Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)

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.