This is the first time I participated in 26.2 with DONNA on the big race day (I had done the 5K a few years ago, which was on Saturday in a different location, so didn't get the full benefit of the magnitude of the event). I really fell in love with the energy, the cause and the vibe. This was the 10th Anniversary of the race, and it felt really right to be there, with a team of four other wonderful women, running the marathon relay-style.

My review covers Leg 1 (start - mile 6), and the vibe of the expo/event.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG - With your registration, you receive a gender-specific, long-sleeve T-shirt. I loved the design. Each of the team members got a really nice DONNA-branded string backpack, a run DONNA car magnet, a copy of Donna Deegan's book "Through Rose-Colored Glasses", a sample of energy gel, a branded buff/headband and some other coupons and magazines. The finisher medals were STUNNING: large, stained glass, beautiful ribbons, etc. Probably one of my favorite pieces of bling.

AID STATIONS - Official aid stations seemed to be every 1.5 miles, with both water and electrolyte drink. Gels were available at stations further along the course. Unofficial stations were set up by spectators with all kinds of goodies - adult beverages, brownies, treats, etc. There was no shortage of fuel, drink or high-fives on the course.

COURSE SCENERY - A++++ The first 6 miles were through some gorgeous, beachfront neighborhoods in Ponte Vedra. Even better than looking at the architecture was all the people (and dogs) who came out to cheer us on. Neighborhoods got together to hang balloons and streamers, create pink archways and set up bubble machines... all for the runners. It was amazing and so kind. Based on pictures and what the rest of my team said, the rest of the run was pretty much the same.

EXPO QUALITY - Really nice expo with great vendors. The convention center offered free parking for people picking up packets which was a nice touch. The expo did seem a little smaller than the last time I was there, but it was well organized and put together.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY - For my part of the course, it was fine. I upped the difficulty because there are bridges and an overpass, which are pretty brutal, especially for the last mile.

PARKING/ACCESS - The race is point to point, so runners are asked to park in the TPC lot to start, and then shuttle back from the finish at Mayo Clinic. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do after a long day outside was sit on a school bus for 30 minutes to get back to the car, but it's a small annoyance that doesn't mar a great cause. There were some issues with the relay shuttles. We ended waiting an hour in freezing cold wind for a shuttle back to the finish line from transition one, which was pretty awful. Things happen, but the bus coordinator had no radio and didn't seem very interested in calling anyone for assistance. We finally got a bus when a volunteer coordinator started making calls because it was "inexcusable" that runners were left stranded that long. It was much appreciated to have someone step up to help.

RACE MANAGEMENT - Wonderful. Unfortunately, the weather started out cold, overcast and windy and ended up hot and humid, which was tough for the runners. The complimentary runner refreshment was soup, which was nice, but not necessarily the greatest thing for an 80+ degree day. Fortunately, Rita's was there, selling Italian ice. The Finisher's Village was beautiful with great energy. Crowd support was on point. I loved all the pink everywhere. Course was well marked and executed.

I am definitely in for this again, both for the event and the cause.