Teen Places 2nd at Donna 5K After 10 Years Honoring Mom

A 16-year-old runner just crossed the finish line in second place at one of Florida's biggest breast cancer fundraising events, capping off a journey that started when he was in second grade.

Trace Crowley took home the silver medal at the Donna 5K in Jacksonville Beach on Saturday, competing against thousands of runners. He first ran the race 10 years ago as a 6-year-old, inspired by his mother's battle with breast cancer.

"Finally, all the hard work paid off," Trace said after the race. "I've been running this for 10 years. To be able to run this with my mom is pretty cool."

The Donna Marathon Weekend is a three-day event founded by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, herself a three-time breast cancer survivor. It's become one of the region's most impactful fundraisers for breast cancer research and care.

What started as a way to support his mom became Trace's lifelong passion. "I started this because of her and after running the race in second grade, now it's become my sport," he said. "I'm grateful for starting my career as a runner."

Despite cold temperatures hitting the First Coast Saturday morning, Trace was ready. "Well, I trained for this," he said. "I thought the weather was gonna be bad, but it was great, ran good."

Why This Inspires

Trace's story shows how supporting someone we love can lead us to discover our own gifts. What began as a young boy wanting to honor his mother's courage transformed into a decade of dedication, early morning training runs, and personal growth.

His second-place finish isn't just about athletic achievement. It represents thousands of families touched by breast cancer, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Fellow runner Susie Rawlins captured the spirit of the weekend: "Support is real important whether it's your family or your friends. The text I would get got me through it."

The marathon weekend continues Sunday with full and half marathon races, bringing together survivors, supporters, and athletes like Trace who prove that love can fuel extraordinary journeys.