Back to Mississippi Blues Marathon Information & Reviews
c. m. from cape may, nj
(1/12/2010)
"True Southern Hospitality" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The expo was small but very well organized. Very cold day (17 at the start); there's nothing like a Gatorade slushy and skating through the aid stations, but the volunteers and occasional spectator were very warm. I have never been thanked so many times for coming to a race. There were a few hills up jefferson at about mile 5, and some rollers near the end with an uphill finish (ouch). Found several good people to run with, especially in the 4-hour pace group (congrats to all). Scouted out an Irish pub (Jefferson and Fortification) for a great brunch/beer afterward. Highly recommended. The best was the warm food tent at the finish, with great soup and cold beer. Although there was not much to do or see in downtown Jackson before the race, the "blues crawl" afterward makes up for it. The trolley takes you around from hotel to 3-4 bars/clubs. The first two were marginal, but the last place was awesome. I would run again just to hear Vasti Jackson on the guitar. | |
D. H. from Midwest
(1/11/2010)
"Mississippi Blues Rocks!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Mississippi Blues Marathon is an exceptionally high-quality event focused on catering to the details that runners appreciate. The expo, while small, was well organized and smooth. The t-shirt was great, the goody bag just raised the bar (with a cool bag, a blues CD, and a harmonica!), and the hospitality was great. The race itself is a challenging hilly course, as advertised. The volunteers are well trained to provide an exceptional running experience. I loved everything about this marathon (except the final hill!). They even had a HEATED food tent at the finish line since it was very cold this year. It is a great event that I highly recommend. | |
F. T. from Hattiesburg, MS
(1/11/2010)
"Made me proud to be a Mississippian!" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Boy was I proud to run this race as a Mississippian! This is my first half-marathon. The hills were a bit challenging, but who doesn't like a challenge? I really enjoyed running through downtown Jackson and especially passing the college campuses. The musical entertainment before, during, and after the race was great. The volunteers, as well as the police directing traffic, were superb. I have read a few other comments complaining about fans. Umm... did you forget how cold it was? From the organizers, to the volunteers, fans, and fellow racers - thank you for giving me such a wonderful experience on my first of many half/full marathons! | |
J. P. from Madison, MS
(1/11/2010)
"Great experience even for a novice!" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon. Pros: fabulous volunteers, great post-race food, very well-organized packet pickup and race, great looking medal. Cons: the street conditions were bad except on Metro Parkway (newer pavement there), there's not enough spectators along course, and they could use more music along the course. Worth the effort! Will probably run again, depending on weather. It was bitterly cold! | |
D. P. from Covington, LA
(1/11/2010)
"Volunteers were amazing!" (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Very cold weather conditions did not dampen the hospitality spirit of the race staff and volunteers. Smiling faces and supportive comments helped get me through the freezing weather and hilly terrain. I'm sure the folks on the sides of the course were at least as miserable as the runners, but kept smiles on their faces!! Thanks! | |
Molly Hogan from Littleton, CO
(1/11/2010)
"Going to Jackson" (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon with real hills, but still thought it was amazing! Really got a chance to meet and establish friendships with other runners on this one (which led me to my PR). Thanks to Mike from Illinois for pushing me!!! The pub crawl was a fantastic touch! Considering the cold weather cut down the number of spectators and music on the course, the trolley to all of the blues bars brought the local flavor and music back into the overall experience! And, another chance to meet and chat with other runners. Thank you to Vernsey for the company and running advice! | |
Chuck in Cincinnati from Milford, Ohio
(1/11/2010)
"Glad I chose Mississippi Blues!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Real nice marathon. Down-to-earth, friendly run. I gave the course a 4, because I personally didn't care for the highway section, but we have to run somewhere. Organization get a 5 - TOP NOTCH! Spectators and volunteers were the best, braving the cold like that for us runners. THANK YOU! I won't comment on weather, because we get what we get, and we all have to deal with it. The electric guitar "Star Spangled Banner" version was great. I was extremely impressed with the start and video sendoff from the troops in the "First Wave" in Iraq. Thank you so much for keeping us safe! The drum line was unbelievable; the musicians on the course were spectacular. Water and gel stops went perfect. Port-o-lets were sufficient, although a few more would ease the mind. Food and drink at the end was awesome along with the band. We did the night tour and went to a few of the clubs for the blues bands playing. If you missed it, sorry. It was worth the trip! This is one marathon that you need to do! You won't be disappointed. This was my 17th marathon, and I will be back some day! Even though I was sick, I had a blast! One more note: It's always sad when a runner goes down. I didn't know or meet him, but Mr. Chris Brown, rest in peace my friend. We won't forget you. Show us the good trails when we all meet again. | |
Susan Spence from Winston-Salem, NC
(1/11/2010)
"Great, friendly, very cold race!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Not many spectators due to the frigid weather, but the volunteers were terrific, thanking me for coming to Jackson. As a walker I appreciate the folks who braved the elements to the end. Great race in every way! | |
P. B. from Dallas, TX
(1/10/2010)
"The friendliest marathon I've run yet!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I knew that this wouldn't be a PR course, what with the rolling hills at the beginning and the ups and downs of Old Canton Road and State Street at the end, but my quest through all 50 states brought me here anyway. The hospitality tent at the start with the great music helped us warm up a bit before taking off in 11-degree wind chill. Jefferson Street and the neighborhood northeast of Ridgewood and Lakeland were beautiful - great distractions from the snow flurries. The best features here were the volunteers - they were friendly and outgoing even though the temperature never got above 28 - and the cool schwag, which included a harmonica, a neat T-shirt, and a blues CD. There was a blues festival Saturday night, complete with a trolley to haul us around. I would run this race again if I weren't headed through all of the states, and I know it won't be that cold again in 2011. This marathon will only keep improving. | |
A. W. from IL
(1/10/2010)
"Friendliest Cold Day in my 50-State Quest!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Like the comment below says, you should be so proud of your marathon. I fully expected to see unmanned aid stations and intersections due to the extreme temps, but no, all were fully staffed, with smiling and friendly faces. I stayed at the Marriott; it had clean rooms and was within walking distance of everything. Pasta at Sal and Mookies Excellent and inexpensive. I walked over to the small history museum; I was only the 3rd visitor of the day and again was greeted with warmth. I did not rate the course highly, as it was just ok - highway running is never really pretty and there were few spectators - but I did enjoy the houses with the fire pits blazing and the kids bundled up cheering us onward. Yes there were lots of rolling hills, but I train for hills, and it's no big deal. The course is honestly represented. A great medal too, and while the shirt is cotton and appealing design that carries over to the bag, too. Even the SW flight home out of Jackson talked about the runners, and the winner and number 2 man were both on my flight home, making it a more special end to the day. Overall, as a city, you put on a great race, and you should be proud of your efforts. Well done! |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools