The Gate River Run returns this weekend, bringing Jacksonville’s running community together for its 48th consecutive year on March 7. With construction at EverBank Stadium, the 2026 race will start and finish at the Jacksonville Shipyards, but the tradition marches on. Over 20,000 runners are expected to take on the iconic 15K course, including the famous Hart Bridge — known affectionately as the “Green Monster” — which has created countless memories and helped define Jacksonville’s running legacy.
Whether you’re hitting the streets or cheering from the sidelines, here’s what you need to know about this annual celebration of endurance and community.
New start and finish line for Gate River Run 2026
The new start and finish location for Gate River Run 2026 will be at the Jacksonville Shipyards, located at 700 E. Bay St. Check the course map here. The race hub moves to the Shipyards, just four blocks east of the Main Street Bridge. Park downtown and enjoy a short, easy walk to the start line.
When does the first wave for the Gate River Run start?
Wave starts begin at 8 a.m.
How many people are participating in the Gate River Run 2026?
As of March 2, 2026, about 20,083 are registered to run this year.
Is there a time limit for the 15k?
All 15K participants need to be at the Hart Bridge, which is at mile 7.5, by 10:30 a.m. This is a 20-minute-mile pace.
Key road closure information (March 7, 2026)
The 2026 Gate River Run on Saturday, March 7, will cause significant traffic impacts and road closures in downtown Jacksonville, San Marco, and the surrounding areas from early morning until around 11 a.m. Key closures include the Main Street Bridge, Hart Bridge, Gator Bowl Boulevard, and parts of Duval Street and Hendricks Avenue.
Why is the Hart Bridge nicknamed the ‘Green Monster’?
The Hart Bridge is nicknamed the “Green Monster” because it is the iconic and most challenging feature of Jacksonville’s annual Gate River Run 15K.
At what mile do runners need to face the ‘Green Monster,’ Hart Bridge?
Runners hit the Hart Bridge at mile 7.0, tackling a steep 140-foot climb over half a mile. The final mile after the bridge is mostly downhill, giving runners a chance for a fast finish. A timing point at mile 8.3 helps track pace for the final stretch of the race.
When was the Hart Bridge built? And how much did it cost to build it?
Jacksonville’s Hart Bridge, nicknamed the “Green Monster,” opened to traffic on Nov. 2, 1967. The steel cantilever bridge cost $40.4 million to build — and it was already standing for a decade before the race began.
Running the Gate River Run? Here’s where to park for the Gate River Run 2026?
If you are coming from the Downtown side of the start/finish:
If you’re crossing the Main Street Bridge or Acosta Bridge, plan to park downtown and walk to the starting area. The starting line is about a half-mile from the Main Street Bridge.
If you prefer to park closer to the stadium, you’ll need to access it via Duval Street. Parking garages on both sides of the arena will be open, along with Lot P near the former Fairgrounds site. Keep in mind: it’s actually a shorter walk from downtown than from Lot P.
If you are coming from the Stadium side of the start/finish:
The primary parking areas will be the Tailgaters and Cypress lots off Talleyrand Avenue. Free shuttle buses (about a one-mile ride) will run to and from the start/finish area.
Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, there’s no general parking at the Jacksonville Shipyards start/finish area. All participants and spectators must park in designated zones and either walk or use the event’s shuttle transportation.
Here’s a look at the official Gate River Run parking map and the approved areas where you can leave your car.
What’s the easiest way to park for the Gate River Run?
Try the River Taxi transportation option from the Southbank. Available Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants who park on the Southbank can hop aboard the River Taxi for a direct ride to the Jacksonville Shipyards start and finish area. It’s one of the simplest and most convenient ways to get to race morning without the parking hassle.
You can purchase your River Taxi tickets in advance through the event’s ticket link.
What are some key spots to cheer runners at the Gate River Run?
Contributing Clayton Freeman, Reporter for The Florida Times-Union
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Watching friends run ‘Green Monster’ at Gate River Run? What to know
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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