Gate River Run

The Gate River Run is an annual 15K road race in Jacksonville, Florida that attracts both competitive and recreational runners. It has been the US National Championship 15K since 1994 and in 2007 became the largest 15K race in the country. It was voted as one of the top US Road Races for last 20 years by Runner's World Magazine. [ [http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1471001&CHECKSSO=1&RESET=0 Active.com: event detail-Gate River Run] ]

What makes the race so popular?

Prize money exceeds $65,000 including bonus money for record-breaking performances.
Live Bands perform at ten locations along the race course.
Finish line is on the playing field at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium--runners can watch themselves on the JumboTrons.
Medals are given to all 15K finishers.
There is a 3-day runner's expo with dozens of vendor representatives promoting running and health-related products. Seminars with running themes are presented; typical topics are: [ [http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=53326 First Coast News.com: Mar 8, 2006-Gearing up for the Gate River Run] ] Hydration and Nutrition, Foot and Ankle Injuries, Shin Splits and Shoe Fitting, Basic Injury Care

A fantastic post-race party is at the Fairgrounds:

*Prize drawings *Posted Race Results *Prize money awards *Kids races & goodies

*Healthy food & drink to recharge your body *A top Jacksonville band *Miller Lite beer *Clowns & Entertainment for children

Participation

The group of competitive runners plus 13,000+ recreational runners -- some for the first time -- are joined by a few thousand more supporters, spectators and volunteers who make this Jacksonville's largest participation sporting event. [ [http://www.news4jax.com/sports/7905330/detail.html News4Jax sports: Mar 11, 2006-10,000 Participate; Keflezighi Wins Gate River Run] ] There are water stations at each mile interval and first aid stations.

History

The race is sponsored by Gate Petroleum and was first held in 1977.

References

External links

* [http://www.gate-riverrun.com/ Official Race website]
* [http://www.1stplacesports.com/ Offical Race Producer website]
* [http://www.teamgateriverrun.com/ Official Team Gate website]