brand new FINISHER medals. read more

See all

Jacksonville's Gate River Run is credited as being the largest 15K in America with over 15,000 participants running around town to finally face the Green Monster (Hart bridge). This was my very first run. Ever. Am I a runner- not at all, but running the Gate River Run has been on my bucket list and I decided I didn't need to put it off one more year to get ready. At first I planned to walk it but I ended up running most of the way because you don't have much of a choice when a stampede of thousands is on your tail. It was an amazing experience. You would be so surprised what you are capable of doing if you just try, and sharing the experience with so many others around you from around the country really helps push you to the end. read more

The closest I have ever come to running [walking] the Gate River Run is when my friend and I decided to walk over and watch some of it, then made the great choice to jump in and walk a small part, and then got swept up into the madness [and impossibility of jumping back out] and finally conspicuously ducked out just before we got to the Heart Bridge, only to get lost in the neighborhood right there for over an hour. That was a fun day. This is actually a really impressive run and people come here from all over America to run it! Thousands of people every year line up to walk or run this race, and many use it as a goal to motivate themselves towards physical health. [My husband and I are considering this very thing for next year's...] The race takes the competitors over a number of bridges, through downtown, and also through the historical San Marco neighborhood [my home, to which I am very partial]. It is a fun course, and also challenging, considering the bridges [and considering how "flat" minded Floridians are]. This is a great local event. If you have the heart and mind [and body] for it, I recommend participating! Next time around my participation will actually be legit. I swear. read more

This was my fourth year participating in the Gate River Run, and I really feel like it just gets better every year. First of all, this time of year is typically gorgeous in Jacksonville, making for a cool/dry run. The run takes you partially into downtown & then through San Marco neighborhoods. The area is beautiful with oak trees, the St. Johns river & gorgeous mansions. There are always a lot of spectators with signs, passing out waters, cheering people on, even tailgating & it is just so motivating. The course is pretty tough, as the Hart Bridge is at mile 8 & its a doozy. I saw someone puke on it this year, so be choosy with what you eat/drink the day/night before the race. I feel that this year the organization was much better than previous years. They had Port-a-potties sectioned off depending on how you were seeded in the race. This made for short wait times. And, they actually had enough TP this year! Parking also was not an issue and I found a spot right next to the starting line fairly easily (you still have to get there about 1.5 hour prior to start time). The expo & post-race celebrations are adequate but nothing to write home about. read more

There's something about a race this big that is extremely energizing! No matter what pace you run at- there's globs of people ahead of, behind, and beside you. For managing 20,000 people, this race is extremely well organized. Packet pick up is relatively painless (though- a la a Disney ride- they dump you into the expo to exit). Shirts are nice, give aways are good, and there's plenty of stuff to see at the expo. On race day, the police did a great job of funneling cars to several different parking lots- keeping lines moving and getting everyone parked quick. There were tons of port a potties all around for your last minute restroom needs. The starting line was clearly marked with the different wave starts. The race itself was a good course- several local bands along the way. The majority of the course ran through local (high end) neighborhoods- which was super cool because SO MANY families were out on their front line cheering on runners and giving stuff away (sausages, beer, ice pops, oranges, strawberries, water, donuts, and more). The bridges were rough- but in fairness, I hadn't trained appropriately. The only reason I didn't give this race 5 stars is because of the post race area. Much more space was needed- and better queuing for the food and beer. I waited over 20 minutes for a banana and mini muffin. I wish there had been more options for food/refuel. And forget the beer line..... we waited until much later to even attempt to get through it. Though they did not frown upon grabbing multiple beers- so yay for that. Overall a great race and I look forward to running it again next year. read more

The run and organization of the even itself gets 4.5 stars, the politeness of fellow runners gets 1, and the awesomeness of being involved in such a cool event is 100 stars! I came downtown on Friday after work to pick up my packet and that was probably my biggest disappointment of the organization of the event. The volunteer who gave me my number said to make sure that the info on the tag was right. I got about halfway home when it struck me that I never got anything else - a t-shirt or whatnot. The next morning, I met up with friends to carpool to the run and they said that I should have been directed to another area to pick up my swag and then over to get the chip activated. You can imagine my level of unhappiness with the volunteer who told me none of this. Thankfully we had time before the race and I went back into the expo to get my swag and confirmation that I didn't have to get my chip activated. These volunteers were super friendly and knowledgeable so that restored my faith in the event!! We ended up being late to line up for our wave and found ourselves jumping several fences to get into line. Thankfully, we weren't stopped and removed!! We got there just in time to take off and from the moment the race started until it ended it was completely awesome....other than my fellow runners. The crowds cheering us on was super-motivating and I loved the bands!! The people lined up to give out everything from beer to sausages to oranges were awesome and totally appreciated. As were the volunteers pouring water at the water stations. I'm glad it was a decent day because these poor people were drenched!! Like I said before, my fellow runners were the worst part of the event. I haven't ran in a lot of big races but I can't imagine that mowing someone down and not even apologizing is normal. The only thing I can compare it to are the crappy drivers around Jacksonville...I guess these people run like they drive?? I don't know how many times someone bumped into me, cut me off, jumped in front of me, then SLOWED DOWN. If you want to legitimately pass me, awesome - go for it - I hope you have a great run. But do NOT get in front of me and then slow down. Grrr.... The after-party was pretty crazy. They tried to get us through the medal passing out as quick as possible but it was pretty much a failure. I'm not sure why that was so screwed up? Then they tried to direct the runners back over to the fairgrounds where the party was but I think a lot of people were confused on what to do/where to go. I eventually made my way in and hightailed it over to the beer truck. I realized afterwords that I accidentally cut the line (so sorry!!). The Miller Light folks were awesome and were giving out beer 3 at a time. It was an awesome way to end such a great run!! read more

WOW this is a great run! My husband and I along with another couple flew all the way from California to do it with family that lived in PV Beach. I think this run was organized perfectly, the expo was fantastic and the people cheering you on throughout the race were absolutely fabulous! It was so inexpensive and just really a great experience. Also the Green Monster at mile 8 was not that bad, well that's what I think. Overall I would say this is a pretty easy course and would recommend novice and experienced runners to give it a try. I can't wait to go back next year! :) read more

This is by far the most fun race I have ever run. Onlookers line the streets to root you on as you progress towards the finish line. Homeowners support the racers with everything from water to orange slice, ice pops and yes, mimosas. There are at least 8 live bands that keep the party going throughout the Jacksonville streets. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) does a great job of guarding the area and directing traffic as not to interfere with those aiming to conquer the GREEN MONSTER. I have found this to be the best place to stop and snap a quick picture. I have encouraged so many others to do it and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. read more

This is a really fun race even if you are not a runner! I always have a really good time!

I feel the young lady who stopped to help a fellow runner deserves special recognition and I admire her more than the winners of the 15K. Out of 18,000 plus people, only one person stops to help/ What does that say for runners. read more