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May 18, 2024

26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer Runner Comments

Back to 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.4

Spectators 4.7

Number of comments: 118 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

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J.P. Buchanan from Ft. Walton Beach, FL (2/19/2008) "Top-Ten Marathon Already!!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I knew just from seeing the website that this marathon was going to be first-rate, and I was not proven wrong. They seemed to have every detail planned out. I only ran the 1/2 but that proved as well organized as the full marathon. The transportation to the start was great. The water stops were God-sent - it was great to have so many of them. The gel stations for the 1/2 might have been farther away from the finish, and the starting time of 8:30 should be reconsidered to probably at the latest 7:30. But all said, Donna, Jeff and Team produced an unbelievable race, given her first. Please continue having Mayo Clinic as a sponsor and Jeff Galloway as the race host. I wish Joan Benoit Samuelson could have been more public in her appearance at the race but I respect her privacy for keeping a low profile. I raised nearly $2,000 and I'm proud of every cent of it. I know my late wife of 2 years (breast cancer) is smiling down on everybody who participated in this race to make it a HUGE SUCCESS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
Betty O'Dea from St. Louis, MO (2/19/2008) "Incredibly well organized inaugural event!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 These guys were ready for us. Even with an onslaught of extra registrants over the weekend, and hotter than expected temperatures, everything I saw ran smoothly. We had plenty of water, Gu, and spectators through the six-hour mark. What a fun event, and for a great cause. Can't wait to come back next year.
A. K. from St Johns, Florida (2/19/2008) "Absolutely Awesome Marathon Experience" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was an amazing marathon experience. For the inaugural marathon, it was very well planned and organized. The one downside was that it didn't start until 8:30 and race day temps were in the 80's. Next year it is starting at 7:30, so that should make it a little better. The spectators were AWESOME and were so encouraging. I can't tell you how many people thanked me for running. The views through the beach towns and neighborhoods are amazing. I definitely want to do this one again next year!
M. W. from Austin, TX (2/19/2008) "Great cause, great organization, awesome spectator" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 If the organizers could have controlled the weather, then this may have been a perfect day. The spectators actually thanked us for running for breast cancer, as well as providing extra aid stations when we ran through their neighborhoods. They made the race! There was one glitch - the road closure permit didn't match the time needed for the last runners on the course, even though they were on pace to finish within the published time allotted for the event. The 'sweep' started way too early and made for many crestfallen participants. I'm sure next year this will be fixed. Great race overall.
Rick Straughen from Michigan, USA (2/19/2008) "Great Inaugural Race" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 At first I was unsure of what to expect from an inaugural marathon, but after looking at the website and being able to easily get answers about questions from race organizers, I had no worries. The course starts a few miles from Jacksonville Beach and heads east. Then runners run on hard packed sand along the beach, which was very nice! There were lots of spectators along the beach and in the neighborhoods on the way back. An out-and-back course allowed many opportunities for aid stations. The toughest part was running on a freeway the last 3 miles with no shade and very few spectators. The organization was very good. Shuttles were provided from local hotels and the wait was very short to and from the race. There were more than enough port-a-johns. I went 3 times during the day and never had to wait in a line. After the race, tables were set up and runners could enjoy refreshments and listen to music. Some complained because of the late 8:30 start, but it was timed to allow for low tide on the beach, and the beach was the best part of the race. It was unseasonably warm, but not horrible (although I only ran in the half) The only mistake I found is the 11-mile mark was out of place. My 11th mile was 9:03 and my 12th mile was 4:52! Overall, a great race! I hope to come back next year
T. H. from Orlando, FL (2/19/2008) "A Must-Run for a Great Cause" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Congratulations to the race organizers, people of Jacksonville and Race Director, Jeff Galloway. The people of Jacksonville, restaurants and hotels were great hosts. Terrific race day crowd support along the entire course. It was a warm day but course water and aid stations were perfectly placed. The course included a stretch of firm packed sand along Jacksonville Beach, which offered a special touch. A beautiful medal and great goody bag. Small but easy to navigate expo. If you are looking for an enjoyable run with terrific crowd support but not too large of an event, this is the one.
Ryan Mathews from Tega Cay, South Carolina (2/19/2008) "DID NOT SEEM LIKE A FIRST-YEAR EVENT: A++++++" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 WOW!! I think the cause set up for a perfect event!! I was nervous about running a marathon in the first year after reading about problems for other first-time events. The support and organization were unbelievable from start to finish. Course: Great course. The only hills are on the highway at the beginning and end of course. Organization: Perfect. I carry extra drinks with me just in case I need in between stations. It seems like there were drinks every 100 yards. Tons of toilets. The volunteers were all over the place and were GREAT. Spectators: These were the best spectators I have seen. I couldn't tell the difference between the volunteers and spectators. Water hoses, drinks, and words of encouragement. Awesome event!!!! A MUST-DO!!!!!
G. A. from Bluffton, SC (2/19/2008) "Great start. Needs a few tweaks." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Overall, this marathon is really good. With a few changes it can become fabulous. You will not find a better organized race. Tons of water and gel, great fan support, beautiful scenery, good expo (somewhat cramped), best medal I have seen, and a great sense of being part of something special. Very well done. The changes that need to be made include 1) shorter distance to run on the beach for the marathon - the beach run was brutal, so the last thing I was thinking about was how beautiful the surroundings were 2) start the run earlier (7 a.m.; not 8:30 a.m.) and forget the tides - it is more important that runners have the benefit of cooler weather 3) improve ability for family to access finish line to see runners finish. By not hosting the finish in an area that is easy to access, there were not many people at the start/finish line which is disappointing. Overall, Donna and the organizers have so much to be proud of in this race. Many lives were touched and hopefully this will be the beginning of the end of breast cancer.
Rosa Seim from Chanhassen Minnesota (2/19/2008) "sand not packed on beach" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Sand was not packed on the beach by the time I got to it. Lonely on the highway; no spectators.
R. R. from United States (2/19/2008) "Great marathon!!!!" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great marathon - no doubt about it. For an inaugural event, I was amazed it went as flawlessly as it did, especially considering there were over 7,000 participants. Donna Deegan and Jeff Galloway clearly poured their hearts into this event. There were volunteers everywhere, the water and food stops were adequately stocked, and many of them had ice machines, which was a godsend given the heat and humidity. Also, the town really came out in full force for the event - there was great crowd support the entire length of the course, homes along the race course were decorated, and homeowners were passing out goodies and spraying their hoses on runners. It was a beautiful and fun course, and I would highly recommend the race to others.

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