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26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer is the only U.S. marathon dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer. The inaugural race takes place near Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida on February 17, 2008.
Mark your calendars with next year’s race date, February 15, 2009!
Beneficiaries: Donna Hicken Foundation and Mayo Clinic
Proceeds from the breast cancer marathon will go directly to The Donna Hicken Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to helping women with breast cancer.
While a portion of the proceeds will be used by the Donna Hicken Foundation for the critical care of breast cancer survivors in need, the foundation has pledged to donate the majority of funds raised to Mayo Clinic for research and its Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic, which specializes in the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Donna Deegan: Founder and Event Chairman
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Donna has a huge following as an evening news anchor for Gannett Broadcasting’s NBC and ABC affiliates in Jacksonville, Fla. She founded The Donna Hicken Foundation, which funds the critical needs of underserved women with breast cancer, and the “26.2 with Donna” program. She is an avid marathon runner, completing several after her cancer diagnosis.
Jeff Galloway: Event Director
U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway has directed more than 100 races, including the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. Jeff was co-founder and co-director of the first Avon International Women’s Marathon. His monthly column appears in Runner’s World Magazine, and he has authored several best-selling running and fitness books. Through programs and seminars, he has coached hundreds of thousands to their goals.
Dr. Edith Perez: Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic Director
Dr. Edith Perez is recognized as one of the top breast cancer researchers in the world. She led a clinical trial which, last year, produced what is arguably the most significant breakthrough in breast cancer research in 30 years: a 52-percent decrease in the recurrence of HER-2 positive invasive breast cancer in patients who received trastuzumab (Herceptin) and chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone. Her latest research includes incorporation of new therapies and identifying genetic markers to find the best treatment for each patient.
A Weekend of Fun, Motivation and Fitness
There will be energizing and motivating activities all weekend, including music and life-enhancing information on fitness, nutrition and health. Special event merchandise will be available.
A Beautiful Course, Including Jacksonville Beach
Located near the beach, runners and walkers will enjoy beautiful views of the intracoastal waterway and tidal marshland, and meander through the unique beach communities of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. Weather permitting, a 2.5-mile section will be run on the hard-packed sand of this Florida coastline.
Anyone Can Finish With Our Training Program
Yes, even those who are getting off the couch can do it! Every entrant will be supplied with a Galloway training schedule for the event, the most successful training textbook and a virtual trainer to guide each participant, each week. Aches, pains and injuries are not necessary when using this program—which has allowed hundreds of thousands to change their lives for the better.
Jacksonville: Warm People, Cool Temperatures
Jacksonville and the governments of the cities on the route are solidly behind this event. Runners will find affordable hotels and restaurants, beautiful recreational areas, a variety of activities for non-runners and relaxation at the beach. Supporting organizations include: The City of Jacksonville, The City of Jacksonville Beach, The City of Neptune Beach, The City of Atlantic Beach, The Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dalton Agency and PRI Productions.
Inaugural race date is February 17, 2008. This is traditionally a time for ideal running weather in north Florida. Here are some comparative temperatures in other marathon cities, on their race weekends:
Jacksonville in mid February: 45 low/ 68 high
Miami: 60 low/77 high.
New York City Marathon: 47 low/ 60 high
Chicago Marathon: 44 low/ 65 high
Mayo Clinic Research
Mayo Clinic’s partnership in this endeavor cannot be understated. Known internationally, Mayo Clinic’s commitment to research extends throughout its three locations in Jacksonville, Fla., Rochester, Minn., and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. This research provides options for innovative treatments – not only for Mayo Clinic patients, but all individuals.
"After almost 50 years of running, organizing events and training runners for marathons, I’ve not seen a cause as powerful as that of fighting and ending breast cancer." - Jeff Galloway
“This marathon is dedicated solely to ending breast cancer in our lifetime and to caring for those who are living with the disease right now.” - Donna Hicken
Sponsors Benefit From Charity Association
Because of the 501(c)(3) status of The Donna Hicken Foundation, sponsorship dollars are largely tax deductible as are race entrance fees.
Unique Virtual Trainer — With Support
Based upon the experience from helping hundreds of thousands of average runners and walkers for more than 30 years, Jeff Galloway has designed an advanced training system for every person who enrolls. Each will receive a copy of his best-selling book, a training schedule leading to race day, online support in answering questions, and a weekly virtual trainer that can motivate and educate each person with specific tips on training, nutrition, motivation and health issues.
National Promotion
This event will be promoted at major expos around the nation, starting October 2006. The Galloway programs in about 50 cities will promote the race and send members to participate. Each month, a national running newsletter (40,000 circulations) will encourage runners to enter the event. Other large events and training clubs have also promised to support the event. International promotion is also planned.
"I believe that this event will attract more than 5,000 in the first year, and could easily grow to become one of the largest in the world in 10 years." - Jeff Galloway
The Donna Hicken Foundation raises money for First Coast women living with breast cancer.
The Mayo Clinic is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Visit the store to purchase official shirts, caps and posters.