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May 5, 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 61 to 71]

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M. G. from Colorado springs, co (2/21/2010) "Amazing Spectators! Great Run!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I came from CO back to my home town of Jax for my first marathon, and I couldn't be prouder of my city. I never went more than two minutes without crowds cheering me on. Shows the great spirit of Jacksonville. The race was super well organized and inspiring. Great job, Donna!!!
C. O. from Tragic Kingdom, Florida (6/7/2009) "Great run for a great cause!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 2 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancers COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is very well organized; water/fuel/aid stations were abundant, porta-potties seemed to appear just when you need them, running along the ocean is a nice break from the heat (but overrated), and crowd support is both phenomenal and inspirational. Watch out, however, for that bridge at the end! This is a must-do marathon.
K. S. from Florida (2/18/2009) "Great organization, excellent cause, super specs!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 2 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancers COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is super well organized! Porta-potties as far as the eye can see with hand washing stations, well organized line up process, plenty of water, sports drink, and before- and after-race food and entertainment. Tons of spectators. The beginning and end of the course is a little drab; it's an asphalt overpass, but other than that it's awesome! Who can beat all that pink??
J. J. from Fort Bragg, NC (2/17/2009) "Awesome Run, Even Better CAUSE!!!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I loved this race and the technical shirt!!! I only did the 1/2 but I will definitely come back for the full. I thought that the expo was good, just a little crowded. I thought the porta-johns and water points were frequent and you didn't have to wait too long. Volunteers were great. I thought it was amazing to see so many people in pink, and I was humbled by all those survivors who were running!! I did find that getting to start line and back to vehicle was kind of difficult. I understand that runners cannot take up all of the parking spots due to it start at the Mayo Clinic, but a shuttle would be nice from Beach Blvd./ San Pablo to the Mayos Campus. Otherwise the bridge in the last mile could be rough for some, but it is a relatively flat course, and I loved running on the beach. I will definitely be back again!!!
R. G. from Omaha (2/17/2009) "What an AWESOME event!!!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organization was as good as the Rock and Roll Series marathons if not better!!! The crowd support is even better than the Flying Pig (and that's saying a lot)!!! Running on the beach and near the beach was fantastic. What a great event for a great cause! Galloway pacers were wonderful! Pre-race fuel. Food everywhere on the course! First aid was great and post-race nourishment was terrific! Donna has put together a tremendous marathon in just 2 years time!!! Great event for first-timers but be weary of the heat....
b. w. from new albany, IN (2/17/2009) "emotionally incredible" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am very, very disappointed that the number of runners this year for the marathon was approximately 400 fewer than last year. I know most marathons are run for a good cause, but breast cancer I am sure has touched everybody in one way or another. Hats off to Donna and the volunteers who made this marathon possible. Take out the highway; running on the angle was probably the only downside.
r. g. from USA (2/16/2009) "Most fulfilling race that I have ever run in" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 2 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancers COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second year running in the 26.6 with Donna. The course, expo, and the entire race experience was wonderful. There was plenty of water and restroom areas provided. My only complaint was that there were some new blocked off areas that made it extremely difficult to return to the finish line. After finishing the race, I wanted to return to the finish line to see my mother finish; however, I was sent in a loop that took me three blocks out of the way, which caused me to miss my mother's finish of the race. This was very upsetting for me. I still plan on returning next year because the overall experience of this venue is very rewarding.
k. J. from Charlotte, NC (2/16/2009) "A great cause!" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a great marathon for the cause. The event was managed very well and had every perk a race should have. Lots of port-a-potties. Pre-race drinks and snacks, which I thought was great. Nice expo! The course was flat, with the exception in the beginning and at the end. Huge hill for your 25th mile. Running on the highway at the end of the course was not ideal, as it was sloped. It was very uncomfortable to run on an uneven surface for 4 miles. Running on the beach, while an amazing experience, was very tiring. Had a amazing pace leader and group!! FYI: They run the Galloway method. I've never run this way before but gave it a try. Spectators was very cheerful and helpful. The shirt is awesome and medal is the best one I have seen. The biggest con was the logistics of getting to and from the race start. They close down the major road to the marathon and there's no parking at the race site. Everyone must take shuttles in the morning and after the race. The morning wasn't so bad, but the return trip to the hotel took almost an hour - not fun when you need to shower and eat and ice! Also, my husband had to park over two miles away in a grocery store parking lot to see me finish. Not fun toting two young kids to the finish. He deserves an award for that effort.
J. K. from Florida (12/9/2008) "This was a fantastic, motivational marathon!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I really enjoyed this marathon. Of course, the cause is tremendous and viewing the sea of pink bows and the people with signs saying, "You are running for my mom... sister... self" made me want to run harder. The course was beautiful, staying largely along the beach and the way back was up a couple of streets and in a more heavily shaded area, which was nice. Having the race pacers were wonderful - I was in the 3:20 group and the group leader was awesome, always chatting with us and keeping everyone sane. He also was fairly consistent in his miles. The organization was terrific, particularly for a first race. I imagine it will only get better. The bridge at the end was tough, but really, it was the only incline and you get a HUGE downhill for the finish, so it kept you motivated. I loved this race! I am glad to see an earlier start time, though. They can't control the weather, but it is FL, and it can be hot this time of year.
R. S. from Boca Raton, Florida (10/9/2008) "Can't beat the Cause" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Both everyone involved and the cause for which we were all running were great. This was my 19th marathon and living in South Florida I have unfortunately run my good share of hot ones. Experienced marathoners are always concerned with first-time marathons - especially when it is more of a fundraiser than it is a race. There were many more half-marathoners than marathoners, which was good because the average participant, although strong in belief for the Breast Cancer Research cause, was hardly prepared to run 13.1 miles - let alone 26.2 miles - in Jax Beach's heat and sun. I enjoyed running the beach portion. That was "cool." Don't forget your sunglasses though for this event. Running through all the residential neighborhoods was also enjoyable. A surprising number of CHEERING fans and/or shade trees made those sections fun. Three things were not fun and will prevent me from coming back - unfortunately. #1. The late start. I finished well under 4 hours (the average time for the 26.2 was 5:15) and I was sunburned very badly. The 2009 edition is having an earlier start - but not early enough for Florida. Somebody in charge has to realize that the sun is ALWAYS going to be that strong in mid-Feb in Florida - regardless of the heat. Wearing sunscreen over all exposed skin closes the pores and just makes the body hotter - and more dangerous for the runner. If it is sunny, the slower runners will certainly be badly sunburned again in 2009. #2. Flat course until a BIG HIGH bridge in the last mile. Ugh. The course layout needs better planning than that. I handled it okay - but those thousands of first-timers really struggled badly. #3. Where the race starts/finishes is off limits to all cars, so everyone needs to shuttle in and out. I was one mile away and spent one hour standing before the race waiting for the bus and one hour after the race on a bus while the driver went on his 25-mile drop-off route. It was just stupid. I hope that the organizers can solve these problems for the 2010 edition. I would re-consider then. As I say, the cause is great.

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