The First Light Marathon is a great smaller race. The race benefits the L'Arche community in Mobile. L'arche helps adults with intellectual disabilities. The race medals and winner plaques are made by them. If you are fortunate to win an age group award or participate in the MS blues Marathon the previous day, you will get a beautiful one of a kind award with the artist's bio on the back!
The half course if flat and fast. The marathon has some nice hills in the middle to break it up a bit. You run through our beautiful historic districts, parks and two colleges. There were potties at all the water stations and I know this because I think I used every single one after the half way point. There is an amazing aid station at 17 that has all the snack food, pickle juice and candy you can carry. Our cycling community here is very supportive and we had many volunteers that day handing out Gu's or just checking up on you.
The after party is good. I got a full plate of food and my marathon time was around 5:30. The beer was a bit hidden this year though so I had to hobble around to find it.
Overall I had a great experience! If you are up for the challenge the Blues Marathon in Jackson, MS and the First Light Marathon offers a Back 2 Back Challenge. Two races in one weekend. You can choose any combo of halfs or the fills and still get a total of 3 medals and a one of a kind plaque.

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