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{{short description|Annual footrace in Jacksonville, Florida, United States}}
{{Infobox athletics race
{{Infobox athletics race
| bgcolour = #FFBD5E
| bgcolour = #FFBD5E
Line 7: Line 8:
| location = downtown [[Jacksonville, Florida]]
| location = downtown [[Jacksonville, Florida]]
| type = [[Road running|Road race]]
| type = [[Road running|Road race]]
| distance = 15 kilometer
| distance = [[15K run|15 kilometer]]
| est = 1978
| est = 1978
| record = Men: 42:22 (1995)<br> [[Todd Williams (athlete)|Todd Williams]]<br> Women: 47:03 (2014)<br> [[Shalane Flanagan]]
| record = Men: 42:22 (1995)<br> [[Todd Williams (athlete)|Todd Williams]]<br> Women: 47:03 (2014)<br> [[Shalane Flanagan]]
Line 13: Line 14:
}}
}}


The '''Gate River Run (GRR)''', formerly known as the '''Jacksonville River Run''', is an annual 15 kilometer [[road running]] event in [[Jacksonville, Florida]] that attracts both competitive and recreational runners. It has been the US National Championship 15K since 1994 and in 2007 became the largest 15K race in the country. It "was voted [as] one of the top US Road Races for last 20 years by Runner's World Magazine."<ref>[http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1471001&CHECKSSO=1&RESET=0 "Gate River Run"] Active.com, Events</ref> Local news media describe it as "one of Jacksonville's premiere annual events."<ref>[[Sam Kouvaris|Kouvaris, Sam]]:[http://www.news4jax.com/sports/7905330/detail.html "10,000 Participate; Keflezighi Wins Gate River Run"] News4Jax sports, March 11, 2006</ref>
The '''Gate River Run (GRR)''', formerly known as the '''Jacksonville River Run''', is an annual {{convert|15|km|mi|adj=on}} [[road running]] event in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], United States, that attracts both competitive and recreational runners. It has functioned as the US National Championship 15K since 1994, and in 2007 became the largest 15K race in the country. It "was voted [as] one of the top US Road Races for last 20 years by Runner's World Magazine."<ref>[http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1471001&CHECKSSO=1&RESET=0 "Gate River Run"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225045526/http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1471001&CHECKSSO=1&RESET=0 |date=December 25, 2007 }} Active.com, Events</ref> Local news media describe it as "one of Jacksonville's premiere annual events."<ref>[[Sam Kouvaris|Kouvaris, Sam]]:[http://www.news4jax.com/sports/7905330/detail.html "10,000 Participate; Keflezighi Wins Gate River Run"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129202435/http://www.news4jax.com/sports/7905330/detail.html |date=January 29, 2009 }} News4Jax sports, March 11, 2006</ref>


==History==
==History==
The race was first held in 1978 when it was known as the Jacksonville River Run. The initial sponsor of the race was the [[Florida Publishing Co.]], which published the [[Florida Times-Union]] and [[Jacksonville Journal]]. An inspiration for the race was the [[Peachtree Road Race]], a 10,000 meter road race sponsored for several years by the [[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]. An initial planning meeting was held at the Jacksonville YMCA, with representatives of the Y, the newspaper and members of the [[Jacksonville Track Club]]. The 15,000-meter distance was proposed, to distinguish the race from the Atlanta race and the plethora of 10K road races then spreading across the country as a result of the running boom. The course crosses two major bridges spanning the St. Johns River, giving the race its name.<ref>Personal reminiscences of first race director John F. Fannin and Florida Publishing Co. editor/reporter Christopher Hosford</ref>
The race was established by the Jacksonville Track Club (now [https://jtcrunning.com/ JTC Running]) in 1978 when it was known as the Jacksonville River Run. The initial sponsor of the race was the ''Florida Publishing Company'', which published the [[Florida Times-Union]] and [[Jacksonville Journal]]. An inspiration for the race was the [[Peachtree Road Race]], a 10,000 meter road race sponsored for several years by the [[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]. An initial planning meeting was held at the Jacksonville YMCA, with representatives of the Y, the newspaper and members of the [[Jacksonville Track Club]]. The 15,000-meter distance was proposed, to distinguish the race from the Atlanta race and the plethora of 10K road races then spreading across the country as a result of the running boom. The course crosses two major bridges spanning the St. Johns River, giving the race its name.<ref>{{citation|last=Davis|first=Ennis Armon|title=Jacksonville|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eKCMCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA85|date=October 12, 2015|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-1-4671-1468-4|page=85}}</ref>


Running legend [[Bill Rodgers (athlete)|Bill Rodgers]], who is a four-time winner of both the [[New York City Marathon|New York City]] and [[Boston Marathon]]s, won the first River Run. He was invited by the organizers, pending an appearance fee of $1,000, which was an under-the-table payment because of the amateur status of so many world-class athletes at that time. There was no other appearance or prize money offered. Rodgers' powerful victory helped catapult the event into the national running consciousness. On the women's side, [[Kim Merritt]], a national-class runner in a period when women were first beginning to be taken seriously at longer distances, took home the distaff honors.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
Running legend [[Bill Rodgers (athlete)|Bill Rodgers]], who is a four-time winner of both the [[New York City Marathon|New York City]] and [[Boston Marathon]]s, won the first River Run. He was invited by the organizers, pending an appearance fee of $1,000, which was an under-the-table payment because of the amateur status of so many world-class athletes at that time. There was no other appearance or prize money offered. Rodgers' powerful victory helped catapult the event into the national running consciousness. On the women's side, [[Kim Merritt]], a national-class runner in a period when women were first beginning to be taken seriously at longer distances, took home the distaff honors.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Starting Line Newsletter, 2015 Gate River Run Edition|journal=JTC running|date=2015|volume=41|issue=408|page=14|url=http://jtcrunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SL408Jan_Feb2015.pdf|accessdate=1 November 2016}}</ref>


[[Gate Petroleum]] became the underwriting sponsor in 1994.<ref>[http://www.arrs.net/HP_Jax15.htm "Race Winners"] Association of Road Racing Statisticians, River Run 15 km</ref> [[Todd Williams (athlete)|Todd Williams]] holds the American 15K record with a time of 42:22 at the 1995 GRR, which he won five times.<ref name=FTU>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=David|title=Placing first by a second at Gate River Run|url=http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/other_sports/2009-03-15/story/placing_first_by_a_second|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=Florida Times-Union|date=March 16, 2009}}</ref> [[Deena Drossin]], who has won the GRR six times, holds the women's record with 47:15 at the GRR in 2003.<ref name=COOL>{{cite news|title=Keflezighi to Defend USA 15K Title at Gate River Run|url=http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_1/keflezighi-to-defend-usa-.shtml|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=Cool Running|date=March 11, 2004}}</ref>
[[Gate Petroleum]] became the underwriting sponsor in 1994.<ref>[https://www.arrs.run/HP_Jax15.htm "Race Winners"] Association of Road Racing Statisticians, River Run 15 km</ref> [[Todd Williams (athlete)|Todd Williams]] holds the American 15K record with a time of 42:22 at the 1995 GRR, which he won five times.<ref name=FTU>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=David|title=Placing first by a second at Gate River Run|url=http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/other_sports/2009-03-15/story/placing_first_by_a_second|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=Florida Times-Union|date=March 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829135512/http://jacksonville.com/sports/other_sports/2009-03-15/story/placing_first_by_a_second|archive-date=29 August 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Shalane Flanagan]], won in 2014 and set the new women's record with 47:00. Before that, [[Deena Drossin]], who has won the GRR six times, held the women's record with 47:15 at the GRR in 2003.<ref name=COOL>{{cite news |title=Keflezighi to Defend USA 15K Title at Gate River Run |url=http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_1/keflezighi-to-defend-usa-.shtml |accessdate=11 March 2013 |newspaper=Cool Running |date=March 11, 2004 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430155904/http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3_1/keflezighi-to-defend-usa-.shtml |archivedate=30 April 2008 }}</ref>


An equalizer was added in 2004. The difference in time between the women's and men's 15K national records was 4:53,<ref name=COOL /> so the elite women runners got a five-minute [[Head start (positioning)|head start]] on the elite men. The first finisher, man or woman, receives a $5,000 bonus.<ref name=FTU /> Even so, the women had only won the prize once (in 2007). In 2012, the equalizer was increased to 6:35, and Janet Cherobon won the $5,000 bonus that year and in 2013.
An equalizer was added in 2004. The difference in time between the women's and men's 15K national records was 4:53,<ref name=COOL /> so the elite women runners got a five-minute [[Head start (positioning)|head start]] on the elite men. The first finisher, man or woman, receives a $5,000 bonus.<ref name=FTU /> Even so, the women had only won the prize once (in 2007). In 2012, the equalizer was increased to 6:35, and Janet Cherobon won the $5,000 bonus that year and in 2013.


==Race details==
==Race details==
In 2013, total prize money exceeded $85,000, including bonus money for record-breaking performances. The event has more prize money than any major non-marathon event in the United States. There are separate but equal awards for men and women individuals, teams and [[Masters athletics|masters]] (over 40).
In 2013, total prize money exceeded $85,000, including bonus money for record-breaking performances. The event has more prize money than any major non-marathon event in the United States.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} There are separate but equal awards for men and women individuals, teams and [[Masters athletics|masters]] (over 40).


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 110: Line 111:
| Fastest male & female resident Duval, Clay, Nassau or St. Johns
| Fastest male & female resident Duval, Clay, Nassau or St. Johns
|}
|}
Live bands perform at locations along the race course and the finish line is beside [[Everbank Field]]. Special running caps are given to the top 10 percent of racers and medals are given to all 15K finishers.<ref name=MSNBC /><ref name=GRR>{{cite web|title=15K Information|url=http://gate-riverrun.com/15K.htm|publisher=Gate River Run|accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref>
Live bands perform at locations along the race course and the finish line is beside [[TIAA Bank Field]]. Special running caps are given to the top 10 percent of racers and medals are given to all 15K finishers.<ref name=MSNBC /><ref name=GRR>{{cite web |title=15K Information |url=http://gate-riverrun.com/15K.htm |publisher=Gate River Run |accessdate=11 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314101607/http://www.gate-riverrun.com/15K.htm |archivedate=14 March 2013 }}</ref>


There is a 3-day runner's expo, with dozens of vendor representatives promoting running and health-related products. Seminars with running themes are presented; typical topics are:<ref>Spears, Angela: [http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=53326 "Gearing up for the Gate River Run"] First Coast News, March 8, 2006</ref>
There is a 3-day runner's expo, with dozens of vendor representatives promoting running and health-related products. Seminars with running themes are presented; typical topics are:<ref>Spears, Angela: [http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=53326 "Gearing up for the Gate River Run"] First Coast News, March 8, 2006</ref>
Hydration and Nutrition, Foot and Ankle Injuries, Shin Splits and Shoe Fitting, Basic Injury Care. [[Bill Rodgers (athlete)|Bill Rodgers]] was a special guest at the expo in 2013, talking about running and signing autographs.<ref name=BILL>{{cite news|last=Parenteau|first=Chris|title=Bill Rodgers inspires River Runners|url=http://www.news4jax.com/sports/Bill-Rodgers-inspires-River-Runners/-/475646/19241828/-/13bkm45z/-/index.html|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=News4Jax|date=Mar 8, 2013}}</ref>
Hydration and Nutrition, Foot and Ankle Injuries, Shin Splits and Shoe Fitting, Basic Injury Care. [[Bill Rodgers (athlete)|Bill Rodgers]] was a special guest at the expo in 2013, talking about running and signing autographs.<ref name=BILL>{{cite news|last=Parenteau|first=Chris|title=Bill Rodgers inspires River Runners|url=http://www.news4jax.com/sports/Bill-Rodgers-inspires-River-Runners/-/475646/19241828/-/13bkm45z/-/index.html|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=News4Jax|date=Mar 8, 2013|archive-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314051822/http://www.news4jax.com/sports/Bill-Rodgers-inspires-River-Runners/-/475646/19241828/-/13bkm45z/-/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Following the race, [[Publix]] supermarkets hosts a celebration at the fairgrounds.
Following the race, [[Publix]] supermarkets hosts a celebration at the fairgrounds.


In 2013, 17,454 people registered for the race, with 15,569 runners actually completing it.<ref name=FTU /><ref name=Results>{{cite web|title=2013 Overall Results|url=http://www.gate-riverrun.com/grr13overallres.htm|publisher=Gate River Run|accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref>
In 2013, 17,454 people registered for the race, with 15,569 runners actually completing it.<ref name=FTU /><ref name=Results>{{cite web|title=2013 Overall Results|url=http://www.gate-riverrun.com/grr13overallres.htm|publisher=Gate River Run|accessdate=11 March 2013}}</ref>
The winner was Ben True from [[Hanover, New Hampshire]] with a time of 43:38. The fastest woman in 2013 was [[Janet Cherobon-Bawcom]], from [[Rome, Georgia]] at 49:44.<ref name=MSNBC>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29691968/ "15K Take To Streets In 15K River Run"] WJXT-TV, March 15, 2009</ref> The related races, the ''[[Florida Times-Union]] 5K Run & Walk for Charity'', and the one-mile ''Junior River Run'' had 2,041 and 1,873 participants, respectively.<ref name=MSNBC />
The winner was Ben True from [[Hanover, New Hampshire]] with a time of 43:38. The fastest woman in 2013 was [[Janet Cherobon-Bawcom]], from [[Rome, Georgia]] at 49:44.<ref name=MSNBC>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29691968/ "15K Take To Streets In 15K River Run"]{{dead link|date=November 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} WJXT-TV, March 15, 2009</ref> The related races, the ''[[Florida Times-Union]] 5K Run & Walk for Charity'', and the one-mile ''Junior River Run'' had 2,041 and 1,873 participants, respectively.<ref name=MSNBC />


Doug Alred, who has served as race director for 31 of the 36 years of the race, said that 2013 was the 11th consecutive year of record entries.<ref name=MSNBC />
Doug Alred, who has served as race director for 31 of the 36 years of the race, said that 2013 was the 11th consecutive year of record entries.<ref name=MSNBC />


===Streakers===
===Streakers===
As of 2010, there were 46 ''streakers'', defined as an individual who has completed every River run.<ref name=HALL>Johnson, David: [http://jacksonville.com/sports/local_sports/local_running/2010-03-09/story/three_join_gate_river_run_hall_of_fame "Three join Gate River Run Hall of Fame"] Florida Times-Union, March 10, 2010</ref>
Upon completion of the 2021 race, there were 26 ''Streakers'', defined as an individual who has completed every River Run.<ref name=HALL>Johnson, David: [http://jacksonville.com/sports/local_sports/local_running/2010-03-09/story/three_join_gate_river_run_hall_of_fame "Three join Gate River Run Hall of Fame"] Florida Times-Union, March 10, 2010</ref>
Prior to the 2013 race, the number had dropped to 42, as age and injuries took its inevitable toll. During that race, one of those collapsed with a heart attack, but was given CPR by firefighters who were also running the race, and was revived with a defibrillator from a quickly responding emergency unit.<ref>{{cite news|last=L'Etoile-Lopes|first=Greg|title=Firefighters running in River Run revive 'streaker'|url=http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/article/302511/14/Firefighters-running-in-River-Run-revive-streaker|accessdate=11 March 2013|newspaper=First Coast News|date=March 9, 2013}}</ref>
During the 2013 race, one of the Streakers collapsed with a heart attack, but was given CPR by firefighters who were also running the race, and was revived with a defibrillator from a quickly responding emergency unit.<ref>{{cite news|last=L'Etoile-Lopes |first=Greg |title=Firefighters running in River Run revive 'streaker' |url=http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/article/302511/14/Firefighters-running-in-River-Run-revive-streaker |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410193301/http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/article/302511/14/Firefighters-running-in-River-Run-revive-streaker |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |accessdate=11 March 2013 |newspaper=First Coast News |date=March 9, 2013 }}</ref>


===Hall of Fame===
===Hall of Fame===
The Gate River Run Hall of Fame was established in 2002 and is permanently located in the [[Riverplace Tower]], on the southbank in downtown Jacksonville. Memorabilia dating from the race's inception in 1978 up to the present is on display and a five minute video gives visitors an overview of the race. Plaques for each of the 14 persons inducted into the HOF are on display.<ref name=HALL />
The Gate River Run Hall of Fame was established in 2002 and is permanently located in the [[Riverplace Tower]], on the southbank in downtown Jacksonville. Memorabilia dating from the race's inception in 1978 up to the present is on display and a five-minute video gives visitors an overview of the race. Plaques for each of the 14 persons inducted into the HOF are on display.<ref name=HALL />


==Past winners<ref>http://www.gate-riverrun.com/index.html#history</ref>==
==Past winners==
'''Key:'''
'''Key:'''
{{legend2|#A9F5A9|'''Course record'''|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#A9F5A9|'''Course record'''|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
Line 153: Line 154:
|-
|-
|1980
|1980
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Bob Hodge (runner)|Bob Hodge]]|USA}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|Bob Hodge|USA}}
|44:54
|44:54
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Jennifer White (athlete)|Jennifer White]]|USA}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Jennifer White (athlete)|Jennifer White]]|USA}}
Line 171: Line 172:
|-
|-
|1983
|1983
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Nick Rose]]|GBR}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Nick Rose (runner)|Nick Rose]]|GBR}}
|43:42
|43:42
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Charlotte Teske]]|GER}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Charlotte Teske]]|GER}}
Line 366: Line 367:
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Ben True]]|USA}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Ben True]]|USA}}
|44:03
|44:03
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Christine Ramsey]]|USA}}
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Amy Cragg]]|USA}}
|49:41
|50:18
|-
|-
|2016
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Stanley Kebenei]]|USA}}
|44:37
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Tara Welling]]|USA}}
|50:34
|-
|-
|2017
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Leonard Korir]]|USA}}
|43:22
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Jordan Hasay]]|USA}}
|49:28
|-
|-
|2018
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Leonard Korir]]|USA}}
|43:06
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Molly Huddle]]|USA}}
|47:50
|-
|-
|2019
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Shadrack Kipchirchir]]|USA}}
|43:41
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Erika Kemp]]|USA}}
|50:54
|-
|-
|2020
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Frank Lara]]|USA}}
|44:42
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Marielle Hall]]|USA}}
|48:52
|-
|-
|2021
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Clayton Young]]|USA}}
|43:52
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Emily Sisson]]|USA}}
|48.09
|-
|-
|2022
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Nico Montanez]]|USA}}
|43:09
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Emily Sisson]]|USA}}
|47:28
|-
|-
|2023
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Hillary Bor]]|USA}}
|43:11
|align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Emily Sisson]]|USA}}
|48:26
|-
|-
|}
|}
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1stplacesports.com/grr_index.html#history |title=The Gate River Run |website=1stplacesports.com |accessdate=October 31, 2016 |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101103240/http://www.1stplacesports.com/grr_index.html#history |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|last1=Pepper
|first1=Cole
|last2=Brantley
|first2=Keith
|title=2023 Gate River Run Race Day Special
|work=WJXT-TV
|agency=Graham Media Group
|date=4 March 2023
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4rSh4K6no8
|via=YouTube
|others=1 hour 57 minutes 50 seconds
|publisher=posted by News4JAX The Local Station as '2023 Gate River Run Full Broadcast'
|publication-date=7 March 2023
|location=Jacksonville, Florida
|access-date=13 March 2023
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313173906/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4rSh4K6no8
|archive-date=13 March 2023
|language=en
}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 378: Line 455:
*[http://www.1stplacesports.com/ Official Race Producer website]
*[http://www.1stplacesports.com/ Official Race Producer website]
*[http://www.teamgateriverrun.com/ Official Team Gate website]
*[http://www.teamgateriverrun.com/ Official Team Gate website]
* [http://www.arrs.net/HP_Jax15.htm Race Winners of the Jacksonville River Run] at ''arrs.net''
* [https://www.arrs.run/HP_Jax15.htm Race Winners of the Jacksonville River Run] at ''arrs.run''


{{Jacksonville events}}
{{Jacksonville events}}


[[Category:Sports in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:15K races]]
[[Category:15K runs]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Road running competitions in the United States]]
[[Category:Road running competitions in the United States]]
[[Category:Gate Petroleum]]
[[Category:Gate Petroleum]]

Latest revision as of 17:54, 13 March 2023

Gate River Run
Gate River Run logo
Datethe second Saturday of March
Locationdowntown Jacksonville, Florida
Event typeRoad race
Distance15 kilometer
Established1978
Course recordsMen: 42:22 (1995)
Todd Williams
Women: 47:03 (2014)
Shalane Flanagan
Official sitewww.gate-riverrun.com/

The Gate River Run (GRR), formerly known as the Jacksonville River Run, is an annual 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) road running event in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, that attracts both competitive and recreational runners. It has functioned as the US National Championship 15K since 1994, and in 2007 became the largest 15K race in the country. It "was voted [as] one of the top US Road Races for last 20 years by Runner's World Magazine."[1] Local news media describe it as "one of Jacksonville's premiere annual events."[2]

History[edit]

The race was established by the Jacksonville Track Club (now JTC Running) in 1978 when it was known as the Jacksonville River Run. The initial sponsor of the race was the Florida Publishing Company, which published the Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville Journal. An inspiration for the race was the Peachtree Road Race, a 10,000 meter road race sponsored for several years by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. An initial planning meeting was held at the Jacksonville YMCA, with representatives of the Y, the newspaper and members of the Jacksonville Track Club. The 15,000-meter distance was proposed, to distinguish the race from the Atlanta race and the plethora of 10K road races then spreading across the country as a result of the running boom. The course crosses two major bridges spanning the St. Johns River, giving the race its name.[3]

Running legend Bill Rodgers, who is a four-time winner of both the New York City and Boston Marathons, won the first River Run. He was invited by the organizers, pending an appearance fee of $1,000, which was an under-the-table payment because of the amateur status of so many world-class athletes at that time. There was no other appearance or prize money offered. Rodgers' powerful victory helped catapult the event into the national running consciousness. On the women's side, Kim Merritt, a national-class runner in a period when women were first beginning to be taken seriously at longer distances, took home the distaff honors.[4]

Gate Petroleum became the underwriting sponsor in 1994.[5] Todd Williams holds the American 15K record with a time of 42:22 at the 1995 GRR, which he won five times.[6] Shalane Flanagan, won in 2014 and set the new women's record with 47:00. Before that, Deena Drossin, who has won the GRR six times, held the women's record with 47:15 at the GRR in 2003.[7]

An equalizer was added in 2004. The difference in time between the women's and men's 15K national records was 4:53,[7] so the elite women runners got a five-minute head start on the elite men. The first finisher, man or woman, receives a $5,000 bonus.[6] Even so, the women had only won the prize once (in 2007). In 2012, the equalizer was increased to 6:35, and Janet Cherobon won the $5,000 bonus that year and in 2013.

Race details[edit]

In 2013, total prize money exceeded $85,000, including bonus money for record-breaking performances. The event has more prize money than any major non-marathon event in the United States.[citation needed] There are separate but equal awards for men and women individuals, teams and masters (over 40).

Individual Awards
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
$12,000 $5,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 $900 $800 $700 $600 $500
Bonus Awards
$5,000 Equalizer First male or female finisher
$10,000 World Record Race winner
$5,000 American Record Race winner
$3,000 Course Record Race winner
$200 Florida Cup Fastest male & female resident of Florida
$100 First Coast Cup Fastest male & female resident Duval, Clay, Nassau or St. Johns

Live bands perform at locations along the race course and the finish line is beside TIAA Bank Field. Special running caps are given to the top 10 percent of racers and medals are given to all 15K finishers.[8][9]

There is a 3-day runner's expo, with dozens of vendor representatives promoting running and health-related products. Seminars with running themes are presented; typical topics are:[10] Hydration and Nutrition, Foot and Ankle Injuries, Shin Splits and Shoe Fitting, Basic Injury Care. Bill Rodgers was a special guest at the expo in 2013, talking about running and signing autographs.[11]

Following the race, Publix supermarkets hosts a celebration at the fairgrounds.

In 2013, 17,454 people registered for the race, with 15,569 runners actually completing it.[6][12] The winner was Ben True from Hanover, New Hampshire with a time of 43:38. The fastest woman in 2013 was Janet Cherobon-Bawcom, from Rome, Georgia at 49:44.[8] The related races, the Florida Times-Union 5K Run & Walk for Charity, and the one-mile Junior River Run had 2,041 and 1,873 participants, respectively.[8]

Doug Alred, who has served as race director for 31 of the 36 years of the race, said that 2013 was the 11th consecutive year of record entries.[8]

Streakers[edit]

Upon completion of the 2021 race, there were 26 Streakers, defined as an individual who has completed every River Run.[13] During the 2013 race, one of the Streakers collapsed with a heart attack, but was given CPR by firefighters who were also running the race, and was revived with a defibrillator from a quickly responding emergency unit.[14]

Hall of Fame[edit]

The Gate River Run Hall of Fame was established in 2002 and is permanently located in the Riverplace Tower, on the southbank in downtown Jacksonville. Memorabilia dating from the race's inception in 1978 up to the present is on display and a five-minute video gives visitors an overview of the race. Plaques for each of the 14 persons inducted into the HOF are on display.[13]

Past winners[edit]

Key:   Course record

Year Men's winner Time (m:s) Women's winner Time (m:s)
1978  Bill Rodgers (USA) 44:46  Kim Merritt (USA) 55:46
1979  Jerry Odlin (GBR) 46:04  Joan Benoit (USA) 51:47
1980  Bob Hodge (USA) 44:54  Jennifer White (USA) 53:11
1981  Dan Dillon (USA) 43:34  Patti Catalano (USA) 49:33
1982  Mike Musyoki (KEN) 43:33  Wendy Sly (GBR) 49:52
1983  Nick Rose (GBR) 43:42  Charlotte Teske (GER) 50:17
1984  Gidamis Shahanga (TAN) 42:54  Midde Hamrin (SWE) 50:12
1985  Simeon Kigen (KEN) 43:26  Betty Springs (USA) 49:25
1986  Arturo Barrios (MEX) 43:18  Grete Waitz (NOR) 48:53
1987  Arturo Barrios (MEX) 43:00  Grete Waitz (NOR) 49:05
1988  Steve Spence (USA) 43:20  Lynn Jennings (USA) 50:02
1989  John Halvorsen (NOR) 43:12  Cathy O'Brien (USA) 49:45
1990  Ed Eyestone (USA) 43:58  Francie Larue Smith (USA) 49:39
1991  Steve Spence (USA) 43:41  Francie Larue Smith (USA) 48:43
1992  Valdenor dos Santos (BRA) 43:42  Olga Markova (RUS) 49:20
1993  Benson Masya (KEN) 43:59  Gwyn Coogan (USA) 51:26
1994  Todd Williams (USA) 43:42  Anne Marie Letko (USA) 49:27
1995  Todd Williams (USA) 42:22 NR  Cathy O'Brien (USA) 48:56
1996  Todd Williams (USA) 43:49  Lynn Jennings (USA) 49:45
1997  Joe LeMay (USA) 43:35  Lynn Jennings (USA) 50:13
1998  Todd Williams (USA) 44:06  Jennifer Rhines (USA) 51:00
1999  Todd Williams (USA) 43:59  Lynn Jennings (USA) 50:05
2000  Dan Browne (USA) 44:26  Deena Drossin (USA) 49:40
2001  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 43:16  Deena Drossin (USA) 49:09
2002  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 42:49  Deena Drossin (USA) 48:12
2003  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 43:31  Deena Drossin (USA) 47:15
2004  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 43:18  Colleen De Reuck (USA) 49:02
2005  Ryan Shay (USA) 43:50  Jennifer Rhines (USA) 49:21
2006  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 43:41  Blake Russell (USA) 49:14
2007  Meb Keflezighi (USA) 43:39  Deena Kastor (USA) 47:20
2008  Andrew Carlson (USA) 44:10  Deena Kastor (USA) 49:34
2009  Anthony Famiglietti (USA) 43:36  Amy Yoder-Begley (USA) 49:51
2010  Mo Trafeh (USA) 42:58  Katie McGregor (USA) 49:51
2011  Mo Trafeh (USA) 42:58  Jennifer Rhines (USA) 49:31
2012  Christo Landry (USA) 44:37  Janet Cherobon (USA) 49:41
2013  Ben True (USA) 43:38  Janet Cherobon (USA) 49:44
2014  Ben True (USA) 43:04  Shalane Flanagan (USA) 47:00 NR
2015  Ben True (USA) 44:03  Amy Cragg (USA) 50:18
2016  Stanley Kebenei (USA) 44:37  Tara Welling (USA) 50:34
2017  Leonard Korir (USA) 43:22  Jordan Hasay (USA) 49:28
2018  Leonard Korir (USA) 43:06  Molly Huddle (USA) 47:50
2019  Shadrack Kipchirchir (USA) 43:41  Erika Kemp (USA) 50:54
2020  Frank Lara (USA) 44:42  Marielle Hall (USA) 48:52
2021  Clayton Young (USA) 43:52  Emily Sisson (USA) 48.09
2022  Nico Montanez (USA) 43:09  Emily Sisson (USA) 47:28
2023  Hillary Bor (USA) 43:11  Emily Sisson (USA) 48:26

[15][16]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Gate River Run" Archived December 25, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Active.com, Events
  2. ^ Kouvaris, Sam:"10,000 Participate; Keflezighi Wins Gate River Run" Archived January 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine News4Jax sports, March 11, 2006
  3. ^ Davis, Ennis Armon (October 12, 2015), Jacksonville, Arcadia Publishing, p. 85, ISBN 978-1-4671-1468-4
  4. ^ "The Starting Line Newsletter, 2015 Gate River Run Edition" (PDF). JTC running. 41 (408): 14. 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  5. ^ "Race Winners" Association of Road Racing Statisticians, River Run 15 km
  6. ^ a b c Johnson, David (16 March 2009). "Placing first by a second at Gate River Run". Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Keflezighi to Defend USA 15K Title at Gate River Run". Cool Running. March 11, 2004. Archived from the original on 30 April 2008. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d "15K Take To Streets In 15K River Run"[dead link] WJXT-TV, March 15, 2009
  9. ^ "15K Information". Gate River Run. Archived from the original on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  10. ^ Spears, Angela: "Gearing up for the Gate River Run" First Coast News, March 8, 2006
  11. ^ Parenteau, Chris (Mar 8, 2013). "Bill Rodgers inspires River Runners". News4Jax. Archived from the original on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  12. ^ "2013 Overall Results". Gate River Run. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  13. ^ a b Johnson, David: "Three join Gate River Run Hall of Fame" Florida Times-Union, March 10, 2010
  14. ^ L'Etoile-Lopes, Greg (March 9, 2013). "Firefighters running in River Run revive 'streaker'". First Coast News. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  15. ^ "The Gate River Run". 1stplacesports.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  16. ^ Pepper, Cole; Brantley, Keith (4 March 2023). "2023 Gate River Run Race Day Special". WJXT-TV. 1 hour 57 minutes 50 seconds. Jacksonville, Florida: posted by News4JAX The Local Station as '2023 Gate River Run Full Broadcast' (published 7 March 2023). Graham Media Group. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023 – via YouTube.

External links[edit]

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