Montgomery Marathon - Race Reviews

The organization for this race is the best I have experienced. Due to an injury, from which I am still recovering, I ran the half-marathon instead of the full. The packet pickup and small expo are held inside the beautiful Riverwalk Stadium, where the Montgomery Biscuits play minor league baseball. The course is a little hilly, particularly in the first 2 miles, but otherwise just some slightly meandering streets after that. The finish line is in the ballpark. You run in from center field and cross the line on the playing field. On the registration, they ask, 'is there anything you want us to know about you?' I told them I was a previous resident of Montgomery. When I finished the course, the announcer at the finish line said, 'Welcome back, Steve.' Very classy, Montgomery! The post-race is spectacular! Can you believe a full breakfast for finishers? Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and - of course - a biscuit served by Air Force volunteers from the stadium concession stands. Put Montgomery on your list of 'God to do' marathons.

Did not have me registered so paid at expo. Did not receive a shirt but was offered a prior years shirt...??? First half hilly, 2nd half mostly on boring AFB 4 miles of which circled the air field. Miles 23 and 24 had no volunteer support, it was serve yourself. Was unable to locate my finishing time on their results page and while I rec'd a response that they would check on it I never rec'd a reply even after 2 additional emails inquiring on an update. Finally found my name in the incorrect age group... Would recommend to run another marathon in AL if you need the State. The volunteers and citizens of Montgomery were very nice though.

This was the first year for this marathon and they did a very nice job. Packet pick up was easy, course support was good, and the course had a nice variation of flat and modest rolling hills (just enough to give your legs some variety). The course goes through several really pretty neighborhoods and spends a lot of time on the Maxwell Air Force base (which did get a little tedious on the out and back around the air fields). It is a small race, so there aren't many spectators (basically none while on the base), but it's fun. I plan to run it again.

The course was very good, although it did get a little boring when it looped around the Maxwell Air Force Base Property. Also, I was able to keep up with my pacer until about mile 21 (it was just the two of us at this point); then he just left the marathon. I lost some time in the last few miles, as I found it harder to keep time without a pacer. I really like the part at the end where the mayor of Montgomery congratulated all finishers and presented them with their medal. Not a big marathon, but overall enjoyable and well organized.