42nd annual Gate River Run 15K race attracts nearly 20,000 people

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The 42nd annual Gate River Run 15K kicked off Saturday morning, drawing in nearly 20,000 people to Jacksonville.

It’s one of the biggest 15Ks in the country, Anacelia Kester has run in it for 14 years and looks forward to it each year.

“It’s kind of like a tradition, it’s a Duval tradition,” said Kester.

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It's Shayna Adams' first race.

“My friends, they told me I couldn’t do it so I said I will and now I’m here,” said Adams.

When the clock hit 8 a.m. the runners took off at Gator Bowl Boulevard and made their way from San Marco Boulevard. They finished at the stadium.

The River Gate featured people from across the county, with runners all of backgrounds and ages.

Check out the energy from wave 3 @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/gS8dPxH4SO
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) March 9, 2019

“You’re running, you’re giving it all you got and this little 12-year-old just strolls by you laughing and listening to music and stuff, but it’s fun you know,” said J.R. Reed.

Kim Prior came out to support her sister-in-law.

PHOTOS: 42nd annual Gate River Run 15K race attracts nearly 20,000 people

“So she’s been training for the last few months and we drove over last night so she could get a good night sleep and we drove up from the hotel and here we are,” said Prior.

Prior and her friend made tank tops to cheer on her sister-in-law from the sidelines.

Look at this ball of fluff! 🐶 He’s going to the watching the #GateRiverRun 15K this morning @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/PhBDwlzAFD
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) March 9, 2019

After the 15K, they plan on celebrating.

“We’re going to have a few drinks and good shopping,” said Prior.

The winner of the 2019 Gate River Run 15K is 30-year-old Shadrack Kipchirchir, from Colorado Springs. He completed the 9.3-mile run in 43 minutes, 41 seconds.