Gate River Run week is here: What you need to know for Jacksonville's 2023 15K race
Gate River Run week is here.
For the 46th year, runners from across Northeast Florida and beyond are scheduled to race through the streets of downtown Jacksonville, San Marco and St. Nicholas in the 2023 Gate River Run, the First Coast's annual 15-kilometer running tradition.
The run, which also serves as the national 15K championship for USA Track & Field, covers more than nine miles and includes two bridges, the Main Street Bridge early and the Hart Bridge, the dreaded Green Monster, near the end.
Here's what you need to know about this year's race.
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When is the 2023 Gate River Run?
The race begins Saturday, March 4. Wave 1 of the main field starts the 15K at 8 a.m., just after adaptive athletes (7:52 a.m.) and elite women (7:55 a.m.). Wave 2 (gray) begins at 8:05 a.m., followed by Wave 3 (purple) at 8:10 a.m. and Wave 4 (pink) at 8:15 a.m. Runners are urged to reach their zone at least 15 minutes prior to the start. Race director Doug Alred encouraged participants to arrive downtown an hour early if possible.
Where will the 2023 Gate River Run start and finish?
The starting line for the 15K course will be along Duval Street, just south of the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. The race finishes just southwest of the Jacksonville Jaguars' home at TIAA Bank Field. In between, participants will run west along Duval Street before turning onto Laura, Forsyth, and Ocean to cross the Main Street Bridge; zigzag through San Marco, including a full block along the St. Johns River on River Road; race along Hendricks Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard on their way to the neighborhoods of St. Nicholas; and take Atlantic once again to the Hart Bridge for its final descent to the finish.
Who are the defending champions?
Nico Montanez won the 2022 Gate River Run men's race, and Emily Sisson repeated as women's champion.
How many runners will participate in the 2023 Gate River Run?
Registration remains open through Friday, March 3. There is no race-day registration. Since 2007, with the exception of the COVID-capped 2021 run, every edition has had more than 10,000 finishers, including 10,318 in the 2022 race.
What are the record times at the Gate River Run?
Todd Williams set the men's record of 42:22 in 1995, and Shalane Flanagan ran 47 minutes flat in the women's race in 2014. Both times are American records for the 15K distance, not just for this course.
Who has won the Gate River Run the most times?
Meb Keflezighi won the men's race at the Gate River Run six times (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007), and Deena Kastor (formerly Drossin) won the women's Gate River Run (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008).
How do runners pick up packets for the Gate River Run?
Runners can pick up their packets within their designated time slots at the Expo inside the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, which lasts from 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Runners from outside Jacksonville who have already registered can pick up their packets on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. but must pay a $5 fee for race-day pickup.
Where are parking and restrooms for runners?
Multiple lots around TIAA Bank Field are expected to be open for the race. Restrooms are located east of the starting line and at Metropolitan Park.
What are the best places to watch?
For the thousands of spectators lining the course every year, among the many favorite spots are the start and especially the finish line near Daily's Place, which includes seating. Other locations of note include the approach to the Hart Bridge, the run along San Marco Boulevard to the 5K mark and the straightaway down Atlantic Boulevard near Bishop Kenny High School.
What other events are part of Gate River Run weekend?
In addition to the 15K at 8 a.m., other events include the 5K for Charity at 8:45 a.m., Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile at 10 a.m., and the Diaper Dash and Junior River Run at 11 a.m. Runners in the 5K are recommended to wait to take up their starting positions until the 15K start is complete shortly after 8:15.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Gate River Run 2023 in Jacksonville: What you need to know
