This was my 1st Pensacola Half and I was pleasantly surprised. The technical t-shirt was cool. The medal was big. The volunteers were encouraging. I thought it was very generous of the Downtown YMCA to open its doors so runners could take a warm shower.

When you do a good job the first time, it sets an expected standard. Paul Epstein and he crew supassed it with the second Pensacola Marathon. Put together last year in a few short weeks, this year's marathon had time for even more planning and exposure, and a chance to double the number of participants. Get into this great event while the entry fees are reasonable ($45/$65) and include a pasta dinner and another full meal after the race, a Dri-Release shirt and large finisher's medal. This is a marathon put together by runners who love the sport and know how to make you feel special.

The course is challanging with a few hills, but the scenery makes up for it. Breathtaking views of Pensacola Bay are sure to awe even a local runner like me. Yes, I am from Pensacola and proud to tell everyone this IS the Florida marathon. I know they will not be disappointed. This was my 100th marathon and Paul made it a special day my family and I will remember forever. Again, kudos to Paul, his crew, volunteers and race sponsors.

This was my first race and I was impressed with everyone that assisted with the race. It was cold and windy when we started but it was a great experience.

Really loved this course, only did the 1/2. Down Scenic Highway and the beautiful Pensacola Bay. Turned left on Summit, plenty of cheers all the way. The awesome 12th Ave. hill that I run every Sunday anyway, yes!!!! Thanks to Running Wild, Seville Quarter, Saturn, and Jerry's Cajun but also all the people who cheered us on like the army, the local police, and Linda O. and Frances M.

I have been running for over 20 years and participated in many organized races. The route was well marked, and I loved having all major and minor crossroads monitored. I'm proud to have been in this run.

Very good race for the first go, and I think it will be a great one in the coming years when the good runners realize what a challenge the course is, what nice medallions they give out, and how the aid and water stations were all set-up in the best places. I was very inspired with the way in which Paul Epstein treated us and was so accommodating to the physically challenged (PC) athlete, and that is a mark of not only a director that has all the squares filled, but also one who has his priorities in the right place.

I miss the Blue Angel Marathon. However, I really appreciate Paul Epstein stepping up and taking the lead. Last year's course was great; lots of hills but not terribly bad. The people who provided the support along the way were fantastic. I loved the shirt that was given to each runner. I'm really looking forward to this year's run.

Although I consider myself a novice when it comes to long distance races, after running the Pensacola Marathon I felt like a seasoned veteran. I enjoyed every part of the race. The race director (Paul Epstein), volunteers and organizers were positive, helpful and most importantly, available. The course was astoundingly scenic, challenging and inspiring - elements that helped push me forward, making it one of my best races ever!

It was apparent that the Pensacola Marathon was organized by runners - for I don't think it would have been possible for a first-year event to be as successful without. I look forward to the 2006 race.

This race was put together in such a short time by a man who didn't want to see Pensacola go without a marathon and it was better staged and better organized than most marathons that have been around for years. I agree with the other comments about the course being scenic and inspiring. And yes, the sun coming up over the bay was particularly inspiring. I definitely intend to be back in 2006.

A thousand times better than its predecessor ? The Blue Angel Marathon!
The Pensacola Marathon takes runners through the more historic and scenic parts of Pensacola. A few rolling hills along scenic highway and a few overpasses near the end offer some challenges, but in this age of ?fast and flat? in order to draw participants ? it was nice to run a course that is genuine, and offers the highlights of the area rather than steer around them in order to keep the course flat. Heck, Boston?s not flat!
You would never know that this marathon was quickly thrown together in the wake of Hurricane Ivan and the subsequent cancellation of the Blue Angel Marathon. The hard work of the organizer, Paul Epstein, and his staff at Running Wild, (a ?must stop? while you?re there) resulted in a class act for the runners, with great support the entire way. A small inaugural showing was the result of the short lead time and inability to adequately advertise. The Pensacola Marathon is guaranteed to grow quickly as word spreads.
Already on my calendar for next year.