Clicky Training Group for 26.2 with Donna
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Training Group For The "26.2 With Donna"
Returns To Fernandina Beach.
Sept. 27, 2008
Photos and Account by Ed Hardee
Exiting Ft. Clinch

Runners from throughout North Florida trekked to Fernandina Beach Saturday, Sept. 27 for The 26.2 With Donna marathon training group’s annual visit. They were treated to a spectacular morning for running and walking, with clear skies and temperatures in the 60s.

They also got to sample some of our best running venues, heading into Fort Clinch State Park and then toward the historic downtown area for a 12-mile run, starting and finishing at Main Beach.

Jim Gilmore of Jacksonville, a member of the 26.2 With Donna marathon board, said plans are “on target” for the event’s second running on Feb. 15, 2009. Last year’s inaugural run attracted more than 7,000 runners and raised more than $800,000 to fight breast cancer and help women living with the disease.


“Last year we had participants from all 50 states and 14 countries,” he said. “This year we already have 48 states represented, so we feel confident we’ll meet that goal. Plans are coming into place to make it a great experience for both the runners and the spectators.”

The Galloway training group chooses locations around North Florida for its weekly training runs, and Amelia Island Runners played host to their visit here this year. Several of our club members joined in the pace groups when the run got under way shortly after 6 a.m. “This has been great, a gorgeous morning and cool weather,” said Colleen Hodge.

Pre-Dawn Briefing    The Getting Started group
(Photo on Left - Above) Chris Twiggs addresses runners at Main Beach before the start.
(Photo on Right - Above) The "Getting Started" training group before their 7 a.m. start.
Colleen's Group  Gilmore - Twiggs and Twiggs
(Photo on Left - Above) Colleen Hodge wears the AIR colors as her pace group returns to Main Beach.
(Photo on Right - Above) From left, Jim Gilmore, Chris Twiggs and Chris' dad, Donald Twiggs.

Walk Break   Finishing
(Photo on Left - Above) Runners take a walk break.
(Photo on Right - Above) More runners return to Main Beach.
Tim Deegan
Tim Deegan (on the right) runs with the first pace group of runners heading west on Atlantic Avenue toward the Fort Clinch park entrance.
 The “Getting Started” group ran and walked for 60 minutes into the park and back. Their 7 a.m. start afforded them a spectacular pre-sunrise over the Atlantic.

AIR leader John McBrearty was enthusiastic about the Galloway run/walk method that the training group uses. “We ran for three minutes and walked for 40 seconds, and it make it really easy,” he said. “I haven’t run more than 6 miles in about a year, but I ran 8.2 today and I feel better than I usually do after 6.”

Galloway group leader and AIR member Chris Twiggs lives in Fernandina Beach and thanked the group for making the trip. Apparently they enjoyed the experience, and the perfect running weather.

“They’re all moving to Amelia!” Chris called out as his pace group headed west on Atlantic Avenue toward downtown. “We’re going out to look for houses now!”