They should keep the hill @ mile 9; it makes a more difficult course. There are plenty of marathons to run, but only this course has THAT HILL. The people are great and there is ample crowd support throughout most of the distance. The event is terrific; I just hope it stays small and undiscovered. I repeat: 'KEEP THE HILL'. Just as Marine Corps finishes uphill, the hill is one of the things that make this course unique.

I ran this course to prove that a 46 year-old can still have goals and achieve them, that I can still look forward to a challenge in life, that God still answers prayers.

Let me tell you about the 2004 Mercedes Marathon course. I live in Birmingham, am 68-years old and ran the 2001 race in 4:14 (First in my age division). In 2002 I ran the half as I was recovering from an injury and was not in condition for the full. The 9-mile mountain has been a monster for me. I had to walk it in the race, and I have never been able to run it without walking for at least a minute. It is only one mile from where I work and I have tried it on several training runs. The new course has two hills: one at 18 miles and one at 21 miles, and I have been able to make it up both on a recent 15.5 training run (the hills came at ll and 14 miles). The hill at 18 is longer and steeper, but it is made up of short ascents and the level runs, so it is really not too bad.

Located in an old part of Mountain Brook there are many old mansions that take your mind off this part. Topping the summit is Birmingham below as you start a steep descent that really worked my knees and legs over. (I weigh 185). Running fast down this hill is great if you can run that fast and then while still going down hill make a sharp right. The 21-mile hill is followed by a very steep 200-yard down-hill that I couldn?t run. I had to walk. It is followed by a sharp left turn. (The 21-mile hill is also the new nine-mile hill in the half.) I like the new courses for both half and full marathon better than before. My advice is to practice downhill running. Remember the finishers of both the half and the full are elgible for a chance to win a Mercedes. I expect
there to be more finishers. It is a well run event.

I ran this marathon this year and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. The organization is superior for a field this size. The expo is small, but had the basics, and nice cars to view. The mountain was angry this year, with fierce winds on the leeward side... Actually the weather was perfect, the hills were a challenge, but I wouldn't have changed the course (it added character). With the chance to win a Mercedes, the field size is poised to explode. Jump on this one before it becomes Chicago-like.

That said, the spectators are sparse but energetic. The organizers did a great job of recruiting local cheerleaders, surfers, bagpipers, etc. to help you through the miles. Pasta dinner was held at a local museum, which was a nice touch. One word of advice, pace yourself on liquid intake before you sit down for the Imax movie - they ask you not to leave and the aisles are tight.

What's not to like? Live music every couple of miles (bagpipes somewhere in the second half!), donuts along the way, free pizza at the finish, cool medals. The hill at mile 9 is a beast, but worth the conquering. I ran the inaugural half two years ago, and the full one in '03. This one will be an annual event for me.

I LOVE this race. Have run it both years. But I'm very disappointed they're taking out the climb over Red Mountain for 2004. That's the best part of the race! If I want an 'easy' marathon, I'll do Tybee!

I ran my first in Chicago in October. I was forced to walk the final 9 miles due to an injury. A nice guy from Birmingham commented on the Mercedes event in the OHare airport. I thought about it for the next 2 months. I spent maybe 6 weeks training for this one. Mostly on the treadmill. Can't quite run outside in the midwest. I knew about the hill and walked it to conserve energy. It was a great experience all around. I cut 10 minutes off my first marathon time. The cramps at the end of my run told me I did about the best I could. The Benz plant was cool. Hey, for a second Benz sponsored event it was top notch. I'd like to say I'd come back but I'd like to experience other locations.

This race is 'First Class' It is all that you have heard.the list Yes cool medal, Yes friendly people, Yes effecient administration I've run 5 Marine Corps Marathons plus the courses at Disney, Charlotte 'This was much more difficult' Mardi Gras, and Jacksonville, Fl. YES Challenging course 'the mountain at 9 is a bear, but heartbreak hill is at 21 with many small rollers throughout' Experienced marathoners will probably never PR here, but when you finish you know it was a challenge and you met it today.
SMALL but effecient expo, Pasta dinner with the Imax movie was cool. Nice Something to do during the winter, bring the kids spend the weekend 'My wife wants to go back'
I am afraid that if it gets crowded it will lose some charm.

It was only my 2nd marathon, so I'm not qulified to pass judgement on the course. But, I doubt that many marathon couses include a mountain. (Red Mountain indeed--my face was certainly red at the crest.) In spite of that I did PR, and it was a great race in terms of support, organization, weather, post-race party, and awards. Yes, it is no cakewalk. But, in all my inexpierince, I feel that if you can run this one--you're ready for most any marathon.

This race was sort of a 'last minute' decision on my part, not really knowing what to expect. I should have known it was going to be a great event when I had a problem with my registration, but was cleared up immediately. The weather proved to be perfect for a mid February.

The course: Challenging, but interesting. This won't be a PR for most veteran marathoners. The hill at about 9 miles is tough, but hey, it's a net downhill from there!

Course support: Phenomenal! Considering the field was about 2500 with both races, the aid station support (including Snickers bars!) was incredible. I truly felt like a celebrity each mile.

Traffic control: Again, top notch. Officers were friendly, often with a kind word.

Post race: Very cool medal, great post race feed (BBQ pork and other goodies).

Overall value: Excellent. I would recommend this race to anyone.