What’s so special about today, besides being the first day of October? It’s the first day of the Gate River Run 2025 registration! On March 1, 2025 tens of thousands of runners will run the streets of Jacksonville with me! This year marks the 48th anniversary of the Gate River Run (GRR). I thought it might be fun to give a little break down on what makes this race so special. This is the biggest race of the year in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville happens to be the city that I was born and raised in and never have left (besides moving 15 miles south). It’s a 15K (9.3 miles) that runs through our beautiful downtown. You get to run over the St. Johns River twice on two separate bridges, there are at least 14 different bands set up on the course to provide you entertainment, and the city really shows up for this race! Much of the race course is through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Marco and St Nicholas and the crowd support is remarkable. You’ll see people dressed up in costumes, people outside their homes handing out treats and drinks to the runners, even the BEST brewery in Jacksonville Intuition Ale Works has a booth set up on the course if you need a little carb load mid race. Shout out to my brother-in-law, Marion, who is the Director of Brewery Operations.
It’s not all fun and games. If you are a serious runner who is looking to PR then you are not alone. Every year there are elite athletes who dominate this course. In fact, this race has served as the USATF 15K Championships for the last 30 years. Of course, this brings some of the biggest names in road racing to our city. Shalane Flanagan holds the course record of 47:00 from 2014. Emily Sisson won the GRR three years in a row. Bill Rogers (who you might know as the four time winner of the New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon) was the very first winner of the GRR back in 1978. Both Meb Keflezighi and Deena (Drossin) Kastor have won it 6 times (not the same years).
Don’t let the elite crowd intimidate you. Most people are not elite at this race. There are many people that walk the entire 9.3 miles. Lots of families dress up in matching shirts and walk this race together. There are runners in costumes and even people pushing strollers. This race truly has something for everyone- even the little ones! I’ll talk about the diaper dash later!
How could I talk about the GRR without mentioning the 3 day long Expo? The GRR has a huge Expo with numerous booths set up for you to explore. There are samples of electrolyte drinks and gels, giveaways and so much more! The local running store 1st Place Sports basically sets up their entire running store inside the Expo, in the same venue where Bib pick up is located. When you register, you pick which day and time you want to pick up your bib and shirt. You also get to choose between a coffee mug or a pint glass. I always pick the pint glass! 🙂 See my pint models below:
The course itself is beautiful. There are so many historic houses along the course and most people come outside and support the runners! The course is only a few miles from my parent’s house and they usually come out to see me run by. A bonus is that they show up at the beginning of the race so I’m still looking strong. Ha! I also enjoy the nostalgia of running right past my high school, Bishop Kenny, which is located on the St. Johns River. I mentioned the bridges earlier, the first of which is the Main Street Bridge at the beginning of the race with barely any elevation; so nothing to worry about. The last bridge, The Hart Bridge, is towards the end. In fact, once you get to the top of that bridge you have one mile to go. This bridge is referred to as “The Green Monster” not only because it is painted green but because it has a 6% incline and it takes a half mile to get to the top. As monstrous as the Hart Bridge is, once you get to the top you are only one mile away from the finish line and it is all downhill from there. Don’t let the bridge intimidate you, instead do some bridge work before the race and know that you are strong! If you need to stop running stay in motion and you’ll be fine! Walking for a little bit on that incline isn’t going to kill your entire race. You’ll make up for the walking when you zoom down the bridge.
The GRR also has a fun incentive if you want to challenge yourself: the top 10% of men and women finishers earn a fun embroidered hat. These hats are always top notch, and are a little exclusive giving you not only style points but also a little bit of clout! In fact, I was running at a Walt Disney World Resort not that long ago and a young man recognized my hat: he was wearing the same one! This year’s hat was Alter Ego brand. Since I started running the GRR I’ve made it my goal to earn a hat every time.
One of my favorite parts of the GRR is the after party sponsored by Publix. Once the running has concluded, the Publix Post Race Celebration commences as a huge block party with unlimited Miller Lite!
This year the celebration will include a live band, 120 kegs of free beer, awards ceremony, kids bounce games and lots of goodies! It’s fun for the entire family! Also at 11:00am there is a Diaper Dash that is a hilarious event to watch! The babies will “run” anywhere from 25 to 40 feet. There are 4 divisions:
1. 12 months and under
2. 13 to 24 months
3. 25 to 36 months
4. 37 to 48 months
I’m thinking of signing my son up for this next year. He’d be in the 25 to 36 month group so watch out for a true champion on the field.
Last year the GRR added a team aspect to the race. Now you can register as a team which might be a fun way to coax a family member or friend into running a 15K with you! There’s plenty of time to train! There are also awards for the top teams if you feel like being competitive.
If the 15K seems too daunting or maybe someone you are traveling with isn’t ready for a 9.3 mile race, there is also a 5K and a Junior River Run for kids 13 and under. There is also the Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile for challenged athletes.
I hope you consider running the Gate River Run this year! If you do, come by and say hi!
Find me on Intagram @auntkellyruns
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