Mercedes Marathon

I knew going in this was a double loop, which in my experience is never good for a marathoner. Support was extremely limited, generally a few people here and there that were really only looking for the person that they came out to support -- otherwise not interested in the race; also, I found it odd that not even the relay crowds were cheering as you passed the check points. Water stations were really the only place to hear cheering. The second loop always becomes even thinner with runners and support, but a huge thanks to the water station volunteers that stuck it out -- my last double loop marathon experience had me worried I'd be pouring my own water again. This year was a revised course due to interstate construction and consisted of lots and lots of turns, gravel, train tracks 4x's (over and back each loop) Kinda hilly, but it's Birmingham -- to be expected and a great way to challenge yourself. Overall a good race, but not great.

Alabama crossed off my 50 state list. Good: Organization was fine. Small but reasonable expo. Plenty of hotels close to start with easy parking on race morning. I stayed at the Residence Inn which is actually a few miles from the start but it was a really easy drive through town with free parking on the street near the start. Plenty of porta-johns available near the start as well. Water/Powerade stations were plentiful and traffic control on the course was great. Free massage with no waiting after the race (but see below). Airport is just outside of town - 15 minute drive from my hotel. Neutral: Just for reference, weather was in the 60s and raining off and on. Course consists of two loops. The 1/2 marathon starts at the same time so you run the first loop with the 1/2ers until about mile 12. Half marathoners out numbered marathoners by about a 4:1 ratio. The course itself was okay. Most of it is flat with a few hills in the middle miles. These were a little more painful on lap #2. There are several places where the course loops back and you can see other runners that are ahead or behind - sometimes by miles. Could be good or bad depending on whether you are looking ahead or back. Race shirt was okay but they ran really small. Most people were exchanging them for a larger size. Medals are simple Mercedes emblem with ribbon being the only portion that shows the year. Could be improved: Miles 10-11 (and 23-24) are almost all one long straight stretch through a mostly desolate area (into a headwind this year) with few spectators. It makes for a tough stretch. As mentioned, you start with the 1/2ers which made the first few miles fairly congested. The start area is self-seeded so you inevitably have to pass people that started too near the front. The post-race party was in an auditorium that required you to walk down stairs to get to food and drink. Stairs are about the last thing I want to face after finishing a marathon. I noted the no wait massages - this is may have been partly due to having to climb stairs to the balcony level to get to the massages. (The website says an elevator is available but I did not see it while there.) Overall: It was a well-run marathon in an accessible city. If I lived in the area I would probably do it again but I will not go out of my way to return.

Race Expo and number pick up was adequate and was able to pick up gels. Easy to park on street close to the race start/finish. Great volunteers. Was surprised at several long hills to climb on the course which you end up doing twice. The temps warm 65-68 and humid and rain held off until the end of the race and then were down pours. This races is more popular with half marathoners. Good post race barbecue with lots of beer and a live band. I was pleasantly surprised with the city of Birmingham lots of great restaurants. Alabama is in the books, and Mercedes Marathon good choice for your 50 state quest.