FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Runners Clock Record Times at 6th Annual 26.2 with Donna
Unique Marathon – Fast and Deep in the Southeast
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 19, 2013) — Sunday morning, February 17, 2013,
several of the fastest marathon times ever recorded in Florida were clocked
at the 6th Annual 26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast
Cancer. Between the north Florida coastal communities of Jacksonville and
Ponte Vedra, approximately 10,000 registered runners and walkers
participated in marathon weekend events, including over four-dozen
international class runners.
Proof of the fast course rests in the numbers. Thirteen elite male athletes
finished the course faster than the winning time of the 2013 Miami Marathon
(2:26:14), including winner Tesfaye Girma of Ethiopia who finished in
2:15:40, blistering the last half of the race in 1:06:41. Four women
runners competing in the 26.2 with Donna finished under 2:46:07—all faster
than the women's winner of the 2013 Miami Marathon, world-class runner and
inaugural 26.2 with Donna champion, Mariska Postma-Kramer.
"For those who wonder if this is a fast course, I'd say our times answer
that question with a resounding YES!" said Donna Deegan, founder of 26.2
with Donna and three-time breast cancer survivor. "I think our crowds also
have something to do with it. When you are running for an incredible cause
with thousands thanking you as you go, it certainly stokes the spirit and
energizes the body."
In addition to the fast qualifying times, elite runners are attracted by
the $69,000 prize purse, a unique course that includes a 2-mile stretch
along the beaches of Jacksonville, and the philanthropic nature of the
race. 26.2 with Donna does not provide payment for elite runner amenities.
Instead, the runners choose to support a cause to help FINISH BREAST CANCER
with 100 percent of proceeds going to breast cancer research and care.
"We gain instant credibility on the international marathon stage when
athletes run fast times at the 26.2 with Donna. Now when athletes from
Brazil to Ethiopia and Kenya, to Russia and Japan compete here, they know
they have the opportunity to earn a fast time on the world's most unique
marathon course," said Keith Brantly, Olympian and 26.2 with Donna Elite
Runner Liaison.
About 26.2 with Donna
The 26.2 with Donna mission is to passionately produce world-class events
to raise funds for groundbreaking breast cancer research and empower those
living with breast cancer. Seventy percent of all race proceeds go to the
Mayo Clinic for bench top cancer research. Thirty percent of all race
proceeds go to The Donna Foundation to help breast cancer patients with
critical financial needs. For more information, visit
www.breastcancermarathon.com.
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