JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130220/FL63715 )

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.  

SOURCE 26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer