This was not a real successful marathon for me personally, and I usually feel better about races I run well... but there were a lot of things I really liked about this marathon. I got into the host hotel just days before the race. I decided to run the full instead of the half because the weather forecast was good, and it was no problem to change the day before the race. There were 18 water stops... just right, so you don't have to think about hydrating (just take some every stop). It is a beautiful marathon. It is great value, inexpensive. There was no chip timing, but the field was small enough that it would not have cost anyone over a minute, probably.

I was disappointed in my result. I ran with a heart rate monitor for the first time. I had run Huntsville and bonked in the humidity, so I wanted to keep my heart rate at 150-155, since I had not had much recovery time. The hills are not bad, but they go on for a long time and my heart rate went to 165 and did not go down much, even with slowing down... so I bonked at mile 22. So the hills can be quite a factor.

Overall I feel good about the marathon, and it is run very well.

Although this was my first marathon, I will definitely do it again next year! Everything about this race was well organized and user friendly. The starting location was right off the interstate, which made it easy for me to get to because I didn't stay overnight. There were no long lines of runners waiting for their pre-race packs. I got my shirt and bib within 5 minutes after arriving. The race started on time, and the course was beautiful. It was clearly marked, and I was able run uninterrupted the whole way. There were numerous water stations and portable toilets, and the spectators were very friendly! Wonderful race!

This was my second time running the full marathon in Mobile and my eighth marathon total. First Light was also my first marathon ever back in 2007 and the second time around in 2008 was even better. I truly enjoyed the running community of Mobile, Alabama. The pre-race pasta meal at the Museum of Mobile was a classy touch and I hope they continue this for the following years. The pre-race meal and the bonding amongst runners in the cozy family-style tables was the highlight of the weekend events.

Conditions were perfect for running in this age of global warming. Cool temperatures, shaded trees along the course and a sunny day all added to my improvement from last year's race by over 8 minutes. The size of the race lent itself to personal recognition of other runners from previous races. I saw at least 4 other runners who ran with me during the inaigural Mississippi Blues Marathon just 8 days before.

If you want a family style marathon, First Light is the race for you. If you enjoy anonymity, stick with the bigger races. Although the course and hills were the same as last year, it wasn't as intimidating the second time around.

This was the most fun I've had at a race to date - even more fun than I had last year. And when you are presented at the finish line with your medal - by the residents of the cause you're running for - you will see what a spectacular race this is. I would come out every year for this event if I could.

Organization was excellent, especially for a small marathon. Ample water stations with Gatorade and extras (bananas, oranges, and more). Registration, packet pickup, etc. were flawless. Host hotel was great and very convenient.

Course was beautiful. Even though I knew about the hills, I still wasn't expecting them to be all they were... my problem! Still they weren't all that bad. Mobile is a wonderful town to visit and the course covers many of the highlights. Come for the beauty and the history! You won't be disappointed!

Course management was super. Police and volunteers keeps the course safe. Water station volunteers were wonderful and VERY supportive. Thank you all!! You rock!

Pre-race pasta dinner and the post-race meal and entertainment were exceptional. I loved everything.

I have mixed emotions about the "medal" given out. Primarily I appreciate the efforts of the L'Arche group that made them. Quite frankly, every other marathon could learn something from the First Light Marathon organizers about focusing an event on the charity benefiting. Still, I've got to admit, I was somewhat disappointed by the medal... doesn't speak very well of me!

Spectators were almost non-existent.... I hope Mobile will begin really supporting this event; it really has great potential, and Mobile greatly benefits from the event (and especially L'Arche, the organization for with the event is conducted). Come on, Mobile!!

Overall this is a wonderful event, especially for a small marathon. It's a long trip for me, but I'll return if I can. The entry fee is really too low... a GREAT deal!!

The race course was fast, well marked and staffed by plenty of policemen controlling the traffic. Wish part of the run was by the water and where the half splits off it should be better marked. Will do next year; I want to see more of the city and visit the museums.

I would definitely recommend this race to anyone who's looking for a fun race, for a really worthy cause! The organization was good, the host hotel was very accommodating and the proximity from the hotel to everything was very convenient.

The free pre-race pasta dinner was good. The race course was 70-80% shaded, with the start temp around 45 and later temps in the 60's. A few hills to deal with but nothing like what I expected, based upon my understanding of the elevation chart.

Finally, the finisher's medal may not be one of great value, when viewed from a monetary standpoint, but when viewed from the standpoint of "what this race is all about," it's worth more than most any medal you can achieve!

Thanks for a great weekend!

The race was well organized, well supported and actually fun to run (I say this after it's over}. The hills aren't as bad as advertised and the last five miles are a flat-out dash back to downtown Mobile. The post-race party included free massages, which were much appreciated. As the title to this commentary indicates, this was my first race but I am hard-pressed to think of anything that could have made it better. Impressive community support.

This was my 3rd marathon in as many states. I was really impressed by, as small as it was, the organization, course marking and set up. The pre- and post- race pasta meal was free for entrants. Because it was small (roughly 1500 including half entrants), the parking was a non-issue. Overall, I was really impressed by the event and would recommend it to others. The hills from mile 11-16 seemed an issue when you were ACTUALLY climbing them, but after you topped them, eh, they weren't that bad - overrated.

I just got my application for the 2008 race and it reminded me how much I have enjoyed this race for the past 3 years. It's a beautiful course through the azalea -lined streets of Mobile and finishes under the shade of old live oaks in a beautiful park, made all the better by the Cajun food and music on a warm day in January in the south! The best part of the race is being presented with the handmade finisher's medallion by one of the members of the L'Arche community in Mobile, which is the reason I started running this race, and always makes me feel wimpy for dreading "the hill" at mile 18. I've run 50 marathons all over this country and other countries, and First Light will always be one of my favorites.

Great event!! Mobile is a very cozy town with friendly people and a race for a great cause!! Anyone have the link for the photos for runners to purchase? Can't find it anywhere on the website!!