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Marathon Details - Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)

North America Marathons > USA > AL > Mobile > Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)

Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)

Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) & Half Marathon, Relays

Mobile, AL USA

January 12, 2025

http://www.mobilemarathon.org

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Race Details

tba

Contact Information

Name:	Marty O'Malley
Address:	Mobile Marathon 151 South Ann Street Mobile, Alabama 36604
Phone Number:	(251) 438-2094
Fax Number:	(251) 438-6990
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information


Number of Runners:	1,500
Fees & Deadlines:	tba
Start Time:	7:30
Online Registration:	https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Mobile/MobileALMarathon
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (153)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 153 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 15 > ]

John Zielinski from LA (1/16/2020) "A real gem of a race you must do at least once" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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!
A. C. from CT (1/30/2018) "Go Run This Marathon!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Craig Shaffer from Wisconsin (1/24/2017) "Great race" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.
B. L. from Texas (1/18/2017) "Well designed and coordinated" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
2. R. from West Coast (1/9/2017) "Fantastic Organization with one annoying issue" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
J. S. from Florida (1/21/2016) "Great Nonprofit Marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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!
T. P. from Mpls MN (1/15/2016) "Great Alabama Marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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..
E. F. from Los Altos Hills, CA (1/13/2016) "Fun, Friendly Small Town Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
nick keeling from London England, now MD (1/31/2015) "great marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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
J. R. from Tampa, FL (1/19/2015) "Super small-town race" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 15 > ]



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John Zielinski from LA (1/16/2020) "A real gem of a race you must do at least once" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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!
A. C. from CT (1/30/2018) "Go Run This Marathon!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Craig Shaffer from Wisconsin (1/24/2017) "Great race" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.
B. L. from Texas (1/18/2017) "Well designed and coordinated" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
2. R. from West Coast (1/9/2017) "Fantastic Organization with one annoying issue" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
J. S. from Florida (1/21/2016) "Great Nonprofit Marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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!
T. P. from Mpls MN (1/15/2016) "Great Alabama Marathon" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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..
E. F. from Los Altos Hills, CA (1/13/2016) "Fun, Friendly Small Town Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
nick keeling from London England, now MD (1/31/2015) "great marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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
J. R. from Tampa, FL (1/19/2015) "Super small-town race" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.

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Marathon Details - Mobile Marathon (prev. First Light Marathon)