Fit Philanthrophy: Breast Cancer Marathon

If you've ever stood at the finish line of a marathon, you know what an incredible accomplishment this is. But, aside from completing the grueling 26.2 miles, the real reason many athletes endure the hard work, sweat and tears is often more inspiring.

The 26.2 With Donna National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer was started by a local anchor woman and breast cancer survivor, Donna Deegan, who has literally outrun cancer three times. "I felt, on some level, if I continued to run, the cancer could not catch me," she said in a press release. "But now what I'd say is that I just love to run and I always tell people you have to continue to live and do what you love."

The third annual race is coming up this weekend on Sunday, February 21, in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and with over 10,000 expected participants, this event is not only one of the largest in the southeast, but one with an equally big reason for running. All of the people in and behind this race are helping finish breast cancer, for good. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to breast cancer research and care, including over $700,000 from last year.

So on February 21, thousands of runners, walkers, survivors and supporters will take to the streets to do what they love. And for those they love. "You can't sit there and say, 'I can't do this. I have cancer,'" Deegan said. "You've got to continue to do what makes you feel alive. I believe running changes your life. It empowers you in a way you can't get anywhere else in your life."

For more information about this event and taking part, visit the 26.2 With Donna Web site. Then, be sure to check out Jeff Galloway's marathon training tips!

We all have a story. A wake-up call, a certain someone or a life-changing event that prompted us to do something new, something more. What's yours? Why do you run?