Run this race if you don't need any crowd support, if you're ok running the entire race (ok... all but 4 miles) in a residential area, and don't mind moving cars being on the residential streets that you're running on. One guy running near me commented, "Is that an oil painting or spectators?" That said, it was well organized, there were enough police to quell a small coup in a developing nation, and the organizers were great. My bad for not researching more to figure out that this was not the course for me.

Having just done a marathon 7 weeks prior to this one in the mountains, I was looking foward to a fast, flat course and boy did this one deliver!!!

It was warm and humid and I still was able to PR. I did this one kind of on the spur of the moment, drove down and found a hotel within 2 miles of the start for cheap, parking was a breeze, and the course was just dreamy fast. I don't really care for expos, cheering, bands, fire-breathing midgets and a lot of the other frills of bigger marathons. This gave me what I needed: a fast course, with some water, and a clock at the finish. I was literally in my car and on the way home within 5 minutes of finishing. The comments I had read on here regarding traffic seems totally unfounded; no problems at all unless you were running outside of the cones. If you are looking for a circus atmosphere and a million people telling you that you look great, then look somewhere else. If you want to PR or BQ, this is your ticket.

This marathon has outgrown its limited space. Transportation and parking were not adequate. There were not enough buses to get to the start line. People were trying to hitchhike to the start line, because they could not park on site, and the line for the buses was too long to make the start. This can be addressed to make the race better, but this year, the logistics were awful. Otherwise the organization was fine. The course is flat and mostly shaded. No spectators to speak of but if you need someone to cheer for you, I would find another sport.

Very poorly organized marathon, with no expo, though packet pickup was quick. On race day, the busing to the start line was a problem; only one bus was available for pickup at three different locations. The race was late getting started. During the race, cars and pickup trucks and motorcycles were all over the running areas. Directions along the race were sometimes unclear; I had to stop early in the race and several other times to ask for directions. Some of the teams running and walking the race were 5 or 6 people wide, slowing to a walk suddenly, preventing runners from getting around them; this was very irritating. Good water stations and adequate facilities. Very few specators. On a positive note, the run through the park and residential areas was nice.

Once again, another marathon where half marathon runners get most of the post-race food. Why can't race directors limit food to the runners and volunteers only? Why can't food be placed aside for marathon runners? The Jacksonville Marathon advertised a "Free Post Race Meal at the Finish Line" on the web site. I don't consider bagels, fruit, water and Gatorade out of cups a "post-race meal." They had several boxes of crackers and empty bowls from Wendy's but the meal was long gone before 50% of the marathon runners finished the race. I was finisher 411 and there were 898 finishers. In poorly planned races, marathon runners pay double the fees, expend twice the effort, but get fewer amenities. If amenities aren't going to be available then don't advertise them. The course was pancake flat. Some of the aid stations were a little too far apart. If there are low temps and low humidity, it could be a PR course.

Overall, I would say the same complaints lodged by users from past editions of the marathon held true for 2006. I enjoyed the course - flat as advertised, mostly shaded, fairly scenic - but rate it only 3.5 stars (closer to 3 than 4) due to Jacksonville Police dismantling it from the south on up well before the 6-hour cutoff and before a 6-hour projected pace. This was particularly troublesome for the final 2.5 miles, but admittedly is not an issue for those finishing in about 4:30 or less. Fans, while relatively few in number, were very supportive along the way. The organization and volunteers were supportive as well. Finishing straight across the Bolles fields was a nice touch but a little slick despite the drought; I can see how it would be a problem in other conditions. Parking was not an issue with a little searching and packet pickup was straightforward. I'm a runner who doesn't need the trappings of a large marathon, so for me Jacksonville was a very nice marathon. Just be on the lookout if you're having a slow/bad day (like myself!) or are a slower runner.

I loved the race. Great course - flat and shaded. Kind of lonely out there because there are not many runners, but a truly enjoyable challenge. Plenty of aid stations along the way. Only thing I'd change is the very end - running through the wet and rocky field and back woods. You're already ready to be done and then focusing on dodging tree stumps and rocks isn't enjoyable. Overall, amazing first marathon experience.

One suggestion. The shirts are great, but the sizes were too large for females. I got a small and it is long enough for a dress and the sleeves come past my hands. Maybe next year, have your female employees try the shirt samples on for size.

This is a great training run for me - half marathon only. I run it just about every year as I train for Feb. marathons. I know there is little fanfare. I know it can be unseasonably warm and humid. I know the route can be tedious. They changed it in 2006 because it used to be point-to-point with a most unpleasant ride back in a school bus (yak). I was very happy to turn around at 6.6 - this year, more than I remember before, the running path was much too narrow for the number of runners. You learn to use your elbows, and zig-zagging is not optional. Ok, so there are some major problems, but I think registration was well organized and the staff/volunteers were friendly. The provisions before, during and after were above par (water, goodies, warm soup and food items after).

Around the 23 mile-mark the course takes runners against heavy automobile traffic; though the running lane is separated by safety cones, traffic is moving at 40-50 mph. The rest of the course is excellent, with ample tree shade and smooth neighborhood roads.

Ample fluids on the course at frequent intervals. But as usual with races that combine half marathon with marathon, food at the end of the race was mostly gone for marathon finishers.

Parking was well organized, but the shuttle buses should start picking up sooner.