Mobile's 2016 Sports Season to Begin with the First Light Marathon

Jan 4th, 2016

MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Sports Authority, in conjunction with Servis 1st Bank, welcomes in 2016 with the 15th annual Servis 1st Bank First Light Marathon Presented by the Mobile Sports Authority. The marathon is scheduled for a 7:30 am start, this Sunday, January 10th with the Pre-Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up being held in the Mobile Government Plaza Atrium this Saturday, January 9th from 12 noon to 7 PM.  

The Servis 1st Bank First Light Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race featuring a USA Track & Field-certified 26.2 mile marathon, 13.1 mile certified half-marathon, in addition to a five-person relay and a 1.2 mile fun run. Participants will gather on Government Street in front of the Holiday Inn for pre-race activities at the starting line. Along the route, runners will be treated to the baronial architecture of historic downtown Mobile as well as the serene Avenue of the Oaks on the Spring Hill College Campus. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the competitors anywhere along the course and especially at the finish line, located at the corner of Dauphin and Conception Streets at Bienville Square.    
The course will remain open for seven hours, meaning runners will need to average 16 minutes per mile, at most.  

“We’re pleased to have been a part of the First Light Marathon, Mobile’s only annually-held marathon, over these past several years,” said Danny Corte, Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority. “In recent years, this event has not only generated a nice economic impact for Mobile with an average of 2,500 participants, but also has helped to support an important part of our community in L’Arche Mobile. “   

Hand-crafted wooden medals will be presented to the top ten overall winners. Awards will also be given to the top five Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters, and Race-Walking categories. The top three awards in five-year age groups will receive hand-painted canvases. All proceeds from the event go to support L’Arche Mobile.  

For more information on the First Light Marathon, please visit www.firstlightmarathon.com.   _________.