People still signing up for Gate River Run

Runner's expo open until 8 p.m. for late signups

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lines were long Friday afternoon with people still signing up to run either the 15K or one of the shorter races downtown on Saturday.

The runner's expo continues until 8 p.m., allowing runners and fans the chance to register and buy new gear.

From young to not so young, the fairgrounds was packed with runners Friday picking up packets or signing up late to make sure they can be part of the Gate River Run on Saturday.

Gate River Run special section 

Many people are very excited about the race.

Susan Abbott signed herself and her kids up for the Junior River Run Friday morning, and plans on running Saturday with other people from their school.

"I just told them they have got to run. They are going to run it and like it," Abbott said. 

Other people at the runner's expo hadn't waited until the last minute to sign up. Many have run the race for years, seeing the course in a few different variations.

"It's more and more fun every year. I love being in the crowds, too. The crowds on the streets too, cheering us on. It's just a great experience."

News4Jax sports director Sam Kouvaris and a large team of reporters and photographers will be covering all angles of the race Saturday morning.  The Morning Show begins at 7 a.m. on Channel 4 with pre-race activities, with the gun sounding on the 15K run just before 8:24 p.m.