calendar icon May 9, 2024

Pensacola Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Pensacola Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.1 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 69 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

 

H. H. from Nashville, TN (3/6/2007)
"Fun race, great FL location, highly recommended!" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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!
 

E. B. from St. Louis, MO (2/28/2007)
"Small, but well run event" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


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.
 

R. M. from Montgomery, AL (2/22/2007)
"PR!!!!" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

Rhonda Cornum from Atlanta, Gergia (2/22/2007)
"Great fun; not as flat as I'd fantasized." (about: 2007)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

J. W. from California (2/21/2007)
"Southern Hospitality" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


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!
 

G. P. from Georgia (2/21/2007)
"WE WERE SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTED" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


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.
 

S. F. from New Orleans (2/21/2007)
"You don't even feel it the first time!!!" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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!
 

Randy Moris from Mobile, Alabama (2/20/2007)
"Will run this marathon again" (about: 2007)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


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.
 

D. F. from Huntsville, AL (2/20/2007)
"Nice course, great shirt, minimal food" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Course was moderately hilly, but not bad. First 8 miles along the bay were pretty, especially with the sunrise. There were no mile splits, and mile markers hard to see at times. Good traffic control. Thanks to the police officers and young marines. Course monitors should have communicated better with runners; I almost missed a couple of turns. Nice tech shirt with a great logo. High quality award plaques (thanks!) and a nice medal. I really appreciate how quickly they distributed the awards.
 

A. H. from Ft Walton Beach, Florida (2/18/2007)
"Overall, good race, but still room for improvement" (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pensacola Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Overall, good race - however the road between miles 1 and 2 was in poor condition. A shuttle from the finish back to the start would have been appreciated. Otherwise, the organization, number of water stops, latrines, traffic police and marines were outstanding. We loved the yellow bag ideal. (Nice to run without my keys for a change!) Had a great time. See you next year!
 

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