The Jacksonville Great Fire Run

Saturday, May 4, 2024 Past event

7:30 AM EDT

Jacksonville, Florida

$25.00–$40.00 · 2 races

5km, 10 Mile

Event summary

Get ready for an inspiring and memorable experience at the Jacksonville Great Fire Run on Saturday, May 4th, 2024! This exciting 5km race takes place in downtown Jacksonville and traces the historic boundaries of the Great Fire that devastated the city on May 3, 1901. Participants will not only enjoy a fun and energetic atmosphere but also pay homage to the resilience of the Jacksonville community.

As runners traverse the course, they’ll learn about the significant events of that fateful day, when a kitchen fire spiraled into the largest metropolitan fire in the American South, affecting thousands and reshaping the city. Join us for this unique blend of history and fitness while supporting the Jacksonville Historical Society. Don't miss out on this chance to make history while creating your own!

This event has taken place

Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.

Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.

Previous editions

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Races

5k Run/Walk

Incl. T-Shirt (A=Adult, Y=Youth, W=Women, M=Men)

This race is a chip timed 5km run.

7:30 AM EDT

$40.00

Entries closed
Untimed Walk

Incl. T-Shirt (A=Adult, Y=Youth, W=Women, M=Men)

This is an untimed walk.

7:30 AM EDT

$25.00

Entries closed

Organiser's description

Join us on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 in downtown Jacksonville for the Jacksonville Great Fire Run 5km. This race will follow the outline of the Great Fire boundary of May 3rd, 1901. The Great Jacksonville Fire of 1901 was the largest metropolitan fire in the American South. The fire began on May 3, 1901, with a spark from a kitchen fire at lunchtime that ignited piles of drying Spanish moss at a nearby mattress factory.

Located at Davis and Beaver streets, the factory fire soon spread to most of the downtown area. Smoke could be seen as far north as Savannah, Georgia.

By 8:30 p.m., when the fire was brought under control, 2,368 buildings were destroyed, 10,000 people were homeless and seven residents were dead. In all, 146 city blocks were destroyed. The Confederate Monument in Hemming Park was one of the few city landmarks to survive the fire.

This event supports Jacksonville Historical Society.