Great organization by organizers and great support provided at host Holiday Inn Grand. Start area is scenic but windy in '07. First 1-10 mi. are scenic. Last 5 mi. are not. A "small" hill at 22/23 miles is tough if into wind. Will come back in '08 and hope for a more scenic last 5-6 mi. route.

This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to really compare it to (and as such, you should take my comments with a grain of salt). I thought the first half of the course was great, running along scenic highway with great views, then back into downtown Pensacola. Second half was FAR less scenic; it showed the poorer side of Pensacola, including parts where I would not go at night (and I live here). Hills were more challenging than I thought, definitely took it out of me by the end. This is not a course to get a great time on, IMO.

Organization was great; I had no problem registering. There were volunteers at the finish line that immediately gave me my medal and took my chip. All the side roads were blocked by marine volunteers, there were no problems with traffic, and there were great aid stations. Very, very few spectators, but maybe because weather was unseasonably cold.

Overall, great first-marathon experience.

I LOVED this race! The course touched on just about every part of town... with the majestic start on the shores of Pensacola Bay, to East Pensacola Heights, beautiful Scenic Hwy (loved the sunrise!), Cordova Park, East Hill, North Hill, the west side and back downtown. After having suffered the hills of Nashville, I have to say, the "hills" of Pensacola were MINIMAL! It was an awesome experience for me mentally, physically, and nostalgically (I'm originally from Pensacola!!). A great course for a first-time marathoner and huge confidence builder!!! It was very well organized and the fans were top-notch. I believe the fan base/participation is destined to grow each year. For those out-of-towners, you couldn't ask for a better race/vacation destination!

Excellent race if you want good organization without the big stampede at the start. This is especially true if you're in the 3-hour range. At the big races, you have a lot of congestion in the first mile, but here anybody under 7:00/mi had clear running from the gun.

The first half of the course was great. The second half was less interesting and a lot less pretty. I've heard the specators are usually good, but with the cold temps there was practically nobody along the course this year.

The wind was more of a factor than the hills. I wouldn't call it a particularly fast course, but you can post a good time if you don't overcook the hills in the early going.

I did the half marathon and smashed my previous half marathon PR. A couple of hills did not impede my progress. Water stations excellent and the traffic control was fabulous. The police were nice and smiling despite the very chilly weather. I met some really nice people along the course who helped me along. It is a beautiful course and I grab every chance I can to run in Pensacola. Thank you for a fabulous time and a great run!!! I'll be back. Oh, and the t-shirt and medal are great.

My first marathon! Before the race, thought I'd never want to do another - but now I do! Availability of porta-potties was key to success, as well as the great police and marine traffic guards, and the volunteers with PowerAde and water.

The first 8 miles of rolling hills, with the sunrise over the Gulf, were a great way to start the run. I would have liked to see more of the route along Scenic Hwy. All in all, I like the timing of the race (in conjunction with Mardi Gras). Keep up the good work!

Course - The hills were a surprise because there was no mention of them on the website, or on the entry form. The out-and-back section there at mile 17 seemed like a cruel joke.

Organization - Great for most of us, but we saw several of the slower (older) runners having a real problem getting their times and medals.

Spectators - What there were, were wonderful. The weather (23-degree chill factor) had a lot to do with there being so few.

This was my first marathon and therefore my favorite to date! The course was an excellent sampling of Pensacola's neighborhoods from bayside mansions to oak and Spanish moss-lined streets to military housing over near the air station. The USMC really turned out for this event in a big way, with a marine on just about every corner helping to "police" the course. Thanks guys! If I could change one thing, I would reverse this course. It would have been nice to get the western loop and bridge climbs out of the way early on and then leave the Scenic Highway as an inspiring, grand finish. Oh well, what do I know? This first will always stay with me! Thanks!

I had run the Blue Angel Marathon in the past and decided not to run in Pensacola again due to the uninteresting course. When Blue Angel was discontinued due to Hurricane Ivan, a new course was created that is much more interesting and challenging. I had by far my most satisfying marathon yet. The day was cold and windy; however it was a beautiful, clear day. The first 7 miles are on Scenic Highway and looking out on the bay at sunrise was breathtaking. Of course that could have been my breath going up some of the hills. The course was covered by marines at every intersection and neighborhood entrance and police covered every major turn or intersection. Aid stations were more than adequately staffed. I really enjoyed the last 1/2 mile running down Palafox with the sense that I was the only one everyone was waiting for at the finish. You have this wide street to yourself and you can see the crowd up ahead before making the last turn for the 50 yards to the finish. We got a big medal and the shirt is one of the most original I've ever received. It is a running shirt but you wouldn't be embarrassed to wear it in a race. It was that cool. (I didn't wear it in this race; that is taboo). I will return next year and hopefully many years after that.