The Donna Marathon was the 119th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 121st largest in 2022.
This year 5.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Donna Marathon the 340th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 74th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.51 ranks it as the 98th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest course in Florida.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Donna Marathon a PR Score of 99.36. This PR Score ranks it as the 87th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Florida.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Donna Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 29 feet (8m) Min Elevation: 5 feet (1m)
This marathon is a very flat course except for the on ramp and the bridge in the last 3 miles of the race. I have ran 7 marathons and have never seen the amount of community support as I did in this marathon...phenomenal. The community not only cheers you on throughout the course (except the last 3 miles on the highway) they also provide water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas, etc. Combine that with the aid stations provided by the race and you had something available every mile. Also, lots of porta potties at the start and throughout the course, Very well organized event!
Would recommend a little more support on the bridge. This is the hardest part of the course and after having so much support on the rest of the course it was disappointing not to have the encouragement when the runners need it the most.
Race Tips
Unfortunately this year's race was unseasonably warm/hot. Be prepared for any type of weather.
Would not recommend the Marriott Sawgrass Host Hotel. It is a pricey hotel and only average accommodations. In the description on the marathon website they make it sound like the start line is right near the hotel. That is not accurate. You have to take a shuttle to the start line and back to the hotel after the race. You have to call for a shuttle after the race unless one happens to be there. No shuttle schedule for after the race. Some of the staff were not very friendly. They do NOT have a late checkout so you have to be an elite runner or plan to leave your luggage at the front desk. After pressing the issue of having a need to take a shower before I traveled back home the day of the race they did allow me to use the shower in the spa. Also, the staff seemed "put out" to answer questions about the distance to the start line and the frequency of the shuttles.
