calendar icon May 15, 2024

Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.7 
 
 
Number of comments: 153 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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C. M. from Pensacola, FL (1/1/2004)
"Another good one!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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.
 

F. H. from LaPorte, Indiana (12/30/2003)
"I was very happy!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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!
 

s. c. from orlando, Fl (12/27/2003)
"flat-->HILLY-->flat" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


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.
 

s. r. from Gulfport Florida (not Mississippi) (3/16/2003)
"They went out of their way for me!!!" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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!!
 

C. R. from Los Angeles, Calfornia (1/7/2003)
"Great potential" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


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.
 

s. s. from alabama (1/5/2003)
"Beautiful city" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


Nice day first half nice last half hills tough water stops freindly need a few more in that sun. I no they worked hard on medals but would like to see them made of metal. Pasta party great you did great guys thank you! I will be back.
 

C. M. from Pensacola, Florida (12/31/2002)
"Great small marathon" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


If you come to this marathon expecting huge crowds of spectators, stay home. But if you enjoy a small marathon with a running start (no packed starting line), a relaxed run and some beautiful southern scenery this is for you. I ran the inagural run last year also and plan on making this marathon a yearly event. The course does wind around some and a few parts are boring, but the moss draped oaks, parks, and neighborhoods make up for them. There are only a couple 'bad' hills otherwise the course is fairly flat.

I had a real laugh when a group of a couple dozen geese crossed in front front of me while going through one of the parks. After the race I heard a few other people mentioning them and everyone thought it was a real highlight.

It seemed there were fewer spectators this year than last, but everyone was friendly and cheered. The water stops were OK, but only one had any gel and they were all out when I passed. I thought the registration fee was a little high (unless you register early) for not having more things such as gel, etc. along the course. There were several stops that had fruit, though which was nice.

As last year the finisher medallions were made by the L'Arche Foundation and are not very impressive, but I know their clients put a lot of effort and pride into making them. All in all a great job and a marathon I expect to see growing more and more as the years pass.
 

j. s. from Illinois (12/31/2002)
"GLAD I MADE THE TRIP" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


We drove from Chicago for a warm weather winter race. I was ill and almost did not make this race, however the race director offered to refund my entry fee, which does not happen at big events.
The course was scenic and challenging with few spectators.
The only down side was the course map did not state 'not completely driveable' and during a review of the course we ended up getting lost.
Great event which benefits awesome cause.
So if you're pursuing all 50 states mark this one for AL or if you want a smaller race which you get a good return for your dollar go to this race. The host hotel was only $55/night for downtown Radisson.
 

J. G. from New Orleans, LA (12/31/2002)
"Nice course, well organized, & great cause" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is a well organized race with a great course through the historic district, colleges, parks and downtown. It is a friendly event to walkers and also includes a half marathon course. It contributes to a great cause, the L'Arche-Mobile Foundation. After finishing you receive a nice medallion hand made by the students of the Foundation. The only weak point is the spectators lining the course. They were very very sparce. A suggestion for next year.... advertise more the event. It is worth, and you could get a lot of more people running for a great cause and looking for a PR.
 

R. C. from Florida (12/30/2002)
"Beautiful Course & a Worthy Cause" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Pre-race pasta dinner was great, with a live band and good food. Course contained amazingly beautiful homes set against magnificent oaks. Weather was perfect, and the spectators along the way were very warm/friendly. Some portions of the course were not traffic controlled, but markings on the road (using flour) were clear. Handicapped folks at the finish line handed out the home-made medals, and helped me appreciate the goal of the event. Unmanned self-serve beer station at the finish line was unique, but otherwise this was a very well run event. Needs more local media support.
 

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