The old course went over Red Mountain twice. In between the two huge hills, it was mostly flat and scenic. The challenge was part of the fun. The new course has a lot of long up or down inclines, and the pavement outside of downtown is very rough. It was not scenic in the least, and actually pretty boring. Previously, the best spectator spots were Crestline and Homewood, but the new course doesn't go there, and I miss that. However, one plus on the new course is that the residents of the downtown shelters came out to cheer us heartily. They seemed sincerely glad to have something to watch, and we were sincerely glad to have their encouragement. Organization was super as always, but I think I'll skip next year to run somewhere different.

Because of the double loop, there are twice as many spectators. I've run in some bigger races the Birmingham. At times I have even been running by myself, but that was not so with this race. The new course is much easier. My old Birmingham time was about a 3:40; my time for the new course was 3:15 (it was a lot easier). I would recommend the marathon to anyone wanting to run in the south.

I enjoyed seeing Birmingham the first time around, though the second loop was a lot harder because I'd already seen everything. The race was well-organized with great swag, and it is one of the cheaper marathons. I did not like the fact that the after party was down a lot of stairs (I didn't even attempt to go down them). That just seemed like a cruel joke. Everyone was very friendly, and I found it amusing that when I crossed the finish line they said my name, where I was from, and then, "WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM!" I also liked the huge pile of orange slices. It was a nice touch (I can never peel my own oranges after a marathon).

This was my first Birmingham Marathon and my 3rd Alabama Marathon to complete the 3 N 3 Challenge (running all 3 Alabama marathons in 3 months). Birmingham was a great course - especially running by the Merita Bread Company. The smell of fresh bread was a plus! I ran with some great guys doing the 4-hour pacing. Thanks, guys! The medal and shirts were a great match and everyone was friendly. Birmingham, you have a great marathon!

What a fantastic race. This race was really well organized. The aid stations were great - plenty of water, PowerAde, and later on, GU (etc.). The people manning the stations where inspirational. I loved this course; it was mostly flat and well marked. Everyone was very friendly and I will come back.

One of the truly super organized marathons I've run and I have been in some of the famous ones. Great volunteers at aid stations and intersections controls, best post-race party anywhere (it's going in full blast when you finish the race). Two shirts (and the finisher's shirt is the best I've received at a race). Great medal.

The course is mostly flat, or at least it seemed that way to me. It had two long, gradual hills - not too bad. The section of the race through the residential area was a sight to see - large mansions.

Only negative was that there were not many spectators for a city marathon.

This year the weather was a perfect 48-55 degrees.

This was a great marathon! I didn't think I'd enjoy the double loop, but it wasn't bad at all. It was hilly, but not as tough as I expected, especially the first time around. The post-race party was fun and the medal and TWO shirts were a great incentive to run and finish. The race was well-organized, water stops were fully stocked, fans were excited... overall it was great and I highly recommend it!

I'm not a big fan of double loop courses, preferring to go somewhere new with each mile. But with more than two thirds of the entrants doing the half marathon over the full, I can understand the organizers logistical reasons, and quite frankly my ability to sight-see diminishes dramatically at 18 miles-plus. Weather was perfect this year. Still a pretty nice course starting downtown, passing historic sites, University of Alabama campus, Five Points and other upscale neighborhoods, with a couple of decent hills, times two of course. Great organization, and plenty of aid stations - some with gels, and all with porta-potties. Yummy pulled pork sandwich along with the usual water, electrolytes and fruit post-race. Technical finishing shirt and very shiny iconic finishing medal awaits you. Now I have to figure a way to weld it to the hood of my Pinto. Thanks, Birmingham.

Awesome!!! My new favorite. I was treated so incredibly by the locals. Met a gentleman in a coffee shop who invited me to have breakfast with him and his friends - a complete stranger, just because we were runners. GO TO BIRMINGHAM. RUN THIS MARATHON. YOU'LL LOVE IT.

This was my 7th Mercedes Marathon and it's still one of my favorites! GREAT race packets, easy to get through packet pickup, fantastic medals and THE best post-race party around! I didn't think I would like this year's double loop, but I did. Thanks again, Val, for another great race!