Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Sid B.
Goose Creek, SC

  (10-04-2010)

"Ran the 2010 edition of this great event and as usual,it was fantastic. Organizers do a great job,for a smaller run,it has the perks of a much larger run. Had a good crowd even though they expected less runners due to the new Disney Wine and Dine being held that night,( I ran both).
This race raises money for a great cause,and the starting location,right infront of the Duval Memorial to honor all local fallen Military and the eternal flame is emotional. There is a Marine Honor Guard to present the Colors and the Navy Band plays the National Anthem.
Course was the same as last year,get a combination of hills and flat areas,and a nice run along the river front at mile 10.
At the finish,a newly designed medal was handed out,nice and large one,and you got a Marine Corps drinking glass. Lots of good food provided,great Subs from FIREHOUSE SUBS,thanks for you support guys.
Will be back next year."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Sid B.
Goose Creek, SC

  (09-29-2010)

"Great Half Marathon,well organized with a nice course that takes you thru Jacksonville and then back along the river back to the Finish across from the Panthers Stadium.
The Marines Corps does an excellent job,opening ceremoies are moving,and the start is right next to the Jacksonville War Memorial, walk and read the names and ages and see the mementos that loved ones leave there,and it makes you really proud of all these young men and women. If you need big crowds, they are not here,its early Saturday and most normal people are asleep,lol.
Will be running this one again in a few days."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

mulch m.
Jacksonville, FL

  (05-12-2010)

"I've run this one twice and it is my favorite race in Jacksonville.

The course is beautiful and takes runners through parts of downtown, some nice residential areas and right along side the river on The Riverwalk. About half of the course is in full shade underneath a canopy of large trees. Runners go over two fairly steep bridges and a very steep overpass but other than that, it is quite flat.

The course is nicely sized for the number of runners. Once a runner crosses the first bridge, they can expect plenty of running room.

The organization of this race is very good with plenty of police directing traffic, lots of live bands, well-manned water/GU stations and a nice post-race area.

Two other neat things: At the beginning of the race, runners have a group of Marines jogging behind them in formation doing military chants. At the end of the race, runners pass underneath the barrels of some really large artillery.

Normally the weather is very nice for running at this time of the year, but last year it was unseasonably hot. This made the race more of a struggle. My understanding is that it will be pushed a little bit later in the year from now on to try and avoid this situation."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Caitlin B.
orlando, FL

  (08-18-2009)

"The course was amazing--we traveled over three bridges, traversed through beautiful residential neighborhoods, ran through the downtown district, and sprinted along a beautiful river waterfront. My unofficial clock time was 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 30 seconds. I haven't received my official chip time yet, but I think it's closer to 2 hours, 5 minutes.

After the gun went off (yes, a literal gun), we began the race. My race plan was to pace sub-10:00 miles because my overall goal was 2 hours, 10 minutes or better. This pretty much translates into NO WALKING (except through water stations).



The first major challenge I encountered was crossing the first bridge.... which basically meant "a really large hill." I haven't run hills since I moved out of Pennsylvania a year and a half ago, so I was a little nervous. Many people around me slowed to a walk immediately. I decided it would be better to just power through the climb, as too much walking tends to make my legs feel like lead.



I paced mile 2.0 at 19:30 (clock time) and was very pleased. I figured I was about 1 minute behind the clock, so I knew I was right on schedule. After the 2.0 mile mark came the second large bridge, and again--I just tackled the incline instead of walking.



Miles 3.0 to 6.0 were uneventful. I just focused on breathing and placing my foot properly. My bum leg did not bother me at ALL! Whatever injury I suffered through for the last two weeks seems to be gone (cross your fingers!).



At each water station was a different form of musical entertainment! There were bag pipers, a DJ, a rock band, a country band, and a guy playing an electric guitar. It kept things interesting. :)



After mile 5.0, the route started to loop back on itself, so the leaders were passing us. The first man was on mile 9.0 when I was on mile 5.5!!! I cheered for each of the first 6 or so runners (all men) as they passed me. Then, the first girl whizzed back and I went nuts, screaming "YOU GO GIRL!!" She was flyyyyying!

At mile 10.0, the volunteers were handing out packets of Goo. I grabbed a citrus flavored one, and I only ate about half. I paced mile 10.0 at 1 hour, 38 minutes. It was such a relief to see that I was still on schedule.

Even though I had eaten two mid-race snacks, I crossed the finished line FAMISHED. There was a lot of post-race food (better than the average half) and live music!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008