JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thousands of runners hit the pavement Sunday morning for the eighth annual 26.2 with Donna marathon to raise money for breast cancer research.
Organizers said around 10,000 people registered for the marathon for the weekend.
Enthusiastic runners took off from the starting line at 7:30 a.m. from Ponte Vedra and ended at the Mayo Clinic.
Supporters handed out water and Gatorade as they rooted for the runners making their way through the course.
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"It just makes miles go by so much quicker,” runner Kevin Marasco said. “You don't even realize it because there are so many people out there cheering and supporting."
Action News spoke with runners who said breast cancer research is a cause that hits close to home.
"I'm here running in honor of my friend April Schmidt,” runner Liana Tabacek said. “She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and it's really taken a toll on her."
First-place winner Elisha Barno beat last year’s record by two minutes.
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Barno said the fight to cure breast cancer was part of the driving force that brought him to Jacksonville to take part in the race.
"It's important because I come from Kenya to support the mothers and sisters for the breast cancer donation race,” Barno said.
Organizers said so far the foundation has raised around $309,000 and the number is still growing.
Female Overall Winners:
First Place: Serkalem Abrha
Second Place: Hirut Guangul
Third Place: Etaferahu Tarekegn
Male Overall Winners:
First Place: Elisha Barno
Second Place: Kimutai Cheruiyot
Third Place: Phil Lagat