This would be a great first marathon or PR/Boston qualifier attempt course. It's totally flat, mostly smooth, and shaded. The majority winds through residential areas. The accompanying half marathon starts at the same time, so beware of those athletes pulling you through faster times than you should be running the first half! The second half was a bit lonely. There were times where I couldn't see the runner in front or behind me. There were some traffic-control issues the second half of the marathon as well, but I'm not sure what could be done. You can't forbid traffic in a residential area on a church morning! And as always, it was just a minority of self-centered folks to blame. The finish on the track was great!

Things I'd like to see improved:
- the broken pavement/grass you had to traverse in the last mile was tough and a bit dangerous for exhausted runners.
- the awards ceremony was kind of disorganized and the shirt I was given as an award, not great. As a runner, I have tons of shirts, so giving one as an award isn't very rewarding.
- more porta-a-pots at the start or more direction to where they're all located. I got the feeling there was more, but I'm not sure where.
- More marathon merchanise. I only found a sweatshirt, which they didn't have in my size.

Very good race. Could improve the start, which was very crowded and slow, by staging the start by estimated pace times. It took 5 miles for the crowd to break up.

A great event for non-elite runners to realize their goals whether those are going after a PR or trying to qualify for Boston. It had a strong 'home-towner-first' flavor from the registration and expo, to fan support, to carb loading dinner, to the motorcycle runner security escorts, who appeared to think this was more an event for them than for the runners. For example, the rider piloting a big Honda Gold Wing chose to blast the theme from The Brady Bunch through his really powerful stereo. No doubt, there will be a place in hell for him.

Water stations were plentiful but some were painfully shorthanded around mid-course. Fortunately, stations and staffing were abundant over the last 8 miles with lots of GU (in choice of flavors). A note of caution: finishing on the stadium track requires going off-road from about mile 25.75 to mile 26 and stretches of this have footing over roots and ruts, so prepare to give back some time for safety's sake. All in all, a great little out-and-back event where runners' safety and security are so assured that participants could drop jackets, hats, gloves, etc. in the outbound pre-dawn chill and find their items waiting where they fell to pick up when they returned or after they finished.

This is a great race - flat, relatively warm, pleasant running through nice residential areas. But get ready to dodge cars - traffic control is horrible. More than once I had to jump out of the way of cars speeding through the course. They also do not seem to care if runners wear headphones (I use the term runners loosely - what real runners would race in headphones?). This seems to be asking for trouble - uncontrolled traffic and oblivious runners. Nice course - poor planning.

The JAX Marathon was my first marathon, in fact, my first run over 20 miles. I don't think I could have picked a better marathon to run; it's as advertised: flat, fast, shady, and pretty neighborhoods with not very large crowds (I like it that way) - but those present really were supportive. Race organization was awesome, and I say this for so many reasons: quick and painless day-prior registration; manned water/Powerade stations every two miles; plenty of porta-potties; good traffic control; good organization at the start and finish line, especially the finish, you guys have it wired; and all the food and drinks, plus the massages - what else could one want, except for maybe a better time?

My goal was under 4 hours, finished at 3:46. I met some unforgettable people during the race, Meagan and Andy, I hope to see you next year. Meagan, I will be ready and trained so I can keep up with you, I wish you best of luck at Boston. Dixie and Keith, thanks for letting me know you appreciate what we (soldiers) are doing for our country, regardless of the politics involved, I hope to see you next year as well. I would be remiss if I did not mention what others might be wondering: Is the medal a nice one? Yes indeed, it's very nice with a red/white/blue ribbon, although, I might be somewhat biased - this is, after all, my first marathon medal. Suffice to say, many more marathons are on my roadmap - I'm hooked. Keep running long and strong, Godspeed and Happy Holidays,

Jorge O. Soriano

P.S. The Pizza Palace and the Hops Brewpub were outstanding!!

The Jacksonville Marathon is a excellent opportunity to fine tune running skills on a fast, flat course that is well supported by the sponsor, First Place Sports. This year the weather was perfect, starting out very cool and dry and finishing with a nice breeze. I ran this marathon only 4 weeks after competing in the Philadelphia Marathon, and for this I should have my head examined. While I did set a PR, it probably would have been even better with more recovery time.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the race, the other runners and even the crowd. Don't expect large throngs of well-wishers, just a few kind-hearted people in lawn chairs drinking their morning coffee with words of encouragement for the racers. The water stops were well appointed with H2O and Powerade, and there were plenty of porta-potties along the course.

The finish at the Bolles Stadium is great, and allows families to experience the marathon in a meaningful way. The technical race shirts were awesome, and the medal is above average (although the medal for the half-marathon is identical, just silver instead of gold-colored). Because I live in Jacksonville, I did not attend the pre-race pasta party or the expo, and therefore I can't comment thereon. All in all, the race is an excellent, low-frills marathon that, with proper training, almost guarantees a PR!

Greatly enjoyed this race - was my best time for a marathon (almost at Boston qualifier). If you're looking for a social marathon, this is not it. If you want a good, hardcore, focused PR, then you'll love this. Good organization, great sponsorship from New Balance (best shirt I've ever gotten in a race).

The Jacksonville Marathon was very well organized and very friendly to family following you on the course. Outside of spectators brought by you, there was very limited crowd support. The weather was ideal and the course was flat and 90% shaded (mostly two-lane blacktop) resulting in a PR. Scenery was minimal, consisting mainly of suburban streets and neighborhoods. On some stretches, especially after the 1/2 marathon concluded, runners were sparse. On some of the two-lane roads, you had to deal with local traffic, which should have been better controlled.

Water/Powerade stops were plentiful and bathrooms adequate. Of particular note, the long-sleeve commemorative 'Coolmax' shirt was a great touch. The finish on the track was touching, with many young children joining the parents crossing the finish line, and it provided good photo opportunities for your supporters. I could have done without the trip around the grounds of the school which didn't allow for the best footing. Overall, I enjoyed the day and plan on Jacksonville again in 2005.

This is the first time I've done JAX and loved the course. It was mostly in residential areas where you could look at really nice houses and Xmas decorations. The streets were nicely paved and lined with trees. Weather was perfect. The race shirt was the best of any marathon I've done. The only negative is I wish there was more food at the end. I received a bowl of soup that I didn't really like. Also, putting the drinks in these tiny wading pools of ice was not a good idea... bending way down after doing a 26.2 mile run isn't really the best feeling.

Otherwise, I will be there next year! Thanks to all the volunteers who worked their butts off!!

Perfect weather! I was probably overdressed... don't know if two layers (+stocking hat/gloves) hurt my time? I'm 60 and I needed a 4-hour marathon. I missed it by 1 minute & 8 seconds!

Finish area, i.e. last .2 miles of the marathon course, need work/improvement! Police support was outstanding! Great water/Powerade stations and everyone was very, very friendly!

I am a race director for a kids 2K, 5K and 10K race each June and I know how 'thankless' race directing can be! Your efforts are making a whole bunch of people very happy! Keep up the good work!