19th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend 2026: Jacksonville Beach’s Biggest “Run for a Reason"

 

More than 14,000 families have been supported by The DONNA Foundation’s work, with over $5 million directed toward relief and research. That’s the “why” behind the weekend.

When you’re standing on the sand in Jacksonville Beach with thousands of runners in pink, it hits you fast: this isn’t just another race. 

The 19th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend runs January 30–February 1, 2026, with race weekend action centered around Jacksonville Beach and a new weekend hub at Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic.

Quick details at a glance

• When: Fri, Jan 30 – Sun, Feb 1, 2026 
• Where: Seawalk Pavilion, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach (start/finish hub / Athlete’s Village)
• Expo + packet pickup: Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic Conference Center, 4745 Transformation Way (no race-day pickup at the beach)

Pick your event

The weekend includes the Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, DONNA Dash (family fun run), Ultramarathon, and challenge options.

Signup Details Here: https://breastcancermarathon.com/

Here’s how we’d choose:

• Running your first DONNA event? Do the 5K on Saturday. You’ll get the full finish-line energy without needing a multi-month build.
• Want a serious training target that still leaves room for life? The Half Marathon is the sweet spot.
• Want the signature experience: The Marathon on Sunday is the main stage. Big crowds, big emotion, big day.
• Want a “weekend story,” not just a race medal? Look at the challenge events (like combining the 5K with the half or full).

2026 race weekend schedule

Friday, Jan 30

• DONNA Social Shakeout Run: 7:00 a.m., 3-mile run/walk at Southern Grounds & Co. (Neptune Beach)
• Health & Wellness Expo + Packet Pickup: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic

Saturday, Jan 31

• Shuttles / parking open: 5:30 a.m. (Hilton / Mayo Clinic lots)
• 5K start: 8:00 a.m.
• DONNA Dash start: 9:30 a.m.
• Expo + packet pickup (again): 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 1

• Shuttles / parking open: 5:00 a.m.
• Marathon + Half official start: 7:30 a.m. (Adaptive division starts 7:27 a.m.)
• Post-race party in Athlete’s Village: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Important: No race-day packet pickup at the beach. Plan Expo time like it’s mandatory, because it is.

Logistics that will save your morning

1) Use the official shuttle parking

Free parking is available in Mayo Clinic Lot E-8 (spillover E-6 on Saturday/Sunday), with free continuous shuttle service:

• Saturday: 5:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
• Sunday: 5:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

My rule: arrive earlier than you think you need to. Thousands of organized people are doing the same thing.

2) If you’re getting dropped off / using rideshare

There’s a designated drop-off / rideshare area on Pablo Avenue, with pedestrian crossing at Beach Blvd & 3rd Street North (enter from 4th Street North).

3) Road closures are real

No parking on impacted streets starting Friday after 6 p.m. through Sunday until streets reopen. Expect delays near the 5K route Saturday morning and along the marathon/half route Sunday morning.

Course notes

• The half and full share the course through mile 13 before the marathon continues.
• Marathoners must maintain a 16:00 min/mile pace.
• There’s a key checkpoint: around mile 7 at the Jax Beach Lifeguard Station. If you don’t reach it by 9:30 a.m., you may be diverted to complete the half marathon route (and finish as a half marathon finisher). .

A simple 8-week prep approach

Just some structure that keeps most people consistent.

Weekly template

• 2 easy runs
• 1 “quality” session (alternate weekly):

• Week A: short intervals / hills
• Week B: steady tempo (comfortably hard)

• 1 long run on weekends (build gradually, then cut back 1 week before race week)
• 2 strength sessions (20–30 minutes: squats, lunges, calf raises, core)
• 1 full rest day (actually rest)

Race-week reality check

• Sleep won’t be perfect. That’s fine.
• Don’t try new shoes, gels, or “miracle hydration” on race week.
• Your biggest performance lever is boring: arrive early, stay warm, start easy.

Where to stay

The weekend hub is at Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic, which also hosts the Expo/packet pickup and offers shuttles to the beach start areas. If you like low-stress logistics, staying close to the hub is the move.

FAQs

Can I pick up my bib on race morning at the beach?
No. Plan to pick up at the Expo during official hours.

Where is the “center” of race weekend?
Start/finish energy is at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

What if the schedule changes?
It can. The official schedule is marked “subject to change,” so check for updates as race weekend gets close.