The Main Street Bridge, the blue structure to the right, is the first river overpass in the annual Gate River Run in Jacksonville, Florida..
Thousands of runners and spectators head to Jacksonville, Florida, each year for the Gate River Run, a 15-kilometer (9.3 mile) foot race that cuts a path through the city's streets and bridges straddling the St. Johns River. The event, which celebrated its 33rd year in 2010, draws five-minute milers and sluggish joggers alike. The 2011 purse includes $80,000 worth of winnings including a $12,000 grand prize but for the vast majority of runners the challenge lies in just finishing the race, especially when it comes to scaling the Hart Bridge in Mile 8, also known as the "Green Monster." Don't let the race intimidate you, though. Even the novice runner can get ready in a matter of weeks.
Instructions
1. Get pumped. Unlike a charity 5K, the Gate can be a beast for runners of all ability levels. Map out a nine- or 10-mile run about a week before the race to ensure you're comfortable with the distance. There are training programs, too, hosted by Jacksonville's 1st Place Sports and JTC Running. Think about a "couch-to-half-marathon" program. It may seem like overkill, but the distance is not so much longer.
2. Register. Sign up online at the official Gate River Run website or turn in a form to Jacksonville's 1st Place Sports either in person or via U.S. Mail.
3. Head to the runner's expo. Race numbers and electronic timing chips are distributed in the two days leading up to the race. The expo location can be subject to change but it generally is held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds adjacent to Everbank Field.
4. Find the starting line. The Gate River Run starts between Metropolitan Park and Everbank Field (home of the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars). There are thousands of parking spaces in the adjacent lot, but some runners may want to take advantage of meter parking downtown -- fees are waived on weekends unless otherwise posted -- so that they can make a one- or two-mile jog to the starting line as a warm up.
5. Get in the pack. If you're a speedster, get as close to the starting line as you can. There are thousands of people who pack together at the start and clumps of those joggers will definitely hold you back if you plan anything below an eight-minute pace. However, if you plan to do a run-walk or would like to push a stroller, you might be more comfortable starting further back. Experienced and elite runners can register for seeded positions if they can validate past race times.
6. Wait for the gun. Because of the number of people competing in the event, organizers ask everyone to be in the lineup by 8 a.m. Listen for the cannon blast at 8:30 a.m. to begin the route. The top 25 female runners will be given a five minute head-start so that they can compete strictly among each other.
7. Enjoy the scenery. Wave to the residents and spectators who line the route to cheer on the runners. Watch the St. Johns roll under the Main Street Bridge and smack against the Southbank as you pass through the San Marco neighborhood.
8. Hydrate. Be sure to keep hydrated with some water, which is handed out in cups throughout the course.
9. Scale the "Green Monster." Not long after you pass the Mile 7 marker, you'll be headed up the Hart Bridge. Don't let the incline get in your head. It only goes on for a half-mile and the remainder of the run is literally downhill.
10. Celebrate. Head back to the expo area, where there are complimentary snacks and beer. Brag about your accomplishment to other runners. But be polite and listen to them brag, too.
Tags: Gate River, starting line, Everbank Field, Green Monster, Hart Bridge, Jacksonville Florida, Jacksonville Place