The course gets hilly about mile 11 with a real tough one at 18. From 20 to finish, it's flat, but boring with few spectators. Biggest complaint: No split times.
Free pre-race and post-race meals are good, but music is so loud it is hard to talk. Start is close to hotel, and finish is just a few blocks away.
There was no expo in 2003. No state records from the race have been posted to the State Record Site six months after the 2003 race.

I have run the Mobile Marathon since its beginning three years ago. A perfect way to end the year. First Light was #18 for the year. Yes, I am addicted... love the challange of 26.2 miles, the scenery and the people who come from all over the US and the world. This year didn't seem to have as many spectators, but volunteers were always cheerful. A nice course with a few hills and one BIG one. The guys at the fire station at the top of the hill always make me smile. If you happen to find yourself 'down South' during the holidays, make sure you run this one!

While born, raised and a resident of Mobile for 40 years, I have been gone from there for 17 years. It was a real treat to come home to such a wonderful event on a route that brought back so many memories. My third marathon was the inaugural First Light in 2001 and it turned out to be a PR that will likely always stand. I could not believe that a first time event could have been so well organized. Surely there were glitches behind the scenes; but they were invisible to me. A lack of staffing at the first water station was the only noticable shortcoming.

An injury kept me from running in 2002, so this year I was anxious to see if complacency had set in with the staff and volunteers after the initial blush of enthusiasm. I was pleasantly surprised to see that everyone was as helpful and encouraging as ever. Twice after the race I was approached by staffers who asked, 'Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve the race?' I could not offer any suggestions but I appreciated their asking for my comments.

The course has beautiful scenery starting with the antebellum homes with their huge live oaks past the lovely homes and golf course at the country club to the rolling hills of the Univ. of South Alabama (my alma mater), through the municipal park with its lakes, to the beautiful campus of Spring Hill College. There are just enough hills on the course to give one's legs a break. The only hill worth mention is at 18 where both times I planned ahead of time to walk, have a gel and water and recharge. That worked very well.

My only recommendation to the organization committee is to look into whether it might be logistically feasible to re-route the last few miles back onto Dauphin or Government rather than boring Spring Hill Avenue.

This was my first marathon, the course was great and it will challenge you between miles 12-20. Fan support was low; however the race workers were incredibly supportive. However, I think the aid stations could be placed in more predictable locations, e.g. every two miles. Overall this was a great confidence booster for me!

My family came down to run this marathon knowing it was a smaller marathon. The bathroom stops, the water stations, the Mobile Police Department and motorcycle club who helped monitor traffic were all fantastic. The course is set over the historic district, USA campus, and a park for 21 miles. I thought it was a busy course. Lots to see, great way to see Mobile. The last 5 miles were a letdown as far as scenery, but the course is well laid out. The hills were not as bad as I was told they would be. My only suggestion would be to add more vendors to the packet pickup and convention. We went with money in our hands looking to buy, but there weren't any clothes to purchase. The bands at the end were good, but they kept encouraging us to dance?!?! Obviously they hadn't run the marathon. This is a marathon everyone should run and support. Thanks for the unique weekend.

This is the third time I have run this marathon... I have yet to be disappointed. I would love to see this one grow more and more each year. A great way to end the year (18 for 2003). Not as many spectators this year as previous years, but that doesn't matter. The first half of the course is flat, but the second half has some major hills. Seems the hills always get me. The last 5 miles is pretty boring, but by that time, I know it will soon be over. I look forward to running this course again next year.

After reading earlier comments, I was a bit apprehensive about the race. Put those fears to rest. For the price, I have yet to find amenities like those at Mobile. A pre-race and post-race meal, a free concert, ample aid stations, complementary massages, and a FREE beer tent--for only $35 (if you register early). My thanks to the folks in Mobile for a great time!

Great race. Really wasn't that difficult until you hit mile 10 or so, then you got on the roller coaster. The midpart was almost painfully hilly (downhills too steep for my taste). Flattened out again around mile 21 or so, thank goodness. Overall great race and hope my schedule will allow it 12/04.

I was the last one to finish.... and EVERYONE was GREAT. The middle of the race is up in the hills, and there are few spectators there... but in town it was nice!!

Traveled back to my hometown for this race. Love the downtown views--race would benefit from more of the course having such beautiful scenery.

Lots of water stops with sports drink at each and gels, fruit at some. Smiling volunteers.

Major need for improvement in getting the spectators to the race and more entertainment along the route.

Hope the race grows into the special event it could become.