More than 20,000 people took over downtown Sunday in the annual Gate River Run. The race is the biggest 15K in the United States and brings people from across the country to the River City.
The winners of the run were Leonard Korir and Jordan Hasay.
“This will be my 15th year. I’ve (done) it since 9/11. Those guys that sacrificed for us,” he said.
Thousands of runners, young and old, participated in the annual run that's hosted in downtown Jacksonville. And each runner has a story to tell.
“I’ve lost a lot of friends in my job,” said Lt. Eric Prosswimmer, with the Jacksonville Fire Department, who wore his uniform with pride.
Runner hit by car training for Gate River Run; Siri helps first responders contact her family
Other runners participated in the event for more personal reasons.
"They gave me zero chances of surviving," said Carolis Santanta, who almost died seven years ago while giving birth. She dedicated her run to life.
"Giving God the glory to give me another chance," she said.
It’s a moment that these runners will never forget. No matter when they crossed the finish line.