This weekend, I had the privilege of running the DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass, part of the DONNA umbrella of race and fundraising events in the Jacksonville area. The DONNA Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to supporting those living with breast cancer and funding groundbreaking research. Founded by three-time breast cancer survivor, marathoner, and mayor Donna Deegan, the foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance, support, and hope to patients while working toward a future without breast cancer.
About The Race
DONNA hosts several events throughout the year, including a huge marathon weekend, with a full, a half, 5K, and 10K. I’ve been fortune enough to be part of that weekend, even partaking in the marathon relay at some point. I have even run the Mother’s Day 5K in downtown Jacksonville. This, however, is the first time running the October event at the TPC Sawgrass, our famous golf course, home of The Players.
The Night Before
We were leaning into a huge weekend with A’s girlfriend in town, a big band competitions (prelims and finals) and a football game, so the night was a bit chaotic. Things calmed down quickly when the torrential rain canceled the band’s performance at the game, so I made myself a pasta dinner, and laid out my flat runner. I had planned to pick up my packet at the race site, so all I needed to do was get myself to bed.
Race Morning
Confession: I was super nervous about the morning of. Parking is wonky near TPC, and while I could visualize the lot, I wasn’t entirely sure how to get there, as there isn’t a real address, and all I had were some GPS coordinates and a whole lot of hope. I left way earlier than necessary for an 8:30 start time, but I scored a great spot and picked up my packet with plenty of time to spare. It was a little bleak and drizzly, and a lot windy, so I went to the portapotties and sat in my car while the weather decided what it wanted to do.
The Start Line
At around 8AM, things seemed to brighten, so I pinned on my number and headed to the start line. Even though the sun wasn’t shining, there was so much pink and such a great and hopeful vibe. Our MC, Fitz kept the crowd upbeat and we all got to watch them take the gorgeous survivor photo.
And then we got the Jax Run photo.
At this point, Fitz asked us to line up. We would go out in two waves: one for runners and one for walkers a little later. I wasn’t sure why we needed the separation but later learned that the course would have ben too crowded for everyone all at once, so this was the smarter idea.
They played the National Anthem and off we went.
Miles 1-1.5
The entire course takes places on the golf cart paths of the TPC Sawgrass golf course. Locals and golf fans know that The Players Championship is a premier event, and this course is absolute goals. Turns out, it’s pretty amazing for runners, too. Despite the gray weather and occasional moments of misty drizzle, I was in love with the views, the curves, and even the little hills.
All the runners in pink absolutely popped against the landscape and it was so cool to see the color just winding its way through the whole course. We passed the famous 17th hole (tons of people stopped for that photo) and the Marriott hotel affiliated with the course.
Miles 1.5-3.1
At the halfway point, we passed the fully stocked water stop. I took a pass as usual, but still said thank you to the awesome volunteers. Have we even talked about the running yet? I felt great. Obviously, my running isn’t in a phenomenal place yet, but the cooler weather (we are talking a 20 degree drop) and the wind really energized me to a point where I felt incredible. While I was working off intervals, I still ran uphill and didn’t take extra walk breaks. Go, me!
I also think it helped that there was so much to see and it was all so pretty with the trees and water.
Of course, all good things must come to an end… the finish line was just ahead!
The Finish Line
I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face. How could you not? We were surrounded by so much inspiration and hope and love.
Volunteers handed out medals and water and sent us on our way to the post race village.
There were plenty of people celebrating (check out Elvis!) and retail outlets for shopping (shout out to Alter Ego with their cute pink ribbon hats).
And then it was on to snacks and mimosas! I had mine with pineapple juice and it was delicious!
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
DONNA does it right. These events are high quality and run beautifully. There was free, gravel lot parking (even if I was nervous about getting there), and plenty of portapotties. The course was gorgeous, and I loved that it was different than the regular local courses and special – no other race gets to use the TPC Sawgrass.
I can’t even complain about the weather. There were a few moments where it misted, but it never rained. And even the wind felt good.
The Athlete’s Village was perfect with a photo backdrop for finisher pictures, tables to set food and drinks, a little bit of shopping, and plenty of happy, loving faces.
Please keep in mind, DONNA events are usually a little more expensive than other local races, but I think there’s a great value to that price. I want to say I paid about $45 for my registration, which covered gender-specific tech shirt and medal, but there was also great entertainment, post-race food and drinks (including alcohol) and ultimately, the money goes to a wonderful, local foundation.
Final Thoughts
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this race. Not only is the cause phenomenal, it’s just so well done and appointed. I remember it always selling out very quickly, but times have changed and I was lucky to get a later entry to this one. While I also love Pink Up The Pace in St. Augustine, this is a great way to celebrate breast cancer awareness in October, and I plan to be back back!
What’s Next?
Next up might be our local pumpkin run. I’m just navigating timing on that one. While I don’t think I’m going to hit 12 races this year, I should be able to squeeze in a few more to finish strong.
Have you ever raced on a golf course? Did you run for breast cancer this year?
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