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DONNA Marathon Goes Virtual; Deegan Doesn't Rule Out Another Run For Public Office

Donna Deegan (right) is pictured in this pre-pandemic file photo with First Coast Connect host Melissa Ross
HEATHER SCHATZ / WJCT NEWS
Donna Deegan (right) is pictured in this pre-pandemic file photo with First Coast Connect host Melissa Ross

The DONNA marathon run for breast cancer is right around the corner, and will be virtual, due to the pandemic.

The annual charity marathon's founder, Donna Deegan, said people can upload their running times starting Saturday, Feb. 6, through Feb. 14, which is the official date of the virtual event. 

Plus, they’ve added a free “How to Be Fearless” seminar on February 12 and 13.  WJCT’s Melissa Ross will moderate a panel on clinical trials and health equity.

Deegan encourages everyone to participate by giving, supporting or running, which prompted Ross to ask Deegan Friday on First Coast Connect if other runs are in her future. 

Deegan said she is not ruling out another run for public office.

“I'm very motivated to make sure that those issues - not only that I feel passionately about - but that people in this area feel passionately about, are addressed... unfortunately I think the events of the last several weeks have only served to underscore that we really need people who are willing to stand up for folks,” the former congressional candidate said.

Deegan, a Democrat, ran unsuccessfully last year against incumbent Republican Rep. John Rutherford in Florida’s 4th Congressional District. 

Funds raised through Deegan’s marathon help families living with breast cancer, and support research at the Mayo Clinic.

The full interview with Deegan can be heard on Friday's First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross, which encores at 8 p.m. Friday on WJCT News 89.9.

Related: Additional information about the DONNA marathon.

Michelle Corum can be reached at mcorum@wjct.org, 904-358-6308 or on Twitter at @MCorumonME.

Michelle Corum joined WJCT as "Morning Edition" host in 2012 and has worked in public broadcasting as an announcer and reporter for public radio stations in Lawrence, Kansas, and Interlochen, Michigan. She also manages WJCT's Radio Reading Service for sight-impaired listeners.