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DONNA Marathon Weekend 2022: What you need to know

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Get ready to see a sea of pink in downtown Jacksonville at the Beaches this weekend for the DONNA Marathon.

The race, dedicated to breast cancer research and care, kicks off on Friday for its 15th annual year.

The theme of this year’s marathon is “Together,” as the event celebrates the return to in-person racing this year.

“This 15th Anniversary race is special for so many reasons,” said Donna Deegan, founder of The DONNA Foundation. “For me personally, it marks my 15th year cancer free after my third diagnosis. I will never take a day for granted, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to reunite our community behind hope and healing. We have the best supporters in racing because for so many of us, this cause hits home.”

When and where will the events be held?

The DONNA Health & Wellness Expo will be hosted at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5, along with a family fun run, 5K race and a new Anniversary 15K Relay.

On Sunday, Feb. 6, events return to the beach with the Half Marathon starting from the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

Action News Jax has highlighted the running route in pink on the map below:

Friday, Feb. 4

Social Shakeout Run (Three-Mile Run/Walk)

Southern Grounds (200 1st Street, Neptune Beach, Fla.)

8 a.m.

DONNA Health & Wellness Expo

Jacksonville Fairgrounds (510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville, Fla.)

Noon – 6 p.m.

DONNA Anniversary Reception

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (1000 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.)

5-8 p.m. (Invitation Only)

Saturday, Feb. 5

DONNA 110 Ultra Marathon

Seawalk Pavilion (75 1st Street N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.)

7:30 a.m.

DONNA Health & Wellness Expo

Jacksonville Fairgrounds (510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville, Fla.)

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

DONNA 5K & DONNA Anniversary 15K Relay presented by FIS

Jacksonville Fairgrounds (510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville, Fla.)

8 a.m.

DONNA Family Fun Run

Jacksonville Fairgrounds (510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville, Fla.)

11 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 6

DONNA Marathon, DONNA Half Marathon presented by Genentech & DONNA Booby Trap Challenge

Seawalk Pavilion (75 1st Street N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.)

7:30 a.m.

DONNA Marathon Finish Line Party

Start/Finish Line

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

(Invitation Only)

Post-Race Party

Seawalk Pavilion (75 1st Street N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.)

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

26.3 Party hosted by Jeff Galloway

Seawalk Pavilion (75 1st Street N., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.)

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


How do I sign-up to participate in the DONNA Marathon?

Click here to select either an in-person or virtual race category. Registration will remain open until capacity is reached.



Will there be road closures?

Event organizers provided the following road closure information:

Saturday, Feb. 5

Downtown Jacksonville: The 5K/15K route will be closed to all vehicular traffic during race hours. Access along the 5K/15K route may be inhibited for up to four hours beginning at 8 a.m. until streets are opened for access. Impacted roads include East Duval Street to Julia Street, East Monroe Street, East Adams Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.

Sunday, Feb. 6

Beaches: The Marathon route will be closed to all vehicular traffic and on street parking during race hours.

Access to communities may be inhibited for up to 7 hours beginning at 6 a.m. on race day.

No vehicles will be permitted to park on impacted city streets after 11 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 5, until streets are opened for access.

Vehicles parked on the race course after 11 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 5, will be towed. Contact Beach Body Towing Co. at 904-249-9974.

  • Access in Jacksonville Beach may be inhibited for up to 7 hours beginning at 7:30 a.m. While in Jacksonville Beach, the race will be confined to 1st Street North, 1st Street South, Ocean Drive South, and Duval Drive.
  • Access in Neptune Beach may be inhibited for up to 3 hours beginning at 7:40 a.m.
  • Access in Atlantic Beach may be inhibited for up to 2.5 hours beginning at 7:45 a.m.
  • Access in Ponte Vedra Beach may be inhibited for up to 4 hours beginning at 9: a.m.

How will race proceeds be used?

The money raised during the DONNA Marathon will provide financial assistance and support to families living with breast cancer, and fund groundbreaking breast cancer research. The event also celebrates survivors and their caregivers, providing an opportunity to build community and honor their resilience.


What are the protocols in place to keep participants safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

Event organizers have provided the event’s health and safety plan online. The plan states that masks will be required to be worn at all times indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and they are highly recommended outdoors, but are not required while running. Participants are asked to avoid unnecessary crowding and stay home if if they feel ill. All races are capped based on venue capacities and materials.