The race has both a full marathon and a half marathon. I had heard about the 26.2 with DONNA through my Galloway training group and knew that it had to be my first marathon. The 26.2 with DONNA is a private non-profit organization in Northeast Florida producing the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer. One hundred percent of raised funds and race proceeds for all 26.2 with DONNA events go to breast cancer research and care.

When I arrived at the expo the day before the race, I immediately knew this race was like no other. The expo is first-class and is just amazing. It's still my favorite race expo and I now look forward to it every year. There are all kinds of vendors, not just products, but informative ones that are there to educate about breast cancer and other forms of the horrible disease. I left the expo ready for the race the next morning and feeling even more excited about it.

The race itself in one word: AMAZING. There are Galloway pacers (which you can meet at the expo) which you can line up with at the start and they are with you through every mile. These are the folks that were a big part of helping ease my fears on race morning.

Along the course, the spectator and community support is like no other. It is as if the entire city of Jacksonville comes out to cheer on the runners of the event. I felt so much love and support from start to finish. The spectators even have snacks and drinks for the runners! This is in addition to the actual race aid stations. Talk about a stand-out community!

The year I ran this race, it was freezing cold, as it was in the early 30s with some pretty harsh headwinds, but that didn't stop us all from braving it. When you are on the course, you are right out there with breast cancer survivors and that is extremely motivating. If they can not only get through fighting that horrible disease, but also get out there and run a marathon, you know you can get through the miles.

I finished this race and my emotions were a plenty. It was an amazing experience that while I try to put into words, I feel they are just never quite good enough. Every marathon is an awesome accomplishment for every runner, but there's just something about the 26.2 with DONNA that I experienced on that day that is like no other race. I can only tell people that they HAVE to do this race, if not the full marathon, the half marathon. Get out there and experience the love and greatness that this race is.

My full race report on my blog:
http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-report-26-2-with-donna/

Link to this review