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Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 153 [displaying comments 81 to 91]
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M. M. from Arlington, VA
(1/22/2008)
"Superb Event" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a race I didn't sign up for until two weeks prior to race day and I'm glad I ran it (BQ/PR). This is a great race for a great cause. For me a race comes down to organization and this race did not disappoint. Fans? If you need fan support then you need to find a bigger race or maybe running is not for you (if you need fan support to run). But the fans that were out were awesome. Medals? The medal is unique and while it doesn't have the "bling" of other races it is still a special moment when you are presented the medal at the finish line. It will go next to my other unique medals. Thanks! | |
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D. H. from Iowa
(1/18/2008)
"Great Small Marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 13th marathon and I specifically target small events. It was incredibly well organized for a small marathon. The course was well marked, and there were ample course volunteers who gave good directions. Nearly every intersection had a volunteer/police stopping traffic. The water stops were well staffed and helpful. I loved the scenic course that wove through historic parts of the community and 2 college campuses. The race director and race committee have obviously put a lot of time and effort into this event. It is a first-class event. I highly recommend this race if you enjoy small, well organized, and scenic. Most of all, I appreciate the purpose of this marathon. The mission behind supporting individuals with disabilities is commendable. I was moved by the beautiful handmade medals and being handed my medal by a person with a disability. What a phenomenal way to connect with the community. Excellent work! | |
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Rob Klein from Aurora, Colorado
(1/16/2008)
"A Pleasant Winter Marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a marathon with a great cause. The "medal" was actually a handmade, wooden medallion, and was very appropriate. The host hotel was accommodating. There was no banner at the start line, nor was there an electronic chip-type timing system. Not a big deal though. And the timing official did a great job at the finish line. The course was very well marked, and turns were appropriately staffed. The aid/water stations were appropriately spaced and stocked with an abundance of fluids and carb food items, and staffed with very friendly volunteers. There was a small hill westbound, crossing over I-65, and then a few more hills, ending around mile 18. The last hill looked worse than it was. At one point, the course traversed the University of Southern Alabama, where Calvin and Hobbes are contending for a basketball! The pre-competition pasta dinner had great food, and it was free. The food at the finish line was also well received - sloppy joe/BBQ sandwiches and hot soup, coffee and other beverages. And the finish was close to the host hotel, which was great. Thanks for a great event! | |
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D. H. from Midwest
(1/15/2008)
"Strongly Recommend" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 13th marathon and I specifically target small events. It was incredibly well organized for a small marathon. The course was well marked, and there were ample course volunteers who gave good directions. Nearly every intersection had a volunteer/police stopping traffic. The water stops were well staffed and helpful. I loved the scenic course that wove through historic parts of the community and 2 college campuses. The race director and race committee have obviously put a lot of time and effort into this event. It is a first-class event. I highly recommend this race if you enjoy small, well organized, and scenic. Most of all, I appreciate the purpose of this marathon. The mission behind supporting individuals with disabilities is commendable. I was moved by the beautiful handmade medals and being handed my medal by a person with a disability. What a phenomenal way to connect with the community. Excellent work! | |
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D. J. from Huntsville, AL
(1/15/2008)
"HOORAY FOR MOBILE!!!!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had low expectations for this marathon. I usually run much larger races in big cities, so I expected a small race in a smaller city to be a bit spartan. I was very pleasantly surprised: 1. Very well organized. 2. Lots of water/aid stations, and each was well manned. 3. Port-o-potties at EVERY water stop!! (I've never seen that before!) 4. Beautiful course through lovely old neighborhoods and two college campuses. 5. Not many fans, but the ones that were out were enthusiastic!! I was handed bananas, M&Ms, and a Twix bar, all by families out in their front yards cheering. 6. All crossings and turns were well manned by police and volunteers. 7. Excellent post-race meal and music on beautiful Bienville Square. 8. L'Arche Mobile is the most worthy of causes. CONS? Can't think of many: 1. Why was there a huge Auburn flag flying over the finish line? 2. There was no speech or pep talk before the race. As a result, the starting gun went off and startled everyone and there was a few seconds of hesitation before we started running. LOL!! 3. Get rid of the Auburn flag flying over the finish line. 4. The course is lonely and deserted on the USA campus. 5. They really need to get rid of the Auburn flag at the finish line. 6. Skip the Radisson and stay at the Riverview or the Battle House. 7. GET RID OF THE BARN FLAG AT THE FINISH LINE!! I will be back next year!! And if the Auburn flag is flying at the finish line, I'm gonna tear it down!! | |
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T. L. from Auburn AL
(1/15/2008)
"Beautiful marathon, well run" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was not a real successful marathon for me personally, and I usually feel better about races I run well... but there were a lot of things I really liked about this marathon. I got into the host hotel just days before the race. I decided to run the full instead of the half because the weather forecast was good, and it was no problem to change the day before the race. There were 18 water stops... just right, so you don't have to think about hydrating (just take some every stop). It is a beautiful marathon. It is great value, inexpensive. There was no chip timing, but the field was small enough that it would not have cost anyone over a minute, probably. I was disappointed in my result. I ran with a heart rate monitor for the first time. I had run Huntsville and bonked in the humidity, so I wanted to keep my heart rate at 150-155, since I had not had much recovery time. The hills are not bad, but they go on for a long time and my heart rate went to 165 and did not go down much, even with slowing down... so I bonked at mile 22. So the hills can be quite a factor. Overall I feel good about the marathon, and it is run very well. | |
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Matt Webb from Crestview, Florida
(1/15/2008)
"wonderful race!" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Although this was my first marathon, I will definitely do it again next year! Everything about this race was well organized and user friendly. The starting location was right off the interstate, which made it easy for me to get to because I didn't stay overnight. There were no long lines of runners waiting for their pre-race packs. I got my shirt and bib within 5 minutes after arriving. The race started on time, and the course was beautiful. It was clearly marked, and I was able run uninterrupted the whole way. There were numerous water stations and portable toilets, and the spectators were very friendly! Wonderful race! | |
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C. C. from Diberville, MS
(1/14/2008)
"Not too bad the second time around." (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second time running the full marathon in Mobile and my eighth marathon total. First Light was also my first marathon ever back in 2007 and the second time around in 2008 was even better. I truly enjoyed the running community of Mobile, Alabama. The pre-race pasta meal at the Museum of Mobile was a classy touch and I hope they continue this for the following years. The pre-race meal and the bonding amongst runners in the cozy family-style tables was the highlight of the weekend events. Conditions were perfect for running in this age of global warming. Cool temperatures, shaded trees along the course and a sunny day all added to my improvement from last year's race by over 8 minutes. The size of the race lent itself to personal recognition of other runners from previous races. I saw at least 4 other runners who ran with me during the inaigural Mississippi Blues Marathon just 8 days before. If you want a family style marathon, First Light is the race for you. If you enjoy anonymity, stick with the bigger races. Although the course and hills were the same as last year, it wasn't as intimidating the second time around. This was the most fun I've had at a race to date - even more fun than I had last year. And when you are presented at the finish line with your medal - by the residents of the cause you're running for - you will see what a spectacular race this is. I would come out every year for this event if I could. | |
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F. L. from Rocky Mount, North Carolina
(1/14/2008)
"Really Nice Marathon" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Organization was excellent, especially for a small marathon. Ample water stations with Gatorade and extras (bananas, oranges, and more). Registration, packet pickup, etc. were flawless. Host hotel was great and very convenient. Course was beautiful. Even though I knew about the hills, I still wasn't expecting them to be all they were... my problem! Still they weren't all that bad. Mobile is a wonderful town to visit and the course covers many of the highlights. Come for the beauty and the history! You won't be disappointed! Course management was super. Police and volunteers keeps the course safe. Water station volunteers were wonderful and VERY supportive. Thank you all!! You rock! Pre-race pasta dinner and the post-race meal and entertainment were exceptional. I loved everything. I have mixed emotions about the "medal" given out. Primarily I appreciate the efforts of the L'Arche group that made them. Quite frankly, every other marathon could learn something from the First Light Marathon organizers about focusing an event on the charity benefiting. Still, I've got to admit, I was somewhat disappointed by the medal... doesn't speak very well of me! Spectators were almost non-existent.... I hope Mobile will begin really supporting this event; it really has great potential, and Mobile greatly benefits from the event (and especially L'Arche, the organization for with the event is conducted). Come on, Mobile!! Overall this is a wonderful event, especially for a small marathon. It's a long trip for me, but I'll return if I can. The entry fee is really too low... a GREAT deal!! | |
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Michael Penny from Telford Tennessee
(1/14/2008)
"This was a good race in an interesting city." (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race course was fast, well marked and staffed by plenty of policemen controlling the traffic. Wish part of the run was by the water and where the half splits off it should be better marked. Will do next year; I want to see more of the city and visit the museums. |
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