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May 4, 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 41 to 51]

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M. L. from Lafayette IN (2/21/2011) "Great race for a great cause. I'll do it again." (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran this race with a friend who was running her first marathon. The race organizers, volunteers and community involvement were amazing. We were some of the last finishers and were pleasantly suprised by how may people were still out there to support us as we got closer to the finish.
S. H. from Virginia (2/21/2011) "The best of the best" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons \| 2 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancers COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've heard of some folks who had nightmares with the buses. I guess I was lucky because I got a bus at about 5:40 and had no problems. Last year I didn't hear any complaints about buses. This year I heard they let spectators on... they shouldn't have done that. This is a fixable situation!
M. R. from Orlando, Florida (2/19/2011) "GREAT Cause Marathon - Do It" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is a great cause event. You have to love the color pink - running with breast cancer survivors makes you appreciate your health and God's gift that you have the health to run marathons. Pros 1. The cause, the passion, the color pink. 2. The beach: the run on the beach with the sand, sun and runners is simple beauty of running. 3. The course: in the neighborhoods the people came out onto the driveways, street parties, cheering the runners - it kept you moving. The banners and ribbon in the trees showing the support for the cause. 4. Pink: banners, ribbons, shirts, shorts, moms, daughters, friends, even men in pink - GREAT. 5. Aid stations every mile with water, Gatorade, GU, oranges, candy, grapes, frozen popsicle, and great volunteers cheering you. 6. Medal - very different and original. 7. Finish line with hot soup, and activity. 8. Tech shirt - well done. Cons 1. The bus transportation from UNF to the start - I had to wait over one hour. Can be corrected with a few more busses running the route. Donna Deggan and Mayo Clinic and all involved need to praised for putting this marathon together. The $1 M plus raised for Breast Cancer will SAVE LIVES and isn't that what we are supposed to do? Help others? I will be back - there is more to the Donna than just a marathon.
B. B. from Roswell, NM (2/17/2011) "Where's the bus?" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The lack of buses to the start made this a very chaotic race. I waited in line for an hour for a bus ride to the start and barely made it in time. About 200 people were behind me in line and I don't see how they could have made the start in time. I had no time to warm up; I had to chuck my gear and get in line. Also at the end I had to weave in and out of half marathon walkers. I must have passed thousands of them. The bus problems kept this from being a good race. It is for a good cause but don't do it if you want a serious marathon. It is more a charity event for a good cause.
R. S. from USA (2/16/2011) "Nice Marathon" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The overall organization was very nice. Good expo. Course was very well marked, but there were too many turns. The volunteers were excellent, as were the spectators. My only real complaint was the bus situaton. I arrived at 5:20 a.m. for a shuttle bus and had to wait outside in the cold for an hour an a half.
D. S. from Stafford VA (2/15/2011) "A Sea of Pink" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Can't think of any better way to start my 2011 racing season than with this race. It's so much more than a marathon; it's an event. The good: The spectators had a contagious enthusiasm and the ladies of ZTA on the bridge brought the house down. The whole town seemed to embrace the event with pink ribbons and decorations. It really made you forget how far you were going. The course was flat and fast. The Galloway pacers (Brad and Ron) taught me some new tricks and made this a great little run. The segment on the beach was phenomenal... what a great morning to run. I'm jealous of a buddy who lives in Jacksonville and can run that stretch every day. The runners' village was well laid out and getting what you needed was easy. It was nice being able to check times at a computer after finishing rather than having to wait for an online posting days later. Gear check was flawless and there were no real bad lines for porta-johns. The expo was well laid out and packet pickup was smooth. The pasta dinner was refreshing. I just wish I could have brought the goody bag home (pasta sauce was too big for carry-on allowances). The bad: Nitpicking only, but I would rather have stayed close to the start/finish and not had the 40-minute bus rides to/from the host hotel. The ugly: Not a thing. This is one of the races that I would come back to do over and over. The suggestions: Put a bank of porta-johns near the start corrals so people don't have to make the bushes their urinals. Lots of last-minute bladder relief going on in the tree-line. Kudos to Donna, Jeff Galloway, and all of the people who made this event special. Cancer touches too many of us and the way this town approaches the disease is remarkable. I'll say it again: this isn't a race; it's an event.
D. M. from Denver, Colorado (2/15/2011) "5 out of 5 stars! Best marathon I have run!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I try not to repeat races, but I'll definitely do this one again. The fact that 100% of the proceeds goes to fight breast cancer was a great reason to run this one. The expo was great. Former Olympic marathoners spoke and were totally accessible and very friendly. The pasta dinner was very nice, and the speakers were brief. They invited a family that the Donna Foundation is supporting, so we saw the faces of those we support. The race started out a little chilly. (Local meteorologist Tim Deegan gave a short weather brief, and has committed to giving a wind chill factor for women since he supported the cause by running the entire race in a sparkly running skirt to raise money!) Once over the bridge (which was a pretty spectacular scene - a sea of pink) everything set into a nice pace. Jeff Galloway pacers were great! The portion of the run on the beach was truly beautiful, and there was a banner-towing airplane pulling a sign saying, "Finish Breast Cancer." You will not find more passionate fans anywhere. Some are present cancer treatment patients at Mayo clinic, and show their true gratitude for the runners. The part of the race that goes through the neighborhoods are delightful. Families, kids, dogs and friends all come out, decked out in their finest pink. Houses are decorated pink and kids are handing out their own fruit and treats to runners. Since your name is on your bib, many cheer you on by name, which is really nice to hear. The volunteers were fabulous! They were helpful, friendly and very supportive of the runners. Aid stations and restrooms were plentiful. The on-course entertainment was fun and uplifting, and at the end there was a designated "runners village" that offered food (including soup, beer, fruit, etc.) that is separated from the meeting point for family and friends. I loved this because usually, by the time I cross the finish line, there is very little food left for famished runners, because it had been eaten by previous runners and their family and friends. If you are a first-time marathoner, this is the one to run. If you are a seasoned marathon, this is one not to miss. See you next year!
J. V. from New york (2/15/2011) "Thank You for Running for 26.2 Miles" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Top Ten Reasons to Run This Marathon 1. To support research for and support groups for breast cancer. That should be reason enough! 2. Wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic spectators who continually thank you for running the race and supporting the cause. 3. A beautiful course through intimate neighborhoods, with moss hanging from trees and cute beach homes. 4. Running along the BEACH - nothing like it!! 5. A very fun expo, with lots of giveaways and great spirit. 6. Nice medal; great technical running shirt. 7. Lots of water stops, Gatorade, and gels. 8. Perfect running weather.... 9. Nice places to stay with off-seasons rates. I stayed at Ponte Vedra Inn, and I loved it - they couldnt have been more gracious. 10. One of the most inspirational experiences one could have.... Recommendations: 1. Tried to take a shuttle bus, but it was too long and frustrating. Go for a cab instead. Avoid driving to the start if you can. 2. Morning can be very chilly; make sure to bring warmup clothes.
B. B. from St. Augustine Beach, FL (2/14/2011) "The spectators were awesome!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancers COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third time at the Donna and she didn't disappoint. Special thanks to all of the residents of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach for the M&M's, orange slices and pb&j sandwiches. I knew it was going to be a great time. Toward the end on the bridge about 30 kids made a gauntlet through which I did my best Soul Train dance. It was a special day for sure. Organization is world-class for this medium-sized race. Great expo too. Lucky that it's in my home town.
L. G. from Maryland (2/14/2011) "Amazing experience!!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The 26.2 with Donna was an amazing experience from start to finish. The race itself was great, and the fact that all entry fees go directly to breast cancer research and women with breast cancer is the icing on the cake! I have never had so many people thank me for running a marathon! There were many positives for this race: 1. Beautiful, flat course. If you like beaches and a scenic course, you will be very happy. 2. Getting to run on the beach. 3. Great expo. 4. Everything well organized. 5. The most aid stations I have ever seen in a marathon. 6. Fans!! Spectators were beyond enthusiastic. The entire Jacksonville community supports this race. There were so many people who offered water, Gatorade, fruit, and snacks along the way. Tons of neighborhoods decked out in pink decorations!! 7. Inspiration! So many people running for loved ones and so many survivors out there running. 8. Nice medal and shirt (although I don't know how many men will appreciate a pink shirt). 9. Excellent post-race food. Loved the Panera soup! 10. The pace groups. All pacers used the Galloway method (run, walk, run). This was my first attempt using this method and also the first time I ran even splits in a marathon while still reaching my goal time! The walk breaks really let me enjoy the scenery and spectators. 11. HUGE mile markers... could not be missed. As for negatives, I can't really think of anything. My experience was great. My husband ran the half marathon, his first one, and already wants to go back next year. He loved the entire experience (except for the pink shirt). Overall, a wonderful race experience that I just might make a yearly tradition. This is a must-do race if you really love to run and want to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Where else can you have a blast and do something to help finish breast cancer? DO IT!!

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