Definitely a PR course if the weather cooperates. The finish on the track is a nice touch. The race is very well organized, and running the half and full together was not a big problem, as it can be in some races. Lots of parts with few spectators, but that didn't bother me.

It was my first marathon; in fact, it was my first race over 10K, and I must admit that it was tough. The race itself was really good. It is a flat course, with a great field, and the volunteers seemed endless. The water stops were perfectly spread, and GU was provided regularly past the halfway point, which I found out was a great thing to have! I would definitely recommend this race to anyone trying to qualify for Boston or even set a personal record. My main piece of advice is to run your own race and not go with the pack, since the majority of the group is only running the half marathon. Great race with great weather!

This was my very first half-marathon and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. Course was very well put together, the race started on time, and the neighborhoods were great.

The only con was the occasional car creeping up on you in the middle of the race. When 75% of your race is in a residential area, it's to be expected.

I'm definitely coming back for the FULL marathon next year!

I ran your full marathon (and set a PR) in 2005. This year I did your half marathon. Once again, I was extremely impressed with the execution of an excellent race. The police support was tops, as were the volunteers at the water stops. The course was clearly marked and the entire run was a pleasure, especially the turnaround point that gave us a chance to see fellow runners and cheer on friends. Getting to your race is a five-hour drive from Columbia, South Carolina and it's well worth it. We'll do this one again. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making it a fun event.

This is my first marathon and it was a terrific experience! Packet pickup was very well organized. Facilities were beautiful. Course was excellent, beautiful (wish I could afford a home in the neighborhoods we ran through!!!), excellent police presence, excellent water stop volunteers, the toilet facilities were well located, and the turn-around was fun!!! I can't think of one negative thing to say about this race. Kudos to the organizers/volunteers/police, and to the Jacksonville citizens, for allowing us to disrupt their Sunday morning by running a marathon through their neighborhood!

Just finished the Jacksonville Marathon.

This is a great event: well run, flat and well shaded.

Water stops: great job. Police did a fantastic job with traffic control, and the course was well marked.

Very impressive!

The crowds in bigger marathons can overwhelm a first-timer. Not so with the Jacksonville Marathon, which has a smaller number of participants, is well organized, and is run in quiet areas.

The bottom line is that this is a no-frills race. They market it that way so anyone who expected more is living in a dream world. The weather was hot and humid but you are in Florida, so that should be expected as well. The only problem with the race at all is the lack of parking. I had a flight to catch after the run so I had to take my rental car to the race site the night before and call a friend to pick me up and take me back to the hotel.
The run is at a good time at the end of the year and it keeps you in shape before the Christmas eating, so I will probably do it again next year.

This was my first 1/2 marathon and overall it was a good experience. For a first-timer, the course was great. I only have a few complaints, the resolution of which I think would make the race even better. First, the bag check was unmanned and do-it-yourself. There should have been at least one person there monitoring the area for the safety of the racer's possessions. There were so many people there, no one would have known if a person not involved in the race would have snagged a few bags in hopes of scoring some cash or jewelry.

Secondly, upon finishing, the medals were handed to you in plastic wrap. I don't know about anyone else, but the last thing I want to worry about is unwrapping my medal to display it after running 13.1 miles. My motor skills were completely shot.

Lastly, it was advertised that massages would be available after the race. There wasn't one table set up (that I saw) and I was waiting on someone to finish the marathon and wouldn't have minded a nice massage. If you're going to advertise for it, make sure it's offered. And a little music after the race wouldn't have been terrible.

These are minor things that could be fixed next year to make the experience even better. I'm in no way knocking the organization, because they did a great job. But, a little constructive criticism never hurt anyone.

Overall a good event.

PROS:

Easy packet pick up the morning of the race.
Plenty of water stations on a warm humid morning.
Decent food at the finish - with hot soup.
Shirt - ok.
Medal - ok
Course flat as advertised.

CONS:

A little short on port-a-pots at the start - the church across the street was very gracious in opening their doors to allow for runners.
Having cross-over runners at several points where runners were coming directly at you got confusing and somewhat challenging.
Probably should start the full and half at separate times, as the typical half marathoner's pace is different from those running the full.