The Mobile Marathon was the 445th largest marathon in the U.S. last year.
This year 18.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 18% of runners qualified for Boston in 2024.
This gives the Mobile Marathon the 64th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 6th highest percentage so far in 2025.
Its Course Score of 99.57 ranks it as the 85th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Alabama.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Mobile Marathon a PR Score of 99.57. This PR Score ranks it as the 62nd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Alabama.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Mobile Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 33 feet (10m) Min Elevation: 8 feet (2m)
This is a very "no-frills" marathon. No real swag, not a ton of fans, no pacers, etc. That being said, if you want to go fast and are comfortable pacing yourself, this is definitely great course to set a new PR. The entire course is run on paved roads through downtown Mobile. The "hills" are very minimal. A decent number of turns, but several long flat or slightly downhill straightaways. With it being a double loop you see what you are up against in the first half and can use that to craft your second half strategy. There is one awkward turnaround at a cone after the first half, but otherwise nothing different. While fans are minimal there are lots of water/aid stations so it is well supported from that perspective, however, there are no gels on the course so bring what you need.
Race Tips
Utilize the double loop to your advantage by getting a sense of what you need to do in the second half while running the first half. It is really easy to run the tangents on the turns and limit additional distance. Watch the weather, but you shouldn't have to worry about it being too warm in January.
Several hotels right by the start line. Super easy to navigate pre-race logistics. Small post-race party. Did I mention this is a "no-frills" race!
SH's review of 2017 Mobile Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Small race, good scenery, great cause, easy and convenient to run! It's a great race to pair with MS Blues and they offer back-to-back medals and plaques.
Race Tips
Don't stress over your time in miles 14-19. They are the most difficult on the whole course. Smart running there should leave you with enough to negative split the last 10k.
Stay at the Holiday Inn, Downtown Mobile. It was very affordable through the race discount code, offered free parking and late checkout (only for people who booked in the marathon block though), was 200 yards from the expo, 20 yards from the start line, and less than half a mile from the finish. Perfect!!!
KS's review of 2017 Mobile Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
You cannot use your headphones. This was almost a break it deal for me. The only reason I signed up for this one was that I planned to do the back to back challenge with the Mississippi Blues Marathon. That race was cancelled but, I decided to do the First Light marathon since I had traveled all that distance (from Colorado). I have run 8 marathons between September 2016 and mid-April 2017- this one ranks 7/8 with eight being the lowest.
Race Tips
It was freezing and there were some unexpected hills in the middle of the course.
4 Stars from 3 Reviews
