Jacksonville News

GATE River Run Unveils 50th Anniversary Logo Ahead of Historic 2027 Race

Winning design by Inkling Creative celebrates the Hart Bridge, five decades of River Run history and a deeply personal family story

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 22, 2026 — One of Jacksonville’s most iconic traditions is preparing to celebrate a major milestone. The GATE River Run unveiled its official 50th Anniversary logo ahead of the landmark race on Saturday, March 6, 2027. Thousands of runners will once again take to the streets of Jacksonville for the largest 15K road race in the United States. Registration for the 2027 race opens October 1, 2026.

The River Run has been part of Jacksonville since its inaugural race in 1978. Since that time, it has grown into one of the city’s signature sporting traditions. For generations of runners, the event has become synonymous with Jacksonville, from the crowds lining the course to the final climb over the Hart Bridge, better known on race day as the “Green Monster.” The GATE River Run is recognized as the largest 15K in the United States.

This year’s commemorative logo was created by Lauren Waller, founder and designer of Inkling Creative, and was selected by popular vote from Jacksonville’s running community as this year’s winner. 

At the center of Waller’s design is one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable landmarks and one River Run participants know especially well: the Hart Bridge. Look closely at the design and the roadway approaching the bridge creates the sweeping shape of a five, while the bridge’s arch completes the zero. Jacksonville’s skyline and the St. Johns River bring the city itself into the mark, creating an anniversary logo uniquely tied to the race and the community that has embraced it for five decades.

For Waller, however, the design is about much more than creating a memorable anniversary logo. Her inspiration is her father-in-law, John Waller, one of just 17 remaining GATE River Run “streakers” - runners who have maintained unbroken, consecutive participation in the race. 

John’s commitment to the River Run has endured for nearly five decades. After breaking his femur, he completed one running of the race in a wheelchair rather than allow his streak to end. During that race, one of the wheelchair’s front wheels broke and a bolt from the chair fell through a grate on the Main Street Bridge during the first mile. Still, John kept going and completed the race. John was also the person who encouraged Lauren to enter the 50th anniversary logo competition.

Lauren initially wasn’t planning to submit a design. But while looking at the Hart Bridge and the roadway approaching it, she noticed something that changed her mind: the curve of the road looked like a five, while the bridge’s soaring arch formed a natural zero. The concept for the 50th anniversary logo was born. 

Lauren brings an equally meaningful personal story to the project. After surviving a traumatic brain injury, she went through the difficult process of rebuilding her memory, an experience that ultimately helped shape the philosophy behind Inkling Creative: the most powerful brands don’t simply get noticed, they get remembered. Her faith has also played an important role in her journey and continues to help shape the way she approaches her life and work. 

GATE River Run | Registration Opens October 1

The 50th Anniversary GATE River Run will take place Saturday, March 6, 2027, in Jacksonville. Registration opens October 1, 2026, with the following 2027 pricing provided by race organizers:

As the GATE River Run prepares to celebrate 50 years, the new logo captures what has always made the race special: perseverance, community and a deep connection to Jacksonville.

For additional race information and to register beginning October 1, visit GATERiverRun15K.com.

Media Contact:
Jenny Ordway |  GATE Petroleum Company | JOrdway@gatepetro.com