Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s race

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Around 14,000 runners are getting ready to participate in the Gate River Run this Saturday, and there are some things you need to know ahead of the race, especially if you’ll be around the downtown area.

The main 15K race, which is the largest 15K in the country, is set to begin at 8 a.m., and it will start on Duval Street, in front of the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

Runner’s Expo

The Runner’s Expo will start on Thursday and will end on Saturday. It is open to the public and will feature over 100 exhibits ranging from running shoes and apparel to health services and other fitness-related products.

Runners will also collect their packets at the Expo. Please note that if you live within 30 miles of the Jacksonville area, you must pick up your packet at the expo on Thursday or Friday.

Jacksonville area participants can not pick up their packets on race day.

Expo Hours:

• Thursday, Feb. 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Friday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Saturday, March 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The following road will be closed starting Friday:

• Duval Street between Randolph Boulevard and Franklin Street: The road will be closed from noon on Friday, March 1, until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

The Runner’s Expo will take place at Jacksonville’s Sports Complex. Parking for the Expo will be available in lot P of EverBank Stadium, across from the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

Race Day

The elite women will start at 7:54 a.m., and the elite men along with Wave One runners will begin at 8 a.m.

Wave Two will begin at 8:05 a.m., Wave Three will begin at 8:10 a.m., and Wave Four will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Water stations and toilets will be located throughout the course, and entertainment will be provided each mile during the race, according to organizers.

Here’s the map of the 15K course:

The following roads will be closed on Race Day:

• Duval Street (Jacksonville Fairgrounds to Main Street Bridge): 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

• Randolph from Adams to Bay: 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Main Street Bridge: 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Riverplace Blvd – Prudential Drive: 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

• San Marco Blvd (Prudential to Laverne): 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

• River Road and River Oaks Road: 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

• Hendricks Ave (River Oaks to Alexandria): 8:20 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Alexandria and Belote: 8:20 AM to 10:15 a.m.

• Atlantic Blvd. West Bound (Belote to Holmesdale): 8:20 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

• Holmesdale, Nicholson, Olive and Gay: 8:20 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

• Altantic Blvd. West Bound (Gay to Hart Bridge): 8:20 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Hart Bridge Southeast Bound (Atlantic Blvd to Duval Street: 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Following the race, there will be a celebration at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Publix will be providing free food and drinks. There will also be a live band, kids’ bounce game, and, of course — an awards ceremony.

For more information on the Gate River Run visit this website.