Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) - Race Reviews

Mobile is an underappreciated gem. This was my 80th marathon and 2nd Mobile. It has the feel of a small-town marathon but the organization and attention to detail of any big city race. Lodging is plentiful and within walking distance of number pick-up, start and finish. I say number pick-up because there are few vendors on site; make sure you bring what you need for race day (if you're a pre-race shopper, this is your one drawback to Mobile - nobody aces everything). Very nice long sleeve tech t-shirt. The start is on a wide street so there's plenty of room for everyone of all paces to spread out. The strength of this race is the course in all respects - variety of neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, colleges, parks and road transitions; traffic control by police and volunteers; miles clearly marked; turns with both volunteers and chalk on the roads. As a 5 and a half hour slogger toward the back of the back, I always appreciate when traffic is still being worked as I walk/jog in the later miles and this was noticeable and done superbly. Aid stations were plentiful and manned by enthusiastic folks. There are some hills (about 600+ feet of climb according to my Garmin) on the full, the half may be flatter; the biggest challenge was around Mile 18. The finish in Bienville Square has a New Orleans French Quarter vibe. The last mile into the finish went past restaurants and shops to visit post- or pre-race. Trees, fountain and park benches to enjoy either healthy fare (bagels, fruit, water) or "I've just went a bunch of miles" fare (red beans/rice, cornbread, pasta salad, beer) were spread throughout the square. The finisher medal was handcrafted by L'Arche Mobile folks - not a fancy, hub-cap sized metal version, but something more personal. There was a band playing and runners enjoying food sitting in an old growth tree-lined park; perfect way to finish up a classy, extremely well-done race. Next year will be their 20th. Make sure you put this on your "must do" list whether you're a 50-stater, a first timer or someone like me looking for a race that does everything right (weather excluded as beyond race director control). See you in 2021!

This race is an absolutely wonderful example of a community race! I traveled from CT to Mobile because I wanted to run a marathon on my birthday, and I had never been to Mobile. We stayed at one of the race hotels, which was across the street from packet pick-up- so convenient. Packet pick-up was easy and quick, and there was a small expo with everything a runner could need. There were also the Azalea Trail Maids welcoming the runners- nice touch. In my packet, I found a hand-made birthday card from the charity organization that the race benefits. This really made me feel special and I knew I was in for a great race the next day. The start line was right outside the hotel, and the race started on time (much appreciated since it was 27 degrees out). The first 9 miles of the marathon were combined with the half marathon, but the streets are so wide that it was never a problem. There were ample aid stations with water and gatorade and then a wide variety of other beverages (including warm chicken broth at some) and lots of food options brought by the aid station volunteers. It seemed like there were police officers every block and so many other volunteers including a motorcycle club, teenagers, fraternity and sorority members, recovering addicts, and church congregations posted along the course to help with security and blocking streets, staffing the aid stations and running the finish line and its party. The diversity of the community support was truly impressive. The course itself is mostly flat and you get a tour of lots of neighborhoods of Mobile, including some college campuses and the beautiful botanical gardens. There was always something to look at. The finish line experience was fantastic with the final few miles as a long straightaway down the main drag downtown right into a park for free food, ice cream and beers. The medal is so unique- wooden disks that were hand-painted and shellacked with the race logo and multi-colored stars. Each one is different and so beautiful. I can't recommend this race enough, and think the community support and personal touches are unlike anything I've experienced in the 20 marathons I've run (including Marine Corps, Disney, NYC, Paris, San Diego, SF). I will definitely run it again someday.

I have run this race 2 years consecutively now and plan on running a third. Nice course, a couple big hills and enthusiastic fans and volunteers. Good cause too.

It's easy to see why runners return to this race. Excellent organization, great cause 'L'Arche de Mobile' Well placed water stations, great Police course monitoring. Course has one big hill at 18 miles, then mostly downhill to the finish at the beautiful Bienville Square. Great food and drinks at the finish. Looking forward to 2018.

This race was very well executed. Ease of travel, packet pick up, and race morning logistics with lots of hotels just minutes' walk away from the start line. On behalf of all of the runners, we thank you for holding the race when others unfortunately had to cancel. The Friday night post on facebook reassuring us the race was still on was appreciated. The weather was very cold, but actually a beautiful day. The organizers did a great job of alerting runners of the couple of patches of black ice. On course support in general was excellent. My only complaint is that of headphone use. I almost didn't sign up for this race due to its strict and clear policy that headphones are prohibited and would result in a DQ. I responsibly enjoy the use of headphones in the later miles of the marathon. If this is a race's rule- I will either follow it or not run the race. Reluctantly I signed up knowing I couldn't wear headphones. I was very annoyed to see many many runners wearing headphones with zero consequence. A rule is only as good as its enforcement. If you're not going to enforce it, then don't have it.

Four of us traveled together from FL to run the full marathon, with three of us having never run there. The fourth runs the marathon every year and recommended it. We stayed in the Holiday Inn and it offered us a late check out and is located essentially right at the start of the race. The course is a bit hilly between 10 and 20 miles, but we expected that. The roads were a bit cambered and that did hurt my knees in the end. Aid stations were plentiful and the volunteer support was awesome at each one and at the finish line. Only true negative I have was the failed chip timing which was tried for the first year. I hope they learn from the experience and continuing to do chip timing in the future. I ended up barely getting a gun time BQ even though I had limited training and started back about 20 yards from the starting line. Awards are hand made by the folks L'Arche Mobile, the charity for the event. We like to support non profit races like this one!

This was my 5th time doing the double having done the Blues Marathon in Jackson, MS, and was able to do a very comfortable sub 4. With the 7:30 marathon start the initial chill was out of the air, and the marathon had great weather while out on the course. This marathon has few spectators, but the spectators that come out are wonderful. I know some people complain about the hand made medals but I personally like them. Especially the plaque that you get for doing the double. Also, nice double medal as well when you finish if you do the back-to-back option. 6th time running this marathon and I hope to be back to continue my back-to-back streak. This marathon was the best of the 6 marathon here that I have completed. So great job Marty, the race crew, volunteers, medical staff, etc..,. See you in 2017..

This was a great choice for my 50 Stater Alabama run. Mobile features several interesting attractions, beautiful historic homes and excellent restaurants. (Don't miss Kitchen on George, our favorite.) The marathon was well-organized and wound through scenic neighborhoods, a couple college campuses and some commercial/industrial areas. The one big elevation challenge near mile 19 went by quickly and was soon followed by a nice decline. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. I loved the post-race meal of red beans, rice and corn bread. (I wasn't sure that's what I wanted after running 26.2 miles, but I rate it as my best post-run meal ever!) I was very moved when one of the clients of the benefiting non-profit presented my hand-made medal. (I'm stunned to read comments from those who criticize the quality of the medal. Come on!) It's too bad that official times could not be registered. However, glitches happen. I definitely recommend this race.

I too did B2B and was sooo happy that the course was relatively flat. The hill at mile 19 was there but because I was running B2B I took it easy and had no problems.The road surface could have been better but that probably won't change any time soon so suck it up. The medal and plaques that I received were hand made and I thought that was a nice touch. Every one was super friendly. The food and music at the end I enjoyed too.I stayed at the Quality Inn 2 blocks away, it was cheap and they did give me a late check out

The race was full of Southern charm. While there are not a lot if spectators, the ones that do come out deserve a medal for their enthusiasm! Their are a few hills between miles 15-19, but I was still able to PR (what goes up must come down!). The street parking is abundant and free on race day. The finish party has great food and music. I was a bit surprised that there is no chip timing.

I ran this as part of the back to back, with the Mississippi Blues marathon the day before. The folks were all very friendly. I know I heard that it was a flat course somewhere, but I certainly found the hills. Roads in some areas were in tough shape, but all in all Mobile is a winner. The back to back medal is TERRIFIC! The lack of chip timing is a tad weird but if it keeps the costs down and the associations involved benefit greater, I am cool with that. Great food, fun people, and a nice race to do to knock Alabama off the list of 50. For those doing the back to back, I would recommend flying in and out of New Orleans. Was a terrific weekend in the heart of Dixie.

I love this race. The course is through beautiful downtown Mobile, several universities and the Botanical gardens. BEWARE of the crazy hill around mile 19. But the aid station there is stocked with lots of goodies to keep your mind of it. The medal is simple but perfect. It is handmade by residents of the Le Arche home for adults with disabilities. If you run Blues & first light, you'll also receive a handmade plague made by a resident.

I had done Mississippi Blues Marathon the day prior so having the shuttle bus to Mobile was terrific. Expo was small, Hampton Inn was the nicest I've ever been in and in a perfect location. The medal and plaque for the B2B was extra special because it had a photo and information on the artist. Some were upset that there was no huge medal, but the personal 'gift' made the event even more special and unique to me. I had never done a B2B and this was the perfect place to do so, as it was well aided, supportive volunteers and helpful RD. I'd especially like to thank the aid station at mile #18 for the broth, skittles, & fig newtons...you're obviously distance runners. There were a few long hills, but it was mostly quite flat. Weather was perfect, it was easy to navigate from the Hampton Inn, a great value for the money.

Southern architecture, beautiful neighborhoods, gorgeous live oaks, and friendly volunteers/spectatorswhat more do you need? This was a very friendly and well-organized race. The L'Arche facility for intellectually challenged adults benefits from this race and I love the finisher's medallion which was made by the residents. They also made plaques for those who did the Back to Back Challenge. Plentiful aid stations and every volunteer gave an encouraging word as I passed. The finish line venue, Bienville Square was a lovely place for the post race party, complete with a live Dixieland band. I'd run it again.

Did this race as part of the back-to-back with Mississippi Blues. This race is unpretentious but don't let that turn you away. They do a good job for a small race! It was my birthday and they included a handmade birthday card in my packet!! Over the top in my book! They don't use electronic timing but still pull tags off your bib. Expo was very small but friendly. We stayed at the Hampton Inn just a few blocks from the expo and start/finish. I would highly recommend the Hampton, although they would not give us a late checkout. Race course was virtually flat compared to Jackson with only one hill at mile 18 that was a challenge. I live in New England so this course seemed flat to me. Very few spectators along the course but it was scenic. Would recommend if you need to pick up Alabama, as part of the back-to-back, or if you happen to be catching a cruise ship in New Orleans later that day!

I have run this marathon before and I plan on returning next time (2015) The course is one of the most diverse and changing that I have run on. Starting and finishing downtown, running through upscale neighborhoods, low-income areas, colleges, golfcourses, parks, and some awesome hills, especially at 18 miles. The finish line is staffed by L'Arche Mobile members. Mentally challenged and downs syndrome people hand out the handmade finishers medals. Nothing better. Love Mobile and the marathon committee. Thank You

The First Light Marathon was a great local fundraiser race. I ran the Mississippi Blues the day before along with a bunch of others. I especially love that there was a special shirt and plaque for the back2back marathon runners. I thought the Expo was easy to find, easy to walk through, I really liked the pasta dinner, and especially liked that it was included in the registration. I thought the entertainment at the finish was wonderful, but would have liked it to continue a bit longer for the back-of-the-pack runners, same with the food. Those trekking the course to the final minutes deserve just as much food and entertainment. Maybe run them 30 minutes more, that's all it would take. The start line could have used a little more excitement, maybe and announcer of something. The course itself went through some rundown neighborhoods and past many eye sores, I didn't like that much. The college campus was great and the bulk of the second half was nice. I lost the course at one point because the person directing traffic didn't wave me in the right direction. I went over a mile out of my way!! I really liked the finish food and party, but there wasn't much vegetarian options. The medals really should be nicer. It's okay that someone makes them, but it should have been high quality over arts-n-crafts type, even if this is a fundraiser. Still though, a good event and I would recommend it to another runner. www.empoweredbyrunning.com

This is my first back2back marathon challenge (Jackson and Mobile. I have low expectation, I just want to finish and have a good time. Mobile is not as hilly as Jackson but the second half have some hills especially around mile 18-19. I could have run the race faster but I have to stop on almost of all the porta potties. I think I lost 30 or more minutes with my trip to the porta potties I think my roommate and I both had food poisoning from the free pasta dinner. We both very sick we were unable to sleep the night before the race. The Mobile Health department is currently investigating. From what I heard, lots of other runners were sick as well. It's bad enough to do two marathons in two days but being sick while running is a nightmare. The mobile organizer need to find out what causes lots of runners to be sick from the expo food.

I live in Mobile and run this marathon every year. The course is outstanding and showcases all the hot spots of Mobile. The race begins and ends in downtown Mobile, runs through the graveyard of 'famous' Mardi Gras figures, runs through University of South Alabama and Springhill college and goes through several neighborhoods. The organization is excellent, water stops are plentiful and well stocked and crowd support is terrific. The medal is awesome and the residents of L'Arche design the medals and present them. The shirts are dri fit and size is perfect. The busy intersections are controlled by cheerful and helpful police. Race is AUsome!!

My hat's off to the RD and his volunteers. The course was interesting (I really like running thru old towns) and traffic control was outstanding. I don't need spectators all along the course so I was OK when they thinned out. Water stations were well manned and plentiful. It was a great alternative to the mega races. I'll definitely be back!

This race has a great small town feel. I ran it the day after the MS Blues, and feel great about the experience. Pros - It feels good to be part of a race that benefits a worthy organization. - The course is a real test: flat, then hilly, then very hilly, and then flat again  probably not a PR course, but a good challenge - Mobile is super convenient. Stayed at the Quality Inn two blocks from the start for $74. Nice to walk out the door and go straight for a run. - Very cool dinner the night before. Fun to meet a mix of locals and hard core 50 state types. - Nice shirt. - Medal made by the beneficiaries of the race. Cons - I hate to complain about volunteers, but some consistency to the water/Gatorade distribution would help. Here's a tip: Gatorade, and then water - Not a lot of spectators were vocal and excited - In this day and age, chip timing would be nice, although I am happy if they saved some money around the edges for the charity

Awesome experience running my hometown marathon! For years I dodged it because of the hills and difficulty of the course. Now that I've run it I am so glad I did. The spectators are awesome, the course is scenic, and the volunteers and race staff do a great job of putting together a 5-star race. An added bonus is the great cause that the race helps to benefit. Kudos to the entire L'Arche Community!

Hospitality abounds. Love my handmade bling, and love the picture & bio on back of my B2B plaque (thanks to Annie, who is a jokester.) fed me warm donuts at mi 18. For.Real. For back2back crowd: protein, compression socks, sleep aid, drain yer blisters good, beer bad after Jackson. The host hotel for mobile race has a tough to find entry and very rude (finger pointing and head bobbing) desk help. Just take a breath and be ready... Hard to shake off after 26 hilly mi, 3.5 hr drive, and thought of doing it again. Shake it off at the pasta dinner. They have pie :)

All was wonderful until both my husband and myself became sick from the dinner the night before, we suspect. Many runners along the course was sick as well. It slowed my expected time down by 20 mins. Had to visit too many porta potties. Disappointment for my first half and my husbands first marathon. :-(

Did online registration and packet pickup the morning of the race (did not go to the expo). I got to the race about an hour early and was able to park 100 yards from the starting line for $10. Packet pickup was easy, took less than five minutes. The route got a little hilly in the middle of the course. My garmin showed a +/- elevation gain of 719 ft. There was a little bit of everything to look at... downtown, residential neighborhoods, country, college campuses, etc... Crowd support was a little thin in places but when there was a crowd they sure did cheer! There were 20'ish water/aid stations. All had porta-poties, water and Gatorade, about half had fruit. The volunteers were some of the best ive seen at any event, very supportive and nice. Finally, I normally do not place much value on finishers medals but these were handmade by the charity the race benefits (adults with mental disabilities). This medal is one of the few that I place any value on. Great race, go ahead and do it.

This marathon far exceeded my expectations and may be the best smaller marathon that I have run! Pros * great medal made by members of benefitting foundation * great course through a variety of areas * great pasta party * friendly city - and I mean friendly ... from cabbies to hotel workers to course monitors and police * recommend Spot of Tea for pancakes * great post race celebration Cons * better distinguish water from gatorade at stops * I'm nott a huge fan of relayers flying by me at mile 22, but at least they were identified as such * weather - out of the race director's control, but it was hot and humid unseasonably so Beware: the course has a series of hills from miles 10-20, but is flat on the ends Mobile is a great smaller city and did their marathon up right!, Way to go!!,

So well organized. Obviously an army of dedicated volunteers. Police presence for traffic control was amazing. Aid stations plentiful. After-party had a nice variety of food and great music. Those over-priced Rock N' Rolls' could learn a thing or two from these folks! Thanks...I enjoyed

I drove 7 hours to run this race in hopes of finishing under 4 hours. The coures was great up to mile 21 where I waited 7 1/2 minutes for a train to pass, my legs were shot after that.

The Expo was plesant and the pasta feed was really good. We stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown which is recommended because you can just walk out the door to the start in the morning and not worry about parking, that was sweet. It was pretty humid on race day and alot of runners had to slow down early in the race, but its location and nothing you can do about the weather. The water stops were layed out about every other mile or so. I would make a suggestion that they place signs on the tables marking which is water and which is powerade. I at many water stops had difficulty getting what I needed and the volunteers were just holding the cups in their hands and not reaching them out to the runners, so it made it difficult as we had to stop and get the cup out of their hand or from the table. The police dept. did an awsome job at directing the traffic for the runners. Also, be aware, you may get stopped by the train while on the course. A couple of marathoners were stopped for 4 minutes while waiting for the train to pass through. UGG! The finish announcer was so funny. He did an awsome job. Thank you for the experience.

This was my choice for my Alabama marathon and it did not disappoint. I love the wooden finisher's medal and the fact that it was handmade makes it more special. Course was hilly in the mid part as has been mentioned prior, the humidity made those hills worse for me. Police were out in force at almost every intersection- it was fantastic! Course was great, I enjoyed running through the two colleges and having the students cheering. Hampton Inn was good- asked for a later check out and was refused, asked again on race day and was told I could check out one hour later. That made the difference as I was catching a flight right after. Location of hotel was close to expo and start. Great job Mobile!!

The race was very well organized and everyone involved was extremely nice. Packet pickup was easy and the course was very well marked. The fans were enthusiastic, including the police directing traffic, as couple of them voiced encouragement as we ran by. The course was scenic and pretty hilly between miles 10 and 20. There were plenty of water stops manned by enthusiastic volunteers. The host hotel was very convenient to everything. The free shower afterwards at the YMCA was nice as we had an eight hour drive after the race. All in all, a very good marathon that I would recommend to anyone.

This is a great race. The packet pickup was simple and well organized. The course was scenic and a good tour of Mobile. It was clearly marked and there was a very high police presence at all of the major (and even some of the minor) intersections. On the busy roads there were plenty of cones and police to direct traffic. The finisher's medal is awesome (one of my favorites) - made by the residents of L'Arche Mobile. For me, the only downside was the high humidity and there were a lot of hills between miles 10 and 20. In addition, the spectators were fairly limited. Overall, an excellent race and I would highly recommend it. My son ran the Kids Race and that was also very well organized and one of the best kids races that he has run. Also, Mobile is an interesting city with lots of things to do and the people are incredibly friendly. I would also recommend the marathon hotel - the Hampton Inn in downtown Mobile; it was excellent. Also, really enjoyed the True Midtown Kitchen for dinner. I cannot imagine a better Alabama marathon than First Light.

This was my first marathon in the southern portion of the US. I welcome a race where there are breaks from the spectators as was the case in Mobile but the ones that were there were very friendly and encouraging. The pre race dinner and the unique finisher medals were the other major positives. I would recommend this race to anyone looking to get away from the overcrowded starting lines, obnoxious spectators, and too many bands.

This was a very well-done race. However, for those of us who wear minimalist shoes, the gravelly roads were not ideal. My feet are used to running distance in vibrams or sandals, but the rocky roads were a bit too much.

Pretty cool. It was my first half marathon and it was great.

About first 8 miles flat, mid miles were hilly, and last part flat. Overall, a good course. Very nice food/drink at the end. Friendly people! Wooden medal for finishers hand made by local folks with disabilities. Nice job all around.

I ran this as part of a double marathon weekend because the race partners with the Mississippi Blues Marathon the day before, and both races offered a 20% registration discount. This race is a good low key race. The packet pick up was very organized, and offered a nice free pasta buffet for runners. This is not a chip timed race, no race banners, basically not a lot of frills. The course is very flat the first few miles, then rolling hills in the middle 10 miles, then flat again at the end. Not a lot of spectators, but plenty of volunteers and police support at intersections. I did notice that volunteers were dipping their hands into the water buckets to fill cups, I'm not a fan of that, so I made sure to only get cups that were poured from pitchers, or from the container itself. The race shirt is a cotton shirt, short sleeve for the half and long sleeve for the full, with an option to buy another tech shirt if you wanted. Back to back runners also received a custom made 5x7 plaque by the L'Arche community adult group home residents. The finishers medal is a painted block of wood with a schellacked race sticker with a piece of craft ribbon. Definitely not as flashy as other medals, but the same folks that make the plaques hand make the medals, so they definitely have a deeper meaning. Some of the proceeds from the marathon goes to the group home as well. They also had a really nice after party, with BBQ sandwiches, beans and rice, cole slaw, cookies, and drinks. The humidity was high this year, which made it a little uncomfortable running, but everything else was great.