| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 77 | 76 | 59 | 43 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 50 | 54 | 39 | 38 | 56 |
I had a great time at this race. We saw many parts of the city and the weather was nice. The festival was a lot of fun and everything was … MORE
I had a great time at this race. We saw many parts of the city and the weather was nice. The festival was a lot of fun and everything was well organized.
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This is a small race benefiting a local charity. The course wound through historic Mobile and was scenic and enjoyable- fantastic course support! The medals are hand made by the … MORE
This is a small race benefiting a local charity. The course wound through historic Mobile and was scenic and enjoyable- fantastic course support! The medals are hand made by the residents of First Light which is super sweet. Many of the residents were handing out medals at the finish line. The after party consisted of sandwiches, ice cream and beer. I chose this race as part of a back to back with a half in Pensacola. There was an option to get an additional medal for running the back to back – it was a hand made plaque which was really cute and on the back was a picture of the First Light resident who made it.
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I don't know why this race doesn't have more participation. Actually, it's probably because there isn't a great website for this race and you can't register until just a couple … MORE
I don’t know why this race doesn’t have more participation. Actually, it’s probably because there isn’t a great website for this race and you can’t register until just a couple of months prior to the race. I was worried it was going to be a flop. But it wasn’t…
This was one fun race! The course is through a lot of older neighborhoods and it is completely flat. The only complaint I would have about the course is that some of the roads were in desperate need of repair and there were a few places where I felt like I was on a trail run. But that’s a minor ding to an otherwise really wonderful race.
The race venue was downtown Mobile, where there are plenty of hotels to stay within easy walking distance to the start and finish line (not the same place), and Dauphin St. has plenty of great restaurants. Roosters, Mo’ Bay Beignets, Spot of Tea, Ruby Slippers, and more. Not a lot for plant-based eaters, but we did find options that would fit our diet.
There were porta-johns, the aid stations were aplenty – including one stop with kids handing out donut holes, and the spectators were better than most races. A lot of folks came out from their houses to wave and cheer, even the course volunteers did some cheering.
The post-race gala had a jazz band, ice cream, beer, the typical post-race food, and breakfast catered by a local restaurant. The one request I’d make of this race, and all of them, is to include some sort of plant-based protein for plant-based eaters. Find a restaurant that will do that sort of thing. A lot of runners are vegetarian or plant-based. Include chocolate milk, and soy milk. But these are requests, not complaints.
I live six hours away and won’t be driving down for this race again, but if I were within an hour or two of Mobile I’d absolutely do this race again. Worth it!
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The race stops and starts downtown within walking distance of hotels. It runs through some of the older neighborhoods with some very unique and quaint architecture. MORE
The race stops and starts downtown within walking distance of hotels. It runs through some of the older neighborhoods with some very unique and quaint architecture.
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-The course was mostly flat with only 2 decent sized hills to overcome. - Stops were good, volunteers were great -The medals were one star for me, a big part … MORE
-The course was mostly flat with only 2 decent sized hills to overcome.
– Stops were good, volunteers were great
-The medals were one star for me, a big part of why I run races is to get a medal that makes it feel worth running 26.2 miles and paying a fee but they were just cheap pieces of wood with large tacky stickers on them. The jacket was nice and seems good quality. Ran to check Alabama off my 50 states list but wish I had just waited for Rocket City.
-The expo was lacking energy, the AirBnB I stayed in though was reasonably priced and it was easy to get to/from the race in the morning and afterwards.
-Plenty of free parking nearby which is always a huge bonus.
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This is one of the flattest courses I have done. Unfortunately, I did not train properly for this half. I can see that if trained properly, it definitely could be … MORE
This is one of the flattest courses I have done. Unfortunately, I did not train properly for this half. I can see that if trained properly, it definitely could be a course for PR.
I felt very safe on the course every intersection had a police officer directing traffic. Plenty of water stops and medical support.
I receive a nice long sleeve quarter zip shirt for being one of the first to register. This is one that I will actually wear again.
Homemade wooden (painted) medallion, made by L’Arche organization. The benefits go to this organization of people with and without intellectual disabilities. Its a unique medallion, however; not my favorite as I prefer a medal.
Finish at a nice park, with plenty of food.
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, across the street from the park where you finish and within walking distance to start line too, perfect place to stay.
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This race was well organized. Fast flat course and good post race party. I use a pacer for a while and he was on the money the entire time. May … MORE
This race was well organized. Fast flat course and good post race party. I use a pacer for a while and he was on the money the entire time.
May run it again in the future.
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Colder than expected, and not very much crowd support. Expo was easy to navigate and they had pick up the day of the race as well. Lots of aid stations … MORE
Colder than expected, and not very much crowd support. Expo was easy to navigate and they had pick up the day of the race as well. Lots of aid stations and volunteers. The medals are unique and pretty much a love it or hate it situation. Post race food (red beans & rice) was excellent.
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I love this race. The medals are all hand made and if you do Mississippi Blues the day before you get a neat hand made award as well. Flat, easy … MORE
I love this race. The medals are all hand made and if you do Mississippi Blues the day before you get a neat hand made award as well. Flat, easy course with beautiful lined streets. Volunteers are fabulous. Always a gamble with the weather. Food at the end is amazing!
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I really enjoyed how the medals and B2B plaques were hand made by members of the L'Arche Society. Small race with a wonderful course. Nothing fancy about the expo or … MORE
I really enjoyed how the medals and B2B plaques were hand made by members of the L’Arche Society. Small race with a wonderful course. Nothing fancy about the expo or swag received. The one thing I think they could do a little better at is communication. I never received one email from them in the 8 months prior to the event other than a receipt. I started wondering if I was even registered. I did have a timing issue which they were very quick to adjust. I wasn’t showing in the results. They found an unnamed time that corresponded to my ticket they tore off as a backup and quickly adjusted. Very helpful and would highly recommend this event!
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All the medals are hand made by local residents. Super chilly start. It was around 20 Deg so pack warm! There were signs all around the neighborhood marking the actual … MORE
All the medals are hand made by local residents. Super chilly start. It was around 20 Deg so pack warm! There were signs all around the neighborhood marking the actual route. So looks like it’s the same route most years. Due to weather I didn’t get to look around the area before or after the race. I’m hoping to go back in a few years and try this again. First Light offers a back to back challenge with Mississippi Blues. Due to weather, Mississippi Blues had to cancel in 2017. I was happy I was able to finish one race for this weekend.
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I ran this half marathon as part of the Back2Back Challenge with the Saturday race in Jackson, Mississippi. Well, that was my intention anyway. The Mississippi race was cancelled due … MORE
I ran this half marathon as part of the Back2Back Challenge with the Saturday race in Jackson, Mississippi. Well, that was my intention anyway. The Mississippi race was cancelled due to snow, sleet, and icy road conditions (definitely the right call by the race director).
The race is coordinated by and benefits L’Arche Mobile. Medals are handmade by members of the community. Back2Back Challengers get a plaque made by the community, too.
The half marathon course was relatively flat (I heard that the marathon course was quite hilly after the full and half split).
Adequate water, port-o-potties, and volunteers.
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I absolutely LOVED this race! This was the 2nd race of my back to back marathons and after 6 hours of puddles and rivers, it was brutal. In judging it … MORE
I absolutely LOVED this race! This was the 2nd race of my back to back marathons and after 6 hours of puddles and rivers, it was brutal. In judging it without my blisters and pain, it wasn’t that horrible! The course was pretty flat and the crowd support was great. The “expo” was just a few vendors and some old school southern belles. It was really welcoming. The official swag wagon was a group of ladies known as the “balloon ladies”. They were the only reason I completed the race. This race benefitted an adult special needs facility, and those adults were the ones giving the medals. They also hand paint each medal, which is so special. For the back to back, these adults also painted a canvas which had this race and the Mississippi Blues logos on it. On the back, it had the bio of the person that painted it. This was the coolest thing I’ve received from any race. I highly suggest this! I know there are other and bigger races in Alabama, but this one is a must do!
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I can be a medal snob, but these handmade medals made the race for me. This race benefits adults with disabilities and each medal is handmade. In 2016 the race … MORE
I can be a medal snob, but these handmade medals made the race for me. This race benefits adults with disabilities and each medal is handmade. In 2016 the race was part of a B2B with Mississippi Blues and those who did both received a painted plaque with the artists story.
The race itself was flat thru neighborhoods and post race food seemed decent (skipped). Overall, this race is a great value and it is for a good cause.
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Since this was my second marathon in as many days, I had no idea what to expect. I had spent the previous week realizing that running back to back marathons … MORE
Since this was my second marathon in as many days, I had no idea what to expect. I had spent the previous week realizing that running back to back marathons was NOT BRIGHT, but then it was too late, the day has come and I had 7 1/2 hours before my flight.
The bus from Jackson, MS took us directly to the expo, which also happened to be a block from my hotel. Perfect. The expo itself was quite small. As soon as I entered I spotted the “Back to Back” booth so went right over to get checked in The “Back to Back” booth was for anyone running marathons in both cities. At check in, I was immediately given a hand made plaque designating me as a “Back to Back” finisher. Great! Now I do not even have to run 🙂 . Getting to my hotel was a breeze, where I checked in right away and then met up with my Indiana friend, Jeff and went out for dinner.
The hotel unfortunately was a nightmare. Turns out, I had been upgraded to a room on the 16th floor, one floor below the Mardi Gras party and the same floor where the Mardi Gras celebrants were staying. Somehow, I had not been listed as a marathoner, but as a bona fide Mardi Gras participant. The music finally was shut down at 2:42, giving me exactly 1 hour and 48 minutes to catch some sleep. When I finally went downstairs to ask about the noise in a hotel, the room was quickly comped, but make certain the hotels know you are there for the marathon.
The course was nice. Some big hills in the second half of the course, but it was nothing in comparison to Jackson. This was a good thing. After all my worrying about having the ability of running a second marathon, I did fairly well until around mile 12. At that point, my body literally crashed. Kind of like the first marathon I had run. I slowed down, recouped and finally pulled myself together after a couple miles, and then finished the final 6 miles fairly strong. The course was through a number of neighborhoods, lots of turns, which to me makes running much easier. There were not a lot of spectators, but they did seem to be there when you really needed encouragement. Water and fuel stops were adequate.
This is a well run race, especially considering that it is quite small. I definitely liked that the start and finish were very close to the hotels. I also LOVED the party at the finish line. Though I did not have a whole lot of time, I did grab my 2 complimentary beers, Coors light. Coming from the microbrewery capital of Portland, Oregon, I did not know they still made Coors light, but after a marathon, I was very appreciative. But the food, it was excellent. Sausage and rice and beans, Quite delicious, and annually made by a local group. This was a community that enjoys its marathon and makes everyone feel welcome.
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In looking at most reviews for this race they are based on the b2b with Jackson Ms. Didn't do the B2B so probably got to see more of the city … MORE
In looking at most reviews for this race they are based on the b2b with Jackson Ms. Didn’t do the B2B so probably got to see more of the city before the race and enjoy the course more than the exhausted B2Bers.
Running this course on a partially torn meniscus so decided to just take it easy and enjoy – as much as you can ‘enjoy’ a 26.2 mile run. Did about a 10 minute pace so had time to look at the course and surroundings.
Arrived in Mobile on Sat the day before the race and it was sunny and 74 but a promised cold front came thru the next morning making the weather just right for running. On Sat walked the downtown area and the waterfront. Both really nice areas with some funky shops and restaurants.
Stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown – can’t recommend it highly enough. Good price, right at the start and finish lines, and late checkout. Package pickup at the expo was simple and right next to the hotel. Well not really an expo – more like a couple of tables, some decked out Southern Belles in full deep south plantation dresses and a couple of vendor tables.
Met my running friend that evening for dinner – he was doing the B2B and the shuttle from Jackson didn’t arrive until 6:30. Ate at a restaurant right by the hotel. All you can eat pasta dinner was offered at the restaurant but opted for waffles and chicken instead. Apparently the races all you can eat pasta dinner has been discontinued due to some peoples gastric distress from the year before. For more on that topic see the owner’s of raveraves.com Mike Sohaskey’s blog on the b2b from 2015.
As for the actual race – starts at 7:30. Very small race – about 1100 total participants. Only about 350 full marathoners. Weather was fine. Mid 40’s all the way thru the race with the sun coming out for the last 6 miles of the race. The first eight miles the full and half people run together pretty much thru the downtown area. Same area I had walked the day before. So I had seen and read about the historical buildings we were running by. After the full people split off from the half the course turned into a typical marathon course. Out to hooterville and back. But along the way there were some interesting sights. Running thru some of the older large home neighborhoods and seeing the teardowns and the mcmansions replacing them was interesting. Also go to take a tour of the University of South Alabama and golf courses around it. Just as an FYI if anybody says the course is flat they are a liar liar pants on fire. Miles 13 to 20 are mostly hills and then 20 to 26 are mostly downhill. Not to fun on a torn meniscus. There is a note on the races web page that says they changed the course in 2014 so assuming it was flat until then.
The finish and the medal were great. The race supports a mentally disabled group in the area and they hand paint the large wooden medals. Also pretty cool to get my medal at the end from a kid with downs syndrome. Kudos for Mobile and First Light marathon for supporting them and doing this.
In departing the race and city talked to many of the b2ber’s and almost all of them said the were so exhausted from running Jackson the day before and getting in to Mobile so late that they didn’t care to or were to tired to see anything on the course. Too bad because even though it is a small marathon it is well run and Mobile is a city worth a look.
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*I've run this race 3 times (2014, 2015 & the half in 2016) I love this race. The course is through beautiful downtown Mobile, several universities and the Botanical gardens. … MORE
*I’ve run this race 3 times (2014, 2015 & the half in 2016)
I love this race. The course is through beautiful downtown Mobile, several universities and the Botanical gardens. BEWARE of the crazy hill around mile 19. But the aid station there is stocked with lots of goodies to keep your mind of it.
The medal is simple but perfect. It is handmade by residents of the Le Arche home for adults with disabilities. Before Blues changed it date, you could run both in one weekend and receive a handmade plague made by a resident.
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BOTTOM LINE: I ran First Light as the second half of a weekend back-to-back following the Mississippi Blues Marathon. And allowing for the fact that the organizers may have inadvertently … MORE
BOTTOM LINE: I ran First Light as the second half of a weekend back-to-back following the Mississippi Blues Marathon. And allowing for the fact that the organizers may have inadvertently poisoned their runners with the pre-race pasta dinner (and apparently there were many of us), I appreciated my 26.2-mile tour of Mobile. I always welcome the chance to support smaller races, particularly when they benefit as worthwhile a cause as L’Arche Mobile, whose members played a significant role in both the preparation and execution of the race. And as the second half of a geographically convenient back-to-back, the First Light Marathon will always hold a special place in the hearts and pocketbooks of Marathon Maniacs, Half Fanatics and 50 States runners.
PRODUCTION: First Light is a low-frills yet well-organized race. The course profile is unusual for a road marathon, in having a surprisingly hilly middle section (miles 12-21) flanked by perfectly flat stretches at the start and finish. Most important on this day was the abundance of aid stations along the course. Normally 19 aid stations would be about 18 more than I’d need, but on Sunday I found myself wishing – due to the aforementioned & highly inconvenient food poisoning affair – that there were actually more. On the bright side, I feel qualified to vouch for the cleanliness (if not the godliness) of the First Light porta-potties.
Potential dysentery notwithstanding, the pre-race pasta buffet hit the spot and was included with race registration (additional tickets were $10). And if I were to run First Light again, I’d feel confident the organizers would be extra-diligent in ensuring the Alabama Dept. of Public Health doesn’t get involved.
The First Light race shirt is a highly wearable long-sleeve black tech shirt with “MARATHON” printed along the sleeve. And as referenced above, back-to-back (Mississippi Blues Marathon/First Light Marathon) runners received their own long-sleeve white tech shirt with both race logos on the front and a “BACK 2 BACK” design on the back, as well as a commemorative plaque hand-painted by a community member of L’Arche Mobile. Nothing notable to report from the race goodie bag except the bag itself, which was both reusable and neon orange.
On-course entertainment was limited to the running commentary and frequent cries of “War Eagle!” from a good-natured fellow runner whom I’d catch up to after each of my five (yep, five) pit stops. Spectators were sparse but supportive, though not as supportive as in Jackson, Mississippi the day before, where everyone happily thanked us for coming. The enthusiastic orange-clad sentries stationed along the course in Jackson were replaced in Mobile by purposeful police officers whose job it was to keep both foot and motor traffic flowing smoothly.
Once my stomach settled somewhat I was able to appreciate the finish-line festival in sun-dappled Bienville Square, the highlight being the jazz stylings of the Excelsior Brass Band (see video).
If you’re a fan of potty humor puns, or simply want to know (much) more about the actual race, check out my blog recap of the First Light Marathon at https://blisterscrampsheaves.com/2014/01/28/first-light-marathon-race-report/
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Fun race with a great course.
I had a great time at this race. We saw many parts of the city and the weather was nice. The festival was a lot of fun and everything was … MORE
I had a great time at this race. We saw many parts of the city and the weather was nice. The festival was a lot of fun and everything was well organized.
Low budget but for a good cause
This is a small race benefiting a local charity. The course wound through historic Mobile and was scenic and enjoyable- fantastic course support! The medals are hand made by the … MORE
This is a small race benefiting a local charity. The course wound through historic Mobile and was scenic and enjoyable- fantastic course support! The medals are hand made by the residents of First Light which is super sweet. Many of the residents were handing out medals at the finish line. The after party consisted of sandwiches, ice cream and beer. I chose this race as part of a back to back with a half in Pensacola. There was an option to get an additional medal for running the back to back – it was a hand made plaque which was really cute and on the back was a picture of the First Light resident who made it.
Great course, small group of runners.
I don't know why this race doesn't have more participation. Actually, it's probably because there isn't a great website for this race and you can't register until just a couple … MORE
I don’t know why this race doesn’t have more participation. Actually, it’s probably because there isn’t a great website for this race and you can’t register until just a couple of months prior to the race. I was worried it was going to be a flop. But it wasn’t…
This was one fun race! The course is through a lot of older neighborhoods and it is completely flat. The only complaint I would have about the course is that some of the roads were in desperate need of repair and there were a few places where I felt like I was on a trail run. But that’s a minor ding to an otherwise really wonderful race.
The race venue was downtown Mobile, where there are plenty of hotels to stay within easy walking distance to the start and finish line (not the same place), and Dauphin St. has plenty of great restaurants. Roosters, Mo’ Bay Beignets, Spot of Tea, Ruby Slippers, and more. Not a lot for plant-based eaters, but we did find options that would fit our diet.
There were porta-johns, the aid stations were aplenty – including one stop with kids handing out donut holes, and the spectators were better than most races. A lot of folks came out from their houses to wave and cheer, even the course volunteers did some cheering.
The post-race gala had a jazz band, ice cream, beer, the typical post-race food, and breakfast catered by a local restaurant. The one request I’d make of this race, and all of them, is to include some sort of plant-based protein for plant-based eaters. Find a restaurant that will do that sort of thing. A lot of runners are vegetarian or plant-based. Include chocolate milk, and soy milk. But these are requests, not complaints.
I live six hours away and won’t be driving down for this race again, but if I were within an hour or two of Mobile I’d absolutely do this race again. Worth it!
Quaint downtown
The race stops and starts downtown within walking distance of hotels. It runs through some of the older neighborhoods with some very unique and quaint architecture. MORE
The race stops and starts downtown within walking distance of hotels. It runs through some of the older neighborhoods with some very unique and quaint architecture.
Mostly flat course, terrible medals
-The course was mostly flat with only 2 decent sized hills to overcome. - Stops were good, volunteers were great -The medals were one star for me, a big part … MORE
-The course was mostly flat with only 2 decent sized hills to overcome.
– Stops were good, volunteers were great
-The medals were one star for me, a big part of why I run races is to get a medal that makes it feel worth running 26.2 miles and paying a fee but they were just cheap pieces of wood with large tacky stickers on them. The jacket was nice and seems good quality. Ran to check Alabama off my 50 states list but wish I had just waited for Rocket City.
-The expo was lacking energy, the AirBnB I stayed in though was reasonably priced and it was easy to get to/from the race in the morning and afterwards.
-Plenty of free parking nearby which is always a huge bonus.
Flat half marathon
This is one of the flattest courses I have done. Unfortunately, I did not train properly for this half. I can see that if trained properly, it definitely could be … MORE
This is one of the flattest courses I have done. Unfortunately, I did not train properly for this half. I can see that if trained properly, it definitely could be a course for PR.
I felt very safe on the course every intersection had a police officer directing traffic. Plenty of water stops and medical support.
I receive a nice long sleeve quarter zip shirt for being one of the first to register. This is one that I will actually wear again.
Homemade wooden (painted) medallion, made by L’Arche organization. The benefits go to this organization of people with and without intellectual disabilities. Its a unique medallion, however; not my favorite as I prefer a medal.
Finish at a nice park, with plenty of food.
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, across the street from the park where you finish and within walking distance to start line too, perfect place to stay.
Nice race
This race was well organized. Fast flat course and good post race party. I use a pacer for a while and he was on the money the entire time. May … MORE
This race was well organized. Fast flat course and good post race party. I use a pacer for a while and he was on the money the entire time.
May run it again in the future.
Friendly, small race atmosphere
Colder than expected, and not very much crowd support. Expo was easy to navigate and they had pick up the day of the race as well. Lots of aid stations … MORE
Colder than expected, and not very much crowd support. Expo was easy to navigate and they had pick up the day of the race as well. Lots of aid stations and volunteers. The medals are unique and pretty much a love it or hate it situation. Post race food (red beans & rice) was excellent.
Love Mobile
I love this race. The medals are all hand made and if you do Mississippi Blues the day before you get a neat hand made award as well. Flat, easy … MORE
I love this race. The medals are all hand made and if you do Mississippi Blues the day before you get a neat hand made award as well. Flat, easy course with beautiful lined streets. Volunteers are fabulous. Always a gamble with the weather. Food at the end is amazing!
Small but good event
I really enjoyed how the medals and B2B plaques were hand made by members of the L'Arche Society. Small race with a wonderful course. Nothing fancy about the expo or … MORE
I really enjoyed how the medals and B2B plaques were hand made by members of the L’Arche Society. Small race with a wonderful course. Nothing fancy about the expo or swag received. The one thing I think they could do a little better at is communication. I never received one email from them in the 8 months prior to the event other than a receipt. I started wondering if I was even registered. I did have a timing issue which they were very quick to adjust. I wasn’t showing in the results. They found an unnamed time that corresponded to my ticket they tore off as a backup and quickly adjusted. Very helpful and would highly recommend this event!
Great Small Town Race
All the medals are hand made by local residents. Super chilly start. It was around 20 Deg so pack warm! There were signs all around the neighborhood marking the actual … MORE
All the medals are hand made by local residents. Super chilly start. It was around 20 Deg so pack warm! There were signs all around the neighborhood marking the actual route. So looks like it’s the same route most years. Due to weather I didn’t get to look around the area before or after the race. I’m hoping to go back in a few years and try this again. First Light offers a back to back challenge with Mississippi Blues. Due to weather, Mississippi Blues had to cancel in 2017. I was happy I was able to finish one race for this weekend.
Small, nice race
I ran this half marathon as part of the Back2Back Challenge with the Saturday race in Jackson, Mississippi. Well, that was my intention anyway. The Mississippi race was cancelled due … MORE
I ran this half marathon as part of the Back2Back Challenge with the Saturday race in Jackson, Mississippi. Well, that was my intention anyway. The Mississippi race was cancelled due to snow, sleet, and icy road conditions (definitely the right call by the race director).
The race is coordinated by and benefits L’Arche Mobile. Medals are handmade by members of the community. Back2Back Challengers get a plaque made by the community, too.
The half marathon course was relatively flat (I heard that the marathon course was quite hilly after the full and half split).
Adequate water, port-o-potties, and volunteers.
Incredible
I absolutely LOVED this race! This was the 2nd race of my back to back marathons and after 6 hours of puddles and rivers, it was brutal. In judging it … MORE
I absolutely LOVED this race! This was the 2nd race of my back to back marathons and after 6 hours of puddles and rivers, it was brutal. In judging it without my blisters and pain, it wasn’t that horrible! The course was pretty flat and the crowd support was great. The “expo” was just a few vendors and some old school southern belles. It was really welcoming. The official swag wagon was a group of ladies known as the “balloon ladies”. They were the only reason I completed the race. This race benefitted an adult special needs facility, and those adults were the ones giving the medals. They also hand paint each medal, which is so special. For the back to back, these adults also painted a canvas which had this race and the Mississippi Blues logos on it. On the back, it had the bio of the person that painted it. This was the coolest thing I’ve received from any race. I highly suggest this! I know there are other and bigger races in Alabama, but this one is a must do!
Medal with Heart
I can be a medal snob, but these handmade medals made the race for me. This race benefits adults with disabilities and each medal is handmade. In 2016 the race … MORE
I can be a medal snob, but these handmade medals made the race for me. This race benefits adults with disabilities and each medal is handmade. In 2016 the race was part of a B2B with Mississippi Blues and those who did both received a painted plaque with the artists story.
The race itself was flat thru neighborhoods and post race food seemed decent (skipped). Overall, this race is a great value and it is for a good cause.
Running Mobile Alabama
Since this was my second marathon in as many days, I had no idea what to expect. I had spent the previous week realizing that running back to back marathons … MORE
Since this was my second marathon in as many days, I had no idea what to expect. I had spent the previous week realizing that running back to back marathons was NOT BRIGHT, but then it was too late, the day has come and I had 7 1/2 hours before my flight.
The bus from Jackson, MS took us directly to the expo, which also happened to be a block from my hotel. Perfect. The expo itself was quite small. As soon as I entered I spotted the “Back to Back” booth so went right over to get checked in The “Back to Back” booth was for anyone running marathons in both cities. At check in, I was immediately given a hand made plaque designating me as a “Back to Back” finisher. Great! Now I do not even have to run 🙂 . Getting to my hotel was a breeze, where I checked in right away and then met up with my Indiana friend, Jeff and went out for dinner.
The hotel unfortunately was a nightmare. Turns out, I had been upgraded to a room on the 16th floor, one floor below the Mardi Gras party and the same floor where the Mardi Gras celebrants were staying. Somehow, I had not been listed as a marathoner, but as a bona fide Mardi Gras participant. The music finally was shut down at 2:42, giving me exactly 1 hour and 48 minutes to catch some sleep. When I finally went downstairs to ask about the noise in a hotel, the room was quickly comped, but make certain the hotels know you are there for the marathon.
The course was nice. Some big hills in the second half of the course, but it was nothing in comparison to Jackson. This was a good thing. After all my worrying about having the ability of running a second marathon, I did fairly well until around mile 12. At that point, my body literally crashed. Kind of like the first marathon I had run. I slowed down, recouped and finally pulled myself together after a couple miles, and then finished the final 6 miles fairly strong. The course was through a number of neighborhoods, lots of turns, which to me makes running much easier. There were not a lot of spectators, but they did seem to be there when you really needed encouragement. Water and fuel stops were adequate.
This is a well run race, especially considering that it is quite small. I definitely liked that the start and finish were very close to the hotels. I also LOVED the party at the finish line. Though I did not have a whole lot of time, I did grab my 2 complimentary beers, Coors light. Coming from the microbrewery capital of Portland, Oregon, I did not know they still made Coors light, but after a marathon, I was very appreciative. But the food, it was excellent. Sausage and rice and beans, Quite delicious, and annually made by a local group. This was a community that enjoys its marathon and makes everyone feel welcome.
Good run with some really nice touches
In looking at most reviews for this race they are based on the b2b with Jackson Ms. Didn't do the B2B so probably got to see more of the city … MORE
In looking at most reviews for this race they are based on the b2b with Jackson Ms. Didn’t do the B2B so probably got to see more of the city before the race and enjoy the course more than the exhausted B2Bers.
Running this course on a partially torn meniscus so decided to just take it easy and enjoy – as much as you can ‘enjoy’ a 26.2 mile run. Did about a 10 minute pace so had time to look at the course and surroundings.
Arrived in Mobile on Sat the day before the race and it was sunny and 74 but a promised cold front came thru the next morning making the weather just right for running. On Sat walked the downtown area and the waterfront. Both really nice areas with some funky shops and restaurants.
Stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown – can’t recommend it highly enough. Good price, right at the start and finish lines, and late checkout. Package pickup at the expo was simple and right next to the hotel. Well not really an expo – more like a couple of tables, some decked out Southern Belles in full deep south plantation dresses and a couple of vendor tables.
Met my running friend that evening for dinner – he was doing the B2B and the shuttle from Jackson didn’t arrive until 6:30. Ate at a restaurant right by the hotel. All you can eat pasta dinner was offered at the restaurant but opted for waffles and chicken instead. Apparently the races all you can eat pasta dinner has been discontinued due to some peoples gastric distress from the year before. For more on that topic see the owner’s of raveraves.com Mike Sohaskey’s blog on the b2b from 2015.
As for the actual race – starts at 7:30. Very small race – about 1100 total participants. Only about 350 full marathoners. Weather was fine. Mid 40’s all the way thru the race with the sun coming out for the last 6 miles of the race. The first eight miles the full and half people run together pretty much thru the downtown area. Same area I had walked the day before. So I had seen and read about the historical buildings we were running by. After the full people split off from the half the course turned into a typical marathon course. Out to hooterville and back. But along the way there were some interesting sights. Running thru some of the older large home neighborhoods and seeing the teardowns and the mcmansions replacing them was interesting. Also go to take a tour of the University of South Alabama and golf courses around it. Just as an FYI if anybody says the course is flat they are a liar liar pants on fire. Miles 13 to 20 are mostly hills and then 20 to 26 are mostly downhill. Not to fun on a torn meniscus. There is a note on the races web page that says they changed the course in 2014 so assuming it was flat until then.
The finish and the medal were great. The race supports a mentally disabled group in the area and they hand paint the large wooden medals. Also pretty cool to get my medal at the end from a kid with downs syndrome. Kudos for Mobile and First Light marathon for supporting them and doing this.
In departing the race and city talked to many of the b2ber’s and almost all of them said the were so exhausted from running Jackson the day before and getting in to Mobile so late that they didn’t care to or were to tired to see anything on the course. Too bad because even though it is a small marathon it is well run and Mobile is a city worth a look.
Very nice race
*I've run this race 3 times (2014, 2015 & the half in 2016) I love this race. The course is through beautiful downtown Mobile, several universities and the Botanical gardens. … MORE
*I’ve run this race 3 times (2014, 2015 & the half in 2016)
I love this race. The course is through beautiful downtown Mobile, several universities and the Botanical gardens. BEWARE of the crazy hill around mile 19. But the aid station there is stocked with lots of goodies to keep your mind of it.
The medal is simple but perfect. It is handmade by residents of the Le Arche home for adults with disabilities. Before Blues changed it date, you could run both in one weekend and receive a handmade plague made by a resident.
Fun race, despite the food poisoning
BOTTOM LINE: I ran First Light as the second half of a weekend back-to-back following the Mississippi Blues Marathon. And allowing for the fact that the organizers may have inadvertently … MORE
BOTTOM LINE: I ran First Light as the second half of a weekend back-to-back following the Mississippi Blues Marathon. And allowing for the fact that the organizers may have inadvertently poisoned their runners with the pre-race pasta dinner (and apparently there were many of us), I appreciated my 26.2-mile tour of Mobile. I always welcome the chance to support smaller races, particularly when they benefit as worthwhile a cause as L’Arche Mobile, whose members played a significant role in both the preparation and execution of the race. And as the second half of a geographically convenient back-to-back, the First Light Marathon will always hold a special place in the hearts and pocketbooks of Marathon Maniacs, Half Fanatics and 50 States runners.
PRODUCTION: First Light is a low-frills yet well-organized race. The course profile is unusual for a road marathon, in having a surprisingly hilly middle section (miles 12-21) flanked by perfectly flat stretches at the start and finish. Most important on this day was the abundance of aid stations along the course. Normally 19 aid stations would be about 18 more than I’d need, but on Sunday I found myself wishing – due to the aforementioned & highly inconvenient food poisoning affair – that there were actually more. On the bright side, I feel qualified to vouch for the cleanliness (if not the godliness) of the First Light porta-potties.
Potential dysentery notwithstanding, the pre-race pasta buffet hit the spot and was included with race registration (additional tickets were $10). And if I were to run First Light again, I’d feel confident the organizers would be extra-diligent in ensuring the Alabama Dept. of Public Health doesn’t get involved.
The First Light race shirt is a highly wearable long-sleeve black tech shirt with “MARATHON” printed along the sleeve. And as referenced above, back-to-back (Mississippi Blues Marathon/First Light Marathon) runners received their own long-sleeve white tech shirt with both race logos on the front and a “BACK 2 BACK” design on the back, as well as a commemorative plaque hand-painted by a community member of L’Arche Mobile. Nothing notable to report from the race goodie bag except the bag itself, which was both reusable and neon orange.
On-course entertainment was limited to the running commentary and frequent cries of “War Eagle!” from a good-natured fellow runner whom I’d catch up to after each of my five (yep, five) pit stops. Spectators were sparse but supportive, though not as supportive as in Jackson, Mississippi the day before, where everyone happily thanked us for coming. The enthusiastic orange-clad sentries stationed along the course in Jackson were replaced in Mobile by purposeful police officers whose job it was to keep both foot and motor traffic flowing smoothly.
Once my stomach settled somewhat I was able to appreciate the finish-line festival in sun-dappled Bienville Square, the highlight being the jazz stylings of the Excelsior Brass Band (see video).
If you’re a fan of potty humor puns, or simply want to know (much) more about the actual race, check out my blog recap of the First Light Marathon at https://blisterscrampsheaves.com/2014/01/28/first-light-marathon-race-report/