Jacksonville Beach, Florida, February 2, 2026
The 19th Annual DONNA Marathon unfolded in Jacksonville Beach, attracting thousands of courageous participants who faced unprecedented cold temperatures in support of breast cancer research. Despite frigid conditions dipping to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, runners took part in various events including a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, and ultramarathon. Organized by The DONNA Foundation, the marathon showcases community spirit and raises critical funds for breast cancer support.
Jacksonville Beach Hosts 19th Annual DONNA Marathon Amid Record Cold Temperatures
Jacksonville Beach, Florida – The 19th Annual DONNA Marathon took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Jacksonville Beach, attracting thousands of participants who braved record-breaking cold temperatures to support the fight against breast cancer. The marathon, organized by The DONNA Foundation, is dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research and patient support.
Record-Breaking Cold Temperatures Challenge Participants
Runners faced a challenging start with temperatures as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit, marking one of the coldest recorded starts in the event’s history. Despite the freezing conditions, participants demonstrated remarkable resilience, with many utilizing heated facilities and warming stations provided by organizers to prepare for the race.
Event Details and Community Support
The marathon weekend, held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, featured a variety of events, including a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, and ultramarathon. The main races commenced and concluded at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, with the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic serving as the official host hotel and hub for pre-race activities.
The DONNA Foundation, established in 2003 by three-time breast cancer survivor and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, has been instrumental in providing financial assistance and support to individuals living with breast cancer. To date, the foundation has served more than 20,000 families, delivering over $6.5 million in financial services and debt relief, and investing $3.3 million in groundbreaking breast cancer research.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The DONNA Marathon Weekend has a significant economic impact on the Jacksonville area. In previous years, the event attracted over 7,500 runners, both virtually and in-person, and generated more than $4 million in economic impact to the region.
Looking Ahead
The DONNA Marathon continues to be a pivotal event in Jacksonville, uniting the community in support of breast cancer research and patient care. Participants and supporters eagerly anticipate the next marathon, committed to advancing the mission of The DONNA Foundation and the fight against breast cancer.
FAQ
What is the DONNA Marathon?
The DONNA Marathon is an annual event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research and patient support, organized by The DONNA Foundation.
When and where did the 19th Annual DONNA Marathon take place?
The 19th Annual DONNA Marathon was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
What events were included in the marathon weekend?
The marathon weekend featured a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, and ultramarathon, with races starting and ending at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.
Who is The DONNA Foundation?
The DONNA Foundation, established in 2003 by three-time breast cancer survivor and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, provides financial assistance and support to individuals living with breast cancer.
What is the economic impact of the DONNA Marathon on Jacksonville?
In previous years, the DONNA Marathon Weekend attracted over 7,500 runners and generated more than $4 million in economic impact to the Jacksonville area.
Key Features of the DONNA Marathon Weekend 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | January 30 – February 1, 2026 |
| Location | Jacksonville Beach, Florida |
| Main Races | 5K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Ultramarathon |
| Start/Finish Location | Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach |
| Host Hotel | Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic |
| Organizing Foundation | The DONNA Foundation |
| Foundation’s Mission | Provide financial assistance and support to individuals living with breast cancer |
| Economic Impact | Generated over $4 million in economic impact to Jacksonville in previous years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
February Activities in Jacksonville, FL: Beyond the Olympics
Star-Studded Events Brimming with Culture and Community
Jacksonville Woman Empowers Domestic Violence Survivors
Gloria Vasquez’s Inspiring Journey at the DONNA Marathon
Jacksonville Hosts Annual DONNA Marathon Health Expo
Jacksonville Runners Brave Extreme Cold at DONNA Marathon
Jacksonville Opens New Health Center Offering Expanded Services to Residents
Supporting Cancer Patients with Handmade Comfort
Runners Honor Florida’s Fallen Heroes with 170-Mile Journey
Unleash Your Weekend: Events in Jacksonville, FL
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
