The creators of 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer, have taken their cause to end breast cancer a step further by partnering with MapMyRun.com. The site has created a virtual marathon and half marathon available to anyone worldwide.

On November 17th, MapMyRun.com launched 26.2 with Donna as a virtual marathon and half marathon. The site allows anyone, anywhere to register for the marathon or half marathon. Virtual marathon and half marathon participants can run for the cause in their own neighborhood, or anywhere they choose.

The virtual marathon and half marathon is a counterpart to the existing full and half marathon events taking place in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on February 15, 2009, where thousands of runners and fans are expected to gather again this coming year for this one of a kind marathon that includes a segment along the beautiful northeast Florida beaches.

"In our inaugural year, we were thrilled to welcome runners from every state and 15 countries to our race in Jacksonville Beach," said Donna Deegan, race founder and breast cancer survivor.

"We expect even larger crowds this year, but in these rough economic times, we realize there are those who would like to help the cause but can't afford the cost of travel. We are thrilled to partner with MapMyRun.com to make our cause available to everyone who wants to help end breast cancer."

Virtual marathon and half marathon participants can sign up at MapMyRun.com, create a 26.2-mile route by pointing-and-clicking where they want to run their marathon or half marathon, and collecting data while they run the marathon or half marathon using Nike +, Garmin, Timex, and/or iMapMyRun iPhone GPS data collection devices.

Virtual participants' finish times will be posted on the results page along with participants in the 26.2 with Donna marathon and half marathon runners in Jacksonville one week after the February 15, 2009 race. 26.2 with Donna will send MapMyRun.com participants a finisher T-shirt and completion medal.