JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's the largest 15K race in the country, attracting everyone from Olympic runners to amateurs. It's time for the Gate River Run.
Runners raced to the River Run Expo at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Thursday, getting their numbers, checking their chips, gearing themselves up for a Jacksonville tradition.
"It brings the whole city together," said runner Lisa Thompson.
An estimated 25,000 runners will meet at the starting line Saturday morning. Some are Olympic runners looking to take home $85,000 in prize money. Some people run it to promote their companies. Some people, like Jason Langston, run it for a cause.
He said, "This will be my 7th annual, starting dead last and passing people for the Katie Caples foundation to raise awareness for organ donation."
But many people just run for fun. Kelly Hould said, "It's really a lot of fun, like a big party."
Whatever the reason, the race and its unique route over the river, draws runners from all over the world, shining the spotlight on Jacksonville.
Thompson said, "Once you get out there, and see all the local residents supporting you. All the bands on the corners. Then you're just like one of the racers, even the elites."
The expo ends at 6pm Thursday. It opens again Friday, from 11am-8pm.
For everything you need to know about the Gate River Run, visit
www.gate-riverrun.com.
