I knew from the previous year's comments that this was not going to be a big spectator course, but there was absolutely no one out there rooting for you. The volunteers at the water stops, and the policemen were very friendly. The course was very scenic in the beginning, very hilly in the middle, and pretty bad at the end. We were running on a 4-lane highway for about 5 miles - the last 5 miles, where I really needed something to keep my mind off of my pain. This could be a GREAT marathon, with a some more support from the city, and a change in the last 5 miles.

I ran the 2006 marathon. This was my 8th marathon and would run it again. The staff was wonderful, the course was very scenic. I think they had all of the police from all of Alabama out on the course. The course was well marked with volunteers at every corner. There were a few hills but nothing you can't train for. The weather was perfect. They had food and a band playing at the end. I would recommend this race.

Ran this race for the first time this year 2006. Great race and very well organized. The course is very well laid out and is a good course to set a PB. Everyone from policemen to special needs people handing out medals were wonderful. This race will grow into a big race in the very near future. I will definitely return next year.

Mobile is a beautiful city, and long stretches of this course are very pretty, but for me, the distinctive element in this race was the fantastic people of Mobile. From the folks at the water stops, to the volunteers directing traffic, to the race organizers themselves, I found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful, and eager to make this an all-around great experience for the runners. I would recommend this race to anyone, and would run it again. Beware that hill at 18 though - holy cow!

Great course with lots of turns and variety of scenery. Went from historic to college to urban. Nice, rolling hills. Only minor complaint was that I was turned around at the end and walked for miles before I found where I'd parked, but this was largely my fault.

I have ran this marathon twice and it ranks close to the best. I love the challenge from 11 miles to 18 miles. It certainly gives you a good workout.

This is a wonderful small marathon put on by a city that welcomes runners. Just do it is all I can say. I will be back every year until they have to carry me up that one, long steep hill by the fire/rescure station!

Though this is small marathon, it had the feel of a big-time race. I thought it was realy a neat touch how the City of Mobile erected permanent street signs to mark each turn and at each mile. The was varied and interesting. Until I ran this race I never knew Mobile was such an intresting and scenic town. The price, especially for those who registered early, was wonderful. I have paid $40 more to enter some marathons and have not received so much back as I got at this race. This definitely is a marathon worth running.

This is my 6th marathon and the first I have run in my hometown. It is also the smallest marathon I have run. It was almost incredible. The only bad thing is about 3 miles (20-23) that are in the less-than-fabulous part of town. This keeps the fans away and there is little to recommend this part of the race. Other than that, great water stops and fans and very well organized. Although, I would highly recommend the half other than the whole. It was 75 degrees in Mobile that day and -5 where I live in Montana. Stifling but great for January...

I don't think a marathon could be any better organized than Mobile's. For a small marathon there were so many folks helping out. I found all aspects of the marathon running smoothly, from the packet pick-up to the post-race meal.

What attracted me was the value. For $35, we got a pre- and post-race meal and concert, a great long-sleeve shirt and medal. I don't know how they pulled it off and managed to give some money to charity!

There were so many folks on the course ensuring the roads were traffic free and ensuring the runners made all the right turns. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Traffic was not an issue and there was no chance of making a wrong turn on the course.

Pre- and post-race meals were excellent and both provided a live band.

For a small town marathon, crowd support was minimal, but that is to be expected. Overall, I would recommend this race to everyone.