JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of people collected bibs, shopped for gear and sampled Jacksonville hospitality at the Runner’s Expo in Mandarin on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Gate River Run 15K.
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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’s race, which could be record-breaking.
Race organizers moved the expo from downtown to Mandarin because of downtown construction and development.
Also because of that ongoing construction around EverBank Stadium, the start and finish lines are not in their usual spots.
𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐔𝐍: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) March 6, 2026
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.
Take a look at this… pic.twitter.com/Mxky8igCZI
But the change has not deterred runners from across the country who want to take part in what promoters call the nation’s largest 15K.
“My goal is to do a 10-minute mile so I plan to be done in 90 minutes. That’s what I plan to be. I’m 63 so I’m pushing it so I’m going to be doing it so yes,” said one runner from California.
“I just want to finish... Standing up,” said Gary, who’s running in his 49th race at 80 years old.
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 — around 5 or 6 a.m. — to allow time for parking, bag check and stretching before the 8 a.m. start.
JSO said to expect road closures and delays in the downtown and San Marco areas.