JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The much-anticipated Gate River Run is set to take place this weekend, and to kick off the festivities, the Sleiman Enterprises Runners’ Expo will commence on Thursday morning at a new venue from previous years.
The packet pickup will be held at the Mandarin Point Shopping Center, located at 12200 San Jose Blvd. The expo will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday.
Organizers have cautioned runners about the potential for increased traffic during the evening rush on Friday, particularly between 4 and 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to plan ahead and allocate extra time for travel, as delays are expected when entering and exiting the shopping center.
For those attending, a detailed parking map is available on the event’s website. General parking can be accessed from San Jose Boulevard, while areas marked in yellow with Xs indicate no-parking zones. Additional parking is also available at Trinity Mandarin Church, located north of the expo site.
Participants are advised to heed the guidance from police and traffic control personnel, making sure not to block lanes or intersections.
If runners are unable to attend the expo themselves, they can designate another individual to collect their packet, provided there is a signed authorization form. This form can be filled out on-site as well. It’s important to bring any required identification along with either a printed or digital copy of the authorization for someone else to complete the packet pickup.
Jacksonville residents living within a 30-mile radius are required to pick up their packets at the expo, with race-day pickup not available for this group. Conversely, those residing more than 30 miles from downtown Jacksonville will have the option to collect their packets on race day for a fee of $10.
The Gate River Run festival promises to be an exciting event for both participants and spectators, celebrating the spirit of the community and fitness. As thousands prepare to take part, the atmosphere in Jacksonville is sure to be filled with camaraderie and enthusiasm.