I am so glad I ran this marathon. This is my 12 marathon and Alabama is my tenth state. I actually registered for this marathon late because I could not run Houston (sold out). I was blown away by how well the marathon was organized (like a well oiled machine). The course was beautiful. The day was perfect. I would recommend this marathon without reservations. I would rank this marathon on my list of top three favorite marathons to run 1. Napa Valley 2. Big Sur 3. First Light Marathon. Thanks so much for giving us such a great event.

A challenging and scenic race. The course takes you through the streets of some of the most beautiful historic homes I've ever seen. The streets along the first five miles were covered with large oak trees whose limbs were so large that they provided shade across the entire roadway. There was plenty of scenery at the beginning and the finish line ended in the downtown district. The number of runners was large enough to find a pacing partner but small enough to enjoy some solitude.

This is not a course for trying to set a PR. The mild Southern winter temperatures started off in the 60's and ended in the mid-70's. The course was flat during the first 10 miles with three ascents and descents in between miles 10 to 20, which felt more challenging with each hill tackled. The water tower at Springhill (mile 18) marked the highpoint and toughest climb.

Fans were terrific given the small size of this race. There were plenty, even through some of the silent stretches of the race. They really kept me motivated through my first marathon. The pre-race and post-race meals were well worth the price of admission. My only complaint was there were no bananas or oranges at the end of the race but pulled pork, cole slaw, spaghetti and beer were plentiful.

I walked with a child who rode in the stroller. She has mild celebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome. I was told twice by police that I had to use the sidewalk, even though we were at the 9-mile marker and ahead of the balloon lady. I would have to stop and explain to them why she was in the stroller. They need to be aware that sometimes there will be a stroller in the race and it was for a good reason.

Mostly locals. Met some great people. Have run the 1/2 twice and the full once. Interesting course. Last six miles are on a slight downhill grade. This is good. The post-race extravaganza is a bit spartan. Guess the sponsors in Mobile do not kow what a market marathoners can be. I shall return.

First marathon in Alabama. I really enjoyed the race. The weather couldn't be better. Cold and clear. Course had few hills but was mostly flat. A lot of fried chicken restaurents on the course - I think four Popeye's, one KFC and one Church's? Too bad they were closed. I'm looking forward to running it again next year.

Better-tasting sport drink would be nice. Love the award! Thank you!

I have run the half marathon 2-3 times and the full marathon twice. It is good for me, because it involves no travel (it is in my home town). PR'd at last year's marathon by 13 minutes. Course mostly flat, with two hills thrown it. Crowds good, but not huge. Good course support. Great job by the police directing traffic.

This was my first race and first marathon. I chose it because it was in my home town and was a small field. The course seemed very flat and fast. There were minimal turns (given the area). There is only one really large hill. I turned in a 3:29, which was much faster than I expected.

I can't imagine a better organized race. Every detail seemed to be taken care of. Water stops ever 1.5 miles. Volunteers at ever turn to keep you headed the right way. Traffic was handled beautifully. The start and finish are only a few blocks away with plenty of parking. There were more spectators that I expected.

The only (small) problem I could mention is the Gatorade is not really Gatorade; it's a local mix. The director of the race told me I could get a sample before the race if I wished, but I just risked it.

This was my 5th marathon... and it was a great experience. The weather was somewhat cold, but no rain. The course ran through beautiful garden districts and was easy to follow and well marked. There was only one really tough hill at mile 18. The police support was great... thanks! The aid stations were well staffed. The hotel had great accommodations, and the start was right outside the hotel... very convenient! I will recommend this marathon to friends. A very friendly group!

The First Light Marathon is a very good marathon. It's small with only about 250 marathoners and about that many half-marathoners at the same start. Don't expect a lot of company and spectators, but I learned how much I enjoy a smaller marathon where I can focus on the race itself.

The organization was great. Marty, the RD, was always prompt about returning my emails. I was surprised by how well this event went since I was an early register and paid only $35 for the race, pre-race meal, post-race meal, shirt, medal and very good course support. There's no reason this race won't grow as more people learn about it.

The course itself was good. The first 10 miles are flat. The next 10 miles have some hills but they are all (including the one at mile 18) manageable. That's coming from a 240+ lb runner. The last 10K works its way back to the original elevation. This was my 7th marathon and I improved my PR by 4 minutes.

We lucked out this year with ideal weather, especially for those of us from the northern states. I believe it was about 37 degrees at the start and maybe low 50's at the end. I doubt the wind even made it up to 5 mph.

Having made my first trip to the Deep South, I was pleased to discover the southern hospitality of so many people, both runners and non-runners alike. I am still fairly new in my quest for a marathon in all 50 states so I don't know when I'll be back to Mobile, but I highly recommend this one.

The weather was perfect and so was everything else about this race. Mobile's a lovely city, and the course shows it off nicely. Race organization was excellent, traffic control excellent, the course well-marked, the volunteers helpful: Full marks for everyone. If you're used to Central Park, the hills aren't too much. AND I wound up with a PR, so what's not to like?