I was looking for cool weather on a flat course. The start time temperature was 37. The course was flat, even for a flat-lander. No "never ending" sections; the turns broke that up, which was good for the head. The awards ceremony was too short.

This was my first marathon - I picked it because it was flat and because there are very few marathons during the winter up North where I am from. I highly recommend this as an entry into marathoning - I was really nervous about the whole experience, and the race was well organized and small enough that I wasn't overwhelmed. It was easy to get there on the bus and to pick up my registration packet on race day, and there were reasonable lines for the bathroom, etc.

The Pros:
- The course is VERY flat
- Good water/bathroom stops along the course
- You start running at pace right from the start
- Bus over there was organized. I know this was a major complaint from this year's race, but I stayed at the Embassy Suites and I was able to get to the race on the bus in plenty of time. I also took the bus back to the hotel after the race, which was quick and easy.

The Cons:
- This race is a race against yourself - there are very few spectators to carry you through (though the spectators that are there are great) and there are so few other runners to "race" against that by the time the half marathoners peel off, you really have to push yourself. This was just as much of a mental challenge for me as a physical one.
- GU stations. I happen to despise GU and carry with me Clif Bar Shot Bloks instead, so the lack of GU stations didn't bother me, but I did hear some other runners asking about the GU. There was only one station at mile 19.

This was an event by runners and for runners. The course was flat, as advertised, mostly through gorgeous residential neighborhoods and parks. The law enforcement and volunteers did a good job controlling the course, and the aid station volunteers were a treat. The Italian soup at the finish line? YUM!

That being said, I can't rate this experience as highly as I would have hoped. The pre-race transportation was a nightmare. The course organizers strongly discouraged us from driving ourselves to the start (and wisely so) and recommended that we should take shuttle buses from three advertised locations. When buses didn't run from two of those three locations, the athletes who relied on the organizers' directives were justifiably angry and unnerved. Although I was able to take the shuttle from the Embassy Suites, I do not subscribe to the theory that I was not harmed by the transportation mistakes. Marathon running is simultaneously an individual and a communal activity, and what harms other runners harms me, too.

Once that oversight is corrected in the future, this would be a pleasant race weekend.

A flat track for the someone looking for a BQ. The slope/crown of the roads can be steep at times and you will need to keep an eye out for traffic! There are not many spectators along this course but people were supportive and the volunteers were enthusiastic and appreciated.

Pretty course, spectators seemed plentiful, and excellent volunteers. The only disappointment was the ending (off-road), and by my GPS, the race was 0.2 miles too long. Overall, I will do it again.

Nice marathon but a little room for improvement. Mainly disappointed in the transportation. I was in line at First Place Sports waiting for a shuttle bus when someone yelled that there would be no more buses. Nothing like trying to find somewhere to park in an unfamiliar place at 6:15 in the morning. Other than that, I PR'd and would do it again. Great volunteers and food at the end of the race!

We were waiting for buses transporting runners from First Place Sports to the race. No buses ever came. After waiting for 40 minutes or so, we finally drove over to the race and barely made it to the starting line on time. There are plenty of parking spots in the neighborhood. So next time, I'd just drive over there straight. There was only one GU stop at 19, instead of two as advertised. So a bit distracted and disappointed. But the race itself was good. Nice course and good size.

Course runs through south Jacksonville under very mature oak trees most of the way. Flat and fast. Partially open to low-volume, slow traffic. Good volunteers. There was an issue with advertised pre-race shuttle buses not showing up this year, but that only partially affected me. I did not like a short cross-country segment in the last half-mile just before entering the track.

The course is not pretty, but it is fast. This year's transportation pick up at 1st Place Sports was a BUST! With 40 minutes before the start of the race, an announcement was made that there would be no bus transportation. A nightmare!!!

There is an issue of local traffic but I felt that the local police were doing the best that they can. Some drivers in the loop neighborhoods weren't exactly runner-friendly.
A nice, small race with a great finish area loaded with a variety of food and drinks.

Not every race is as big or well supported by crowds as Boston, but if you are looking to BQ, this race may be for you.

Course: Fast and flat. Despite some wind, the trees broke it up for the most part. One lady was lost in the running lane, but she seemed genuinely confused; otherwise, traffic was very well controlled, and even when the herd thinned, I never worried about getting lost despite a course that can be a little winding.

Weather: Stellar; if only 1st Place had control over this variable....

Packet pickup: Prompt. The flagship store on Baymeadows was pleasantly busy, but not so bad that I couldn't stop in for a gel pack or two. Goodies were great. In addition to the shirt, I got a couple energy bars and a Myoplex drink (both of which were in abundance at the finish).

Prerace: Abundant directions and bus shuttles from the sponsored hotels. The hotels had directions, times, and an extra early continental breakfast at 0500.

Toilets: The pre-race wait was about 10 minutes, which I found suitable. Thankfully I did not need any on the course, but they were plentiful, as were the water/sports drink stops.

Crowd support: Sparse compared to major events, but I thought it was fine given the size of the event (750 in 26.2 and 1,200 in the half).

Finish/Post-race: Line was at Bolles track, with stadium seating and a big PA for people to announce the names of runners. Plenty of water, cookies, bananas, bagels, soup, Myoplex, energy bars, and Mylar blankies. The chute was open for me and for everyone I saw after me while I was waiting around for a half-hour. Results were up within an hour or so.

Downsides:
-Coffee ran out at the finish (I think I'll live until I can get some).
-The last half-mile twists through an unpaved residential driveway with loose rock that I almost tripped on (and others I spoke to actually fell).
-Not sure how many people paid the $10 for post-race massages, but I thought that was a little pricey and the tables were empty when I got done.

Overall: I ran with the dream (granted!) of a BQ. Definitely a great race for this. The staff/volunteers were very helpful, and as a city, Jax has a great running ethic. Not to mention that $60 for a marathon is a bargain these days. 1st Place has got their stuff together. Thanks to Doug and everyone who helped; you made my weekend great and gave me a great early Christmas present.