I tend not to run the bigger races because I am big on convenience. This race was very convenient. Ample parking close to the site, packet pick up nearby the morning of the race, and a laid back and easy-going atmosphere. I was worried about the double loop on this race making it boring, but it wasn't that bad. There were signs for the aid stations stating that they were 50 yards ahead, but in some places it was a quarter of a mile. I did feel that the race could use one more aid station.

Otherwise, I thought it was a really great, small race. Not a tremendous amount of crowd support, but, hey, it's not Chicago. All of the volunteers were very friendly, and the aid stations had some other amenities like snacks and Vaseline.

I will definitely come back because it is convenient and not too far from home.

Paul Epstein, Race Director, lives and breathes running. He and his staff know how to put on a premier race. There are lots of little things that runners appreciate that pretty much go unnoticed to non-runners, such as gender-specific technical T-shirts, spring water at all of the water stops, the right number of water stops/aid stations (that included gel along with water and PowerAde), quick results with the latest B-chip timing, a USATF-measured and -certified course (Boston Qualifier), accurate and easily visible mile markers, split time clock at the 10K mark, different-colored race numbers to distinguish half from full marathon participants, and nice medals.

This is a 2-loop course that includes half marathoners who do one loop. It starts along the bay front at sunrise, which was very beautiful. I was a little worried that I'd get psyched out at the 13.1-mile mark about having to go around for the 2nd loop, but the cheers and crowd support made it easy to go on to lap 2.

There was also a free Blue Angels Air Show the day before, which is always incredible.

Put this race on your list for next year.

Plentiful parking close to start/finish, easy race-day pick up, and plenty of port-a-potties at start and along the course. Traffic control at every intersection (thanks, Pensacola police) and every cross street (thanks, Navy).

I just have two negative comments that could easily be fixed for next year. First, on the second loop for the marathoners I am sure several of the water stations were removed. (I asked some other runners and they agreed that some had been removed.) This should never happen... it was a warm morning. Second, crossing the finish line we were handed a bottle of water that had been in the sun. Not too refreshing! Investing in some ice-filled drums to hold the bottles would be easy and inexpensive.

This was a wonderful half and full marathon course. The course was simple, and beautiful. There were plenty of aid stations that offered PowerAde, or water. At mile 4 and 6, gels were offered. There could have been more porta-potties at each station. There was a line of 2-3 people at each stop. But other than that, I can find nothing wrong with the race. The fans were fantastic and cheered throughout the course. This was my first time and I'm hooked!

Very well organized; no hassles; friendly and relaxed atmosphere; well-marked and well-paved course; good start time for weather; and a more-than-fair entry fee. There are no frills at this marathon, but it's a bargain for what you do get.

This race was my first half-marathon. The course was challenging, with more hills than I was hoping for... but there were plenty of water stations!! I would say this race is excellent for first-time long distance runners (like myself) because it is very well organized and not crowded with runners and spectators... so no intimidation. But if you are hoping to set some kind of record (maybe qualify for Boston), this race is probably not for you.

As stated, there are a few "hills," but they are not that big a deal; it's just that in Florida you expect a totally flat course. The efficient, well manned, well stocked aid stations made up for the lack of spectators. I liked the signs that let you know an aid station was coming up. There were LOTS of volunteers at intersections, and you couldn't have gotten lost if you tried. All of the volunteers were friendly and supportive. I stayed with friends, and got driven to the start, which I found easy; and yet pick-up was even easier. The after-race snacks were sufficient (lunch from Subway as well as other stuff) and the free massages from the two hospital groups on site were welcome. I got my name and hometown announced as I crossed the finish line - another reason to love smaller races. Great job, Pensacola!

Overall, I liked the organization and support, but doing the half-marathon loop twice does not help. It's quite disheartening seeing the finish line and knowing I was only half-way done and had to run the loop again.

I ran in 2008 - the course was the worst I've seen in my 14 previous marathons. The 2009 course was a huge improvement - the highlight of the entire marathon. The overall organization was, again, TERRIBLE. They ran out of shirts as they tried to make me happy with giving me a 2007 half-marathon shirt - what the heck?? The military volunteers were outstanding. I appreciate their support and dedication to duty. As far as the post-race quarter piece of Subway sandwich goes, it was another disappointment - good sandwich, but it was just an appetizer. They had no bananas or bagels... not even an orange. Is this not Florida, the orange capital of the USA?? The medal was the same as last year, except for the neck ribbon. Let's not even talk about the data collection during the race. I looked up my results after the marathon, but I was not included. I will say that the weather was perfect. For those interested in the 2010 marathon, I would recommend another marathon.

The full marathon involves two loops around the course. Hills at miles 1-2, 9, 14, and 18-19. Many hit the wall on that last one. Not many fans, but perhaps the rainy weather was to blame. Small race; good logistical support and aid stations. It gets lonely on the second loop; the pack thins out.