Are you ready to have the best Gate River Run ever? On Saturday, March 2, tens of thousands of runners from Northeast Florida, the rest of the state, and the country, will toe the starting line for the country’s largest 15K. It’s a huge and famous event, through the heart of downtown Jacksonville, bookended by two huge bridges. Whether you have experience with this race, or its your first time, we have the tips to conquer all 9.3 miles, as well as the infamous Green Monster!
Get To The Expo
Due to the huge size of the field, local runners must pick up their packets at the Expo on Thursday or Friday. You should have selected a time slot at registration. Day of packet pickup is reserved for out of town runners, only. While you’re there, don’t forget to collect your branded beer glass or coffee mug. These are gifted to runners every year and make for a nice collection.
Pack All The Things
For Gate River Run Day, I tend to bring all the things with me. Sure, I pack my initial race kit, but I also bring a towel, change of shirt, deodorant, phone charger, flip flops, and hairbrush for after. There is a nice little afterparty with beer and pizza, so it’s nice to freshen up a little to be more comfortable. I also bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks for before and after, just in case. Last year was rainy, so I didn’t make it to the pizza – it was nice to have a granola bar and Diet Dr Pepper to refuel.
Arrive At The Race Early
I confess that I tend to get to races early, but the holds extra true for the Gate. With an 8AM start time, I tend to be in my parking spot at 6AM at the latest. Silly? Maybe. But traffic happens. The main lot at TIAA Field does fill up. And at a certain point in the morning, the bridge and roads close down, meaning you might not be able to get to the start line. I’d rather show up, get my choice of spot, and snooze in the car if need be. I’m way too anxious to deal with potential parking problems on race day. It’s also a great time to get some pre-race photos and meet up with friends.
Bring Your Sun Protection
Despite the fact that this is a 9.3 mile race, the Gate starts at 8AM, which is a little late for my taste. The majority of the course is unshaded, on asphalt, so be ready with your sun protection. Hats, visors, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all recommended. The weather is always fickle this time of year, so the hat or visor will work double duty in case of rain.
Don’t Start Too Fast
I know, I know, this is generic race info, but I mean it. It is VERY easy to get caught up in the excitement on the morning of the Gate, which means it’s also very easy to go out way too fast and wear yourself out. Pace yourself. Even if you’re going for the top 10% hat, stay even and play the long game.
Pick Up Your Feet!
Both the Main Street and Hart Bridges are grated, which is a huge tripping and slipping hazard. You’ll encounter the first at Mile 1 and the latter at Mile 8. No matter what, pick up your feet and watch your footing (if you’re not afraid of heights). I’ve seen way too many people fall and hurt themselves by tripping on the grates and it’s no way to end a good race.
Have Fun!
The Gate River Run is really an incredible experience. I always say that you should race it at least once, and enjoy it at least once. It’s a fast and famous race, with prize money and a perk for the top 10% of finishers, but it’s also heavy on crowd support and has block party vibes. The music and community feel is second to none, and it’s fun to take advantage.
Will we see you at the Gate this year? If not, are you racing? Any fun tips to add?
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This is going to be an awesome race!
I love that you get to your races early. I do the same – I like to park the car, go to the porta-potties and warm up a bit. It really helps to calm pre-race jitters. All the best for your race, Jenn!
Yup. I would rather be there and not have to worry about it. Mr PugRunner asked if we should leave around 6:30. I told him he could drive his own car if that’s how he wanted to roll
Great tips! Sounds like this will be a fun race!
I’m nervous but excited!
This sounds like such a fun race! I like to get to races early as well and it helps calm my nerves. Can’t wait to hear about your race day!
I can’t say that it helps my nerves, but it doesn’t make them worse LOL
These are great tips! I like to bring everything I could possibly need too if I am driving. It is always nice to have a warm layer to put on afterwards.
I pack HEAVY on race days.
Wow, that’s a huge race. It sounds like a lot of fun and these are great tips to get the most out of it. Especially the getting there early. One of the things I dislike the most about big races is the logistics so I always try to get there very early.
It IS huge, but also awesome.
It’s well organized but you just have to be there early.