{"id":181433,"date":"2026-03-06T23:33:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/181433\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T23:33:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:33:13","slug":"thousands-flock-to-runners-expo-ahead-of-gate-river-run-with-record-turnout-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/181433\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands flock to Runners\u2019 Expo ahead of Gate River Run with record turnout expected"},"content":{"rendered":"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Thousands of people collected bibs, shopped for gear and sampled Jacksonville hospitality at the Runner\u2019s Expo<\/a> in Mandarin on Friday ahead of Saturday\u2019s Gate River Run 15K.<\/p>\n

RELATED | What to know if you\u2019re running \u2014 or watching \u2014 the Gate River Run<\/a><\/p>\n

The energy at the event at the shopping plaza off San Jose Boulevard was upbeat, with first-time participants and longtime runners mixing at vendor booths and the registration area. Organizers said about 20,000 people have registered for this year\u2019s race, which could be record-breaking.<\/p>\n

Race organizers moved the expo from downtown to Mandarin because of downtown construction and development.<\/p>\n

Also because of that ongoing construction around EverBank Stadium, the start and finish lines are not in their usual spots. <\/p>\n

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The Gate River Run is almost here which means there will be thousands of runners along the 15K course through the San Marco and Downtown areas. <\/p>\n

Take a look at this\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Mxky8igCZI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) March 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

But the change has not deterred runners from across the country who want to take part in what promoters call the nation\u2019s largest 15K. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy goal is to do a 10-minute mile so I plan to be done in 90 minutes. That\u2019s what I plan to be. I\u2019m 63 so I\u2019m pushing it so I\u2019m going to be doing it so yes,\u201d said one runner from California. <\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to finish… Standing up,\u201d said Gary, who\u2019s running in his 49th race at 80 years old. <\/p>\n

The expo remains open until 6 p.m., and organizers said on-site registration was available for those who want to sign up on Friday but has since closed. Registered runners were advised to arrive early Saturday \u2014 around 5 or 6 a.m. \u2014 to allow time for parking, bag check and stretching before the 8 a.m. start.<\/p>\n

JSO said to expect road closures and delays in the downtown and San Marco areas. <\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n