JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of runners and spectators are expected to jam Downtown Jacksonville Saturday for the 38th Annual Gate River Run.
Jacksonville police want everyone to get an early start.
"Wwe want to push people coming out early. We got some detours coming around," said Public Information Officer Christian Hancock.
"Gator Bowl Boulevard will be shut down Friday so they can build the start line. So, people trying to get out of town today will be diverted a little bit Friday afternoon."
Bay Street will close at 8 a.m. on Saturday. If you plan to use the Main Street or Acosta Bridge, you will be diverted to the Jacksonville Fair Grounds. The sheriff's office suggest people arrive by 6:30 a.m.
"All the parking lots will be open. The garage (on A. Phillip Randolph) will be open. Any of the stadium lots that are open for a Jags game will be open. So, there will be a lot of parking," Hancock said.
Spectators will be able to watch their favorite runner from just about anywhere along the course.
"The finish is right to the north side of the stadium. It comes in off of Beaver Street and Gator Bowl Boulevard. So, that's where you want to make your way to if you want to see the finish line.," Hancock suggested.
The Hart Bridge will be closed through the entirety of the race. The Main Street Bridge will shut down for about an hour between 8 and 9 a.m. The Mathews and Acosta Bridges will not shut down.