A free community kickoff at Pete's Bar in Jacksonville Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 26, will launch the DONNA Marathon's 20th anniversary season, bringing the nation's only marathon dedicated to breast cancer research back to the neighborhood where it was born.

The Hometown Kickoff runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and requires no registration. The evening includes a community run and walk, a one-day-only "Locals Rule" discounted race registration presented by the Jaguars Foundation, and an anniversary cocktail. Fitz Koehler, race announcer for the DONNA Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon, is scheduled to appear.

Executive Director Amanda Napolitano announced the kickoff on the DONNA Marathon's official website on Aug. 13, framing the return to Pete's Bar as a homecoming to the Beaches, where the race started two decades ago.

Marathon Traces Its Roots Back to the Beaches

Donna Deegan, a three-time breast cancer survivor and former First Coast News anchor, founded The DONNA Foundation in 2003. She co-founded the marathon in 2007, and the inaugural race in 2008 drew 6,936 participants from 15 countries with 2,000 volunteers.

Over two decades, the foundation has served more than 20,000 families, secured more than $6.5 million in financial services and debt relief, and disbursed more than $3.3 million for breast cancer research. The race has earned spots on USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice list and Jacksonville Magazine's Best in Jax.

Pete's Bar holds a special place in the DONNA Marathon tradition. The venue hosts the "Pete's Bar DONNA Crawl" as part of the official race weekend challenge series.

What to Know About Wednesday's Kickoff Event

  • When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m.
  • Where: Pete's Bar, Jacksonville Beach
  • Cost: Free; no registration required to attend
  • Highlights: Community run/walk, "Locals Rule" one-day registration discount (presented by the Jaguars Foundation), anniversary cocktail, Fitz Koehler appearance
  • Marathon Weekend: Feb. 5-7, 2027, starting at Jacksonville Beach SeaWalk Pavilion

The 20th anniversary season carries the theme "Love in Motion" and features a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, ultramarathon, DONNA Dash and a Health & Wellness Expo with breast health education.

Upcoming at the Beaches

  • Wednesday, Aug. 26: DONNA Marathon Hometown Kickoff, Pete's Bar, Jacksonville Beach, 6-8 p.m. (free)
  • Feb. 5-7, 2027: 20th Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend, Jacksonville Beach SeaWalk Pavilion