Registrations are pouring in for the 2013 running of Jacksonville's largest participation sporting event: the 36th annual Gate River Run.

This year's event will take place Saturday, March 9, starting and finishing at the Jacksonville Sports Complex.

More than 23,000 people annually take to the streets in Jacksonville during four separate races through some of Jacksonville’s most scenic neighborhoods -- the biggest of this is the nation's largest 15K.

For the first time ever, all registration will be online only. The deadline is February 28, but there is a $5 discount for registering prior to February 1.

“We will cap the 15K at 20,000," Race Director Doug Alred said. "If there is still space available, we will open registration back up at the Race Expo March 7 and 8.”

For the 20th year, the River Run is the site of the USA 15K Championship, which attracts a top field of world-class American runners racing for the largest prize money purse of any major non-marathon event in the United States.

The Gate River Run is the site of both the men’s and women’s 15K American records and is a Runner’s World ‘Top 100 Event.’

The top 5,000 runners will be seeded again this year to start in the front. The Equalizer Bonus will again award $5,000 to the first man or woman to cross the finish line. 

But the vast majority of those on the course are recreational runners, and all finishers will receive a medal.  The top 10 percent of finishers receive a special award.

The day offers something for everyone: The Florida Times-Union 5K (3.1 miles) Run & Walk for Charity at 8:30 am; 15K (9.3 miles) National Championship at 8:30 am; Adidas Junior River Run (1 mile) for children 13 and under; Brooks Rehab Challenge Mile for challenged athletes at 10:30 am; Diaper Dashes for up to age 4 and a three-day Fitness Expo.

All events begin and end at the Jacksonville Sports Complex.  The 15K race starts on Gator Bowl Blvd. and finishes adjacent to EverBank Field.  A large post-race party will be held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

Additional information is available at Gate-Riverrun.com or at 904-731-1900.