Background

In 1978, a group of six individuals, dedicated to the mission of St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, organized a 5 mile race and a 1 mile novice run, the Ortega River Run. With an entry fee of $4 (including a t-shirt) around 1,500 runners participated. Profits of $1,838.91 were donated to the school to benefit scholarships.

Over the next 45 years, runners and spectators have come from near and far to celebrate one of Jacksonville’s longeststanding races. The race is operated by 1st Place Sports and is part of the Jacksonville Grand Prix Running Series.

The race course takes runners through quiet neighborhoods, shady tree-lined streets, and across two bridges.

The street fair has grown to 40+ sponsors and vendors, attracting a large number of families, many of which are not even running in the event.