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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes: The Donna Marathon – Breast Cancer Marathon
I had the opportunity to interview Dana and Aimee from the Run Eat Drink Podcast at the largest podcast conference in the world, Podcast Movement. They travel to races all over and when I turned to them and asked them that one race that you should experience, they both responded with the same answer: DONNA Marathon.
What is the DONNA Marathon and Why Should You Experience it?
It’s a race that happens every year near Jacksonville, Florida to help support breast cancer research, survivors and those affected by breast cancer. This is a race for everyone. You don’t need to be an expert runner to participate. This is a special race that the entire community comes together to support and you don’t have to run a marathon to be a part of it. There are many shorter races and you don’t have to run them either.
This event is a true community. This race is for survivors, someone fighting breast cancer, and for family and friends of a survivor or someone who may have passed from breast cancer, or for anyone who wants to come out and support the cause. It’s a very special event where it’s much more than a race.
The Community
The neighborhoods decorate their houses with pink and white balloons. People will pass out mimosas, blueberry muffins, coffee, treats, and the entire community comes together. You are adopted by the community while you are there for the event. Many people will stay in front of their houses until the last runner passes by.
Honor Your Family and Loved Ones
I interviewed Dana and Aimee above (press the play button at the top to hear the full interview) and they did a great job of painting the experience. Partway through the interview, Dana shared that he lost his mom to breast cancer. That moment still tugs on my heart as I imagine them being at the DONNA surrounded by others who may have been in similar situations and coming together as a community and to walk/race in memory and support of their loved ones.
DONNA Marathon History
Their coach, Jeff Galloway (former Olympian) helped found this race with Donna Deegan (who this race is named after) because they wanted to help families lower their stress who are dealing with breast cancer. They wanted healing to be the primary focus. It’s an official event of The DONNA Foundation which gives financial assistance and support to those dealing with breast cancer. They also help fund breast cancer research. This was year number 13 for the race, and they do an amazing job of putting it together and building the community.
The race is sponsored by the Mayo Clinic, which is located in Jacksonville and is a massive contributor to breast cancer research and treatment. Many employees run in the race, help support it, pass out food, and they truly embrace the DONNA. Also shout out to Andi Sharp who is a doctor for the Mayo Clinic, breast cancer survivor and was the fastest woman at the course in 2019.
If you want to help support the DONNA foundation, check out the donate button below where you can give to this incredible giving and caring foundation.
When and Where is the DONNA Marathon?
It starts and finishes at Neptune Beach just 12 miles east of downtown Jacksonville at Beaches Town Center. The next race is February 7-9, 2020. Friday is a Social Shakeout and 5K to get to know the other racers. Saturday is the 5K and they start the Ultra then as well, while Sunday is the half marathon and marathon. It’s always the 2nd weekend in February.
Race Lengths at the DONNA Marathon
- 5K
- Half Marathon
- Marathon
- Half Marathon Relay
- Ultramarathon
Skills Needed to Participate
It doesn’t matter what athletic ability you have, you can participate. But if you are a hardcore racer, this is a Boston qualifying course. But if you’re more like me and you’re not a runner, you can walk it. Many family members walk it together wearing shirts supporting their family member that may be currently fighting breast cancer or may have passed from breast cancer.
How to Train for the DONNA Marathon if You want to Challenge Yourself
Jeff Galloway who is the co-founder of the race came up with a great Run Walk Run program to help you achieve the distance you have the goal to. Check out Jeff’s Race Training Methodology to learn more.
Accessibility at the DONNA
The race has wheelchair athletes and they are fast! There is a push rim wheelchair division for the full and half marathon and a crank wheelchair division for the full marathon (Breast Cancer Marathon).
How to Get to the DONNA Marathon?
You need to get to Jacksonville, and there is an airport you can fly into.
Where to Stay when Coming in for the DONNA marathon?
There are many hotels in Jacksonville, but Dana and Aimee shared their top-secret hotel. There is a fantastic Embassy Suites on Baymeadows Rd. On race morning it’s no more than 20-25 min from the door to the parking spot for the race. Great location, plus they have free breakfast!
Transportation Tips
Rent a car or use a ride-sharing app. Don’t rely on public transportation in Jacksonville on this race weekend. You might miss your race if you do.
Food and Drink Recommendations in Jacksonville after the DONNA Marathon
After you cross the finish line and hit up the after-party, you may find yourself very hungry (even though you’ve eaten homemade blueberry muffins and mimosas). Just steps from the after-party is a restaurant called Poe’s Tavern, which is named after Edgar Allan Poe. Pages of his work adorned the walls and they are also a big sponsor of the race.
This is what you should order at Poe’s Tavern:
- Black Cat Burger which is topped with Applewood Smoked Bacon with Edgar’s drunken Chili which adds a level of spice and heat. It’s also topped with grilled onions and pimento cheese, the caviar of the south. Burger Pictured Below.
- The Sleeper – topped with roasted garlic, blue cheese, and fried buffalo shrimp. Oh, they did it, surf and turf on a bun! Note that they also offer plant-based burgers.
Where to get a Great Drink After the Race
Now for beverage recommendations, check out Intuition Ale Works. They have an amazing rooftop bar is stunning. It has beautiful brick walls, painted sign on the brick and they are brewing and canning right there. The rooftop is gorgeous with a beautiful view of the skyline. They even have a beer named after Dungeons and Dragons if that’s your jam. Try out the Jon Boat beer, which is an English Golden Ale to wet your pallet.
Other Episodes from the Run Eat Drink Podcast about the DONNA
Interview with the Creators of the DONNA
Run Eat Drink Podcast Social Links
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