JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of runners are preparing for Jacksonville’s Gate River Run, and many used Saturday’s Hart Bridge practice to sharpen their legs and strategy.
PRS Running Club hosted its annual Hart Bridge practice run to help athletes get race-ready and to raise money for local causes.
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“We’ve done this since 2020. We like to support local charities, two local charities. So this year we’re supporting Runners4Recovery and Sombrero Outreach Foundation,” said Paul McRae, founder of PRS Running Club.
“This town is really incredible when it comes to running,” said Paul Davis, one of the participants, as runners laced up early Saturday.
Known by many as the “green monster,” the Hart Bridge presents a steep, late-course climb that can change a runner’s race plan.
“Everybody always talks about the green monster. You never know what to expect when you get there,” said Crown Mohoro, who practiced the whole route before the big race next week.
“Last year, I did 57 minutes, so this year I’m going for 55 minutes so trying to get better every time,” Mohoro said.
As runners reached the bridge they focused on small, immediate goals to make the climb feel manageable.
“As we’ve been training, like don’t look at the top of the hill. Look only ten feet in front of you and it’s less intimidating,” said Dan Hofacker and Joe Ruppert, who were running together.
Many participants said they were finishing key training runs now so they could enjoy race day.
“I’m trying to get the training done now so I can enjoy the run next week,” said Rachel Douglas and Susanna Callender.
Runners also celebrated the fun, community aspects of the Gate River Run course — the signs, the quirky aid stations and the crowd energy that make the day festive.
“People throwing the little Dunkin’ Donut balls at you in San Marco,” said Hofacker and Ruppert.
“My favorite is the pickle shot. It helps with cramping,” said Douglas and Callender.
At the practice finish, runners traded high-fives, optimism and a few laughs about meeting their goals for race day.
“Good,” one runner said when asked how they were feeling. “Probably, hopefully,” another added.