A Welcome from our Event Founders and Special Guests
Welcome runners, supporters, and sponsors to the 16th annual DONNA Marathon Weekend!
Once again, we’re thrilled to be the race that draws people from every state in the nation and many countries to celebrate survivorship and hope for a world without breast cancer.
Because of you, The DONNA Foundation has been able to assist 17,500 families struggling to make ends meet during their cancer journeys.
We’ve secured 4.9 million dollars in assistance for those families.
3.3 million dollars for groundbreaking local research to end breast cancer, and created a 60 million dollar economic impact here in Jacksonville.
All while providing a world-class experience for our runners, and crowd support that will carry you all the way to the finish line!
Please enjoy our beautiful city and its beaches. And thank you for being part of our movement to lift our neighbors in need, and ultimately to make cancer a word in the medical history books!
Cheers and have fun out there! I’ll see you at the finish line!
Donna Deegan
Founder, The DONNA Foundation
It is with great enthusiasm and happiness that I welcome all of you to the 16th running of The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. I am delighted to be joining old friends and new runners to the event after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
Whether you are running the 5K, 13.1 or 26.2 during the weekend you can be assured that you will be cheered on by the fans lining the course or running with and/or beside you.
All of you who are running in honor or in memory of a loved one, or as a survivor, can count on being spurred on by the support you will receive over race weekend and during your actual run.
I am looking forward to sharing a weekend of meaningful and inspirational moments with you.
God speed and may you savor this special weekend celebrating the 20th Anniversary of The DONNA Foundation.
Warm wishes,
Joan
Joan Benoit Samuelson
Olympian, DONNA Special Guest
Here we go!
For the past 16 years we have done something special together. We have created, nurtured and expanded these weekend activities into something we never could have imagined in our wildest dreams.
Over the years, all of you, the founders, sponsors, and most of all the participants, fuel my enthusiasm and happiness. I thank you for your involvement now and hope that you continue to be a part of this community moving forward.
The benefits of The DONNA Foundation and the 26.2 with DONNA events have already touched thousands of people, hundreds of businesses.
But most importantly, DONNA events shine a light on the benefits and impact of research to improve the understanding of cancer and how to develop new strategies for treatment.
Your support of this foundation has made it possible for more people, more cancer patients, more caregivers and more families to benefit from the progress being made.
Moreover, it is an honor and privilege to be engaged in activities to strengthen well being, friendships, community, and improving the visibility of Jacksonville locally, nationally, and internationally.
Let’s continue on this amazing journey, have fun taking care of your health, inviting friends and family to join the events, giving back to others, with warmth and smiles.
Looking forward to a great weekend of fun, camaraderie, and raising funds to help others!
Dr. Edith Perez
Founder, 26.2 with DONNA The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer
I’ve not experienced more energy at any event–FOR 16 YEARS NOW!
Thanks to you and the thousands of DONNA supporters we are turning the tide toward finishing breast cancer. If you are coming to Jacksonville, I look forward to seeing you. If you are running the virtual races, thank you for being an important part of the team.
The Galloway Pacers help you toward the goal of your choice. We are pleased to have the support of Puma this year!
Reach out to your friends. You will be extending the vitality that comes from helping people improve the quality of life.
You are making a difference!
Jeff Galloway
Original Supporter of DONNA
Founder, 26.2 with DONNA The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer