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☰
Mississippi Blues Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Mississippi Blues Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.8 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.1
Number of comments: 260 [displaying comments 81 to 91]
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S. C. from PORTland Oregon USA
(1/10/2012)
"Southern Hospitality !!!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 OMG, over the top niceness. Even the police controlling the intersections thanked you for coming to the run. EVERYONE was so nice. The Marriott had theIR staff in the lobby as we left w/ water, oatmeal cookies, bananas, etc When we came back, they met us at the door with fresh towels. Party at the end was fantastic. These are the nicest people I've ever done a marathon with. Congratulations to Jackson MS. YOU ARE THE WINNERS! | |
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R. R. from New York, NY
(1/10/2012)
"Tough course, but worth every ounce of pain!!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon far exceeded my expectations. PROS * friendliness of everyone, including race officials, volunteers, spectators, hotel (Marriott) staff, cabbies * very nice expo * great music post-race * race organization * early split between half and full marathoners * the best finishers medal of my 15 * plenty of water stops * well policed course * course ran through a variety of areas Be Aware *ups and downs and ups and downs and ouch (as advertised) ... actually, I'm not sure it is a con .. I viewed it as a challenge Cons * Downtown Jackson is fairly desolate and didn't seem overly safe/policed in the evening ... don't count on a nice evening stroll from your downtown hotel Overall 5+: way to go Jackson!! Although I'm pursuing 50 states, I will return to do you again next year!! | |
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Patrick Weldon from Brandon MS
(1/10/2012)
"Great Race." (about: 2012)
50+ previous marathons
| 4-5 Mississippi Blues Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've been lucky enough to run all of the Blues Marathons, and it's gets better every year. This year was great. Of course, you can't control the weather, and it was perfect. I even got a little sunburn! Not bad for January. Yes, there are lots of small rolling hills, none too bad, but man, there area a lot of little ones ! Great race, nice organization. Thumbs up. | |
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J. R. from Alexandria, VA
(1/10/2012)
"Yes, 26.2 miles of hills" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Mississippi Blues was almost everything I'm looking for in a marathon. Yes, there were hills after hills after hills, and I could have used a good flat stretch before mile 23, but no one hill was a killer. So that challenge aside, let me roll off the many plusses: 1. Volunteers and more volunteers. Yes, the organizers got this right. Aid stations done well, including 3 GUs. 2. Smiling, happy people. Almost creepy, but EVERYONE I met in this city wanted to welcome me and wish me well. 3. Decent variety on the course. After the first 2.5 miles, it was lots of older residential areas- about 15 miles of them. Good variety with interesting homes, changing scenery, and shade. Inevitably, the course passes through a few tired areas, but you get the good and the improving. 4. Great after party. Wonderful Blues concert. And considering that there was a half AND a full, believe it or not, there was plenty of food. Unlimited pizza and beer, but also tomato basil soup and rice & beans. That's a nice touch. 5. Reasonable logistics. Easy flights into Jackson and no need to rent a car. Quick cab ride to the downtown area. I got a great rate at the Hilton and walked to the start. 6. Yes, the medal is huge and the shirt is a work of art. Not sure I'd run in it, but I might frame it. This was not a PR- the hills and unseasonably warm weather (71 at the finish) nixed that- but still faster than my average. The experience was well worth it, And really, how many marathons are there in January (or in Mississippi...)? Do this one. | |
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L. S. from Delaware
(1/10/2012)
"The Friendliest Marathon I Have Ever Run" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wow, this was a very tough hilly course but so worth the trip. Everything was top notch including packet pickup,race start,police/traffic control,ammenities, hotel,beer, etc. I would have given it a perfect score except the road conditions were tough. I knew it going in so I was very carefull but I definately could feel the difference in my feet during and after the race. The volunteers were the friendliest people I have ever seen. At least 100 people thanked me for coming to Mississippi. When I thanked a little boy, picking up cups,for volunteering, his response was,' My pleasure Mam thank you for coming to Mississippi'. I have never seen anything like it. The after party had never ending food, beer and music and volunteers even walked around the entire sight handing out extra bananas and water. I highly reccomend the Marriott. I was there 3 nights and everytime they saw me in the lobby they would offer me a free bottle of water. The bartender even offered water to take to my room after cocktails one night. And...the medal is HUGE!! | |
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John Eng from New York City
(1/10/2012)
"Awesome, Friendly & Fun Race!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Flew in from NYC to run the MS Blues. The distance from the airport to the hotels/expo is about 12 miles. The expo was well run and very easy to get in and out. My goody bad included a harmonica as well as the coolest race shirt I've ever received - a tye-dyed tech shirt!!! Groovy! Race Day - Walk the half mile or so from the Hilton Garden Inn where I am staying to the start. You line up by the honor system but they have pace groups with signs so you should know where to line up. Most people lined up honestly. The national anthem is played on the electric guitar. Cool! The conditions of the roads were somewhat poor only the first few miles and the last few miles with lots of cracks but for the large majority of the race it was never an issue. Yes, this is a rolling course but IMO, it's not as hilly as many reviews have made it out to be. All the hills are short and there are just as many downhills as uphills so I do think it's possible to run a good race here. The course does wind through several neighborhoods and returning to downtown by the Capitol Building. What was nice was that there were no long highway stretches that you often have in marathons. There are hydration stations every 1.6 miles with enthusiastic volunteers who constantly thanked me for coming before I could even thank them for their service. Traffic control was also excellent. With the half marathoners splitting off from the marathon after Mile 3, crowding on the course is not an issue at all. Not a ton of spectators but those that were there were awesome! Nice finish, eventhough it's a bit uphill but who cares? A friendly volunteer places the most humongous and without a doubt the coolest guitar-shaped finisher's medal around my neck. The finishers area also has free beer, pizza, sandwiches, soups, gatorade, etc. On my way back to the hotel, I pass by Downtown Cafe on Capitol Street where the owner is grilling burgers and hot dogs. He usually isn't open Saturdays but had a special menu just for the runners. Have to say, that this was some of the best food I've ever had. He was just an example of the downright hospitable and friendly nature of the locals. Every person will feel at home and welcome by the entire city of Jackson. Oh, and also drop by Elite Restaurant for dinner and get the famous veal cutlets in cream sauce!!! In closing, I highly recommend this race. Very well organized, great volunteers, no crowded conditions, great post race food. They really do treat the runners well here. Don't be too afraid of the hills, just incorporate them into your daily runs and you'll be just fine and will be glad you did this race. The entire city is appreciative of you participating in this race. I'm just sad that my weekend had to come to a close. | |
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P. S. from California
(1/10/2012)
"Great experience in Jackson, MS!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I traveled from California to Mississippi for this year's Mississippi Blues Marathon, and it was worth it! I knew I was in for a great experience when a race official even went out of his way just to help me with my registration because I had made an error. The race weekend organization and execution were exceptional. The race expo was small but efficient...appropriate for a race of this size. The race swag was great though! The creative race shirt captures the spirit of the race. The blues CD and harmonica were an unexpected surprise. There was no official pre-race pasta party, but the race bag included a long list of restaurants that were offering race weekend specials. I ended up eating at my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) which had an excellent pasta special and was ideally located near the Expo and starting line. Race day was similarly well orchestrated. The starting line was well organized, all announcements were clear, and the race started on time. Aid stations were plentiful and well stocked and there was enthusiastic support at many locations on the course. I was impressed by the number of fans that said things such as 'I'm proud of you' and 'Thank you for running our race'...true southern hospitality! During the race, I found that the road surface was a little choppy in places, but at least there were signs posted to warn us. The course had many rolling hills as advertised, but there were no overwhelming climbs. I did enjoy the fact that the last 3-4 miles were downtown so that there were more spectators along this part of the course (although that didn't make the last 3-4 miles hurt any less). Once I crossed the finish line I received a huge medal that rivals that of the Little Rock Marathon. I then made my way to the food tent where I found plenty of Gatorade, pizza, cookies, bananas, beans and rice and soup (I was one of the earlier marathon finishers though, so I can't comment on how much food was left for the 4 or 5 hour finishers). The band in the post race area was fun and there were plenty of friendly, interesting people to chat with. In summary, Mississippi Blues is a marathon that I wouldn't hesitate to run again. I really appreciated the race director's attention to detail and the great southern hospitality. On a side note, if your a sports fan, I definitely recommend driving out to the sports bar Last Call to watch the NFL playoffs. It was recommended to us by some locals and we had a great time there. | |
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Mitch Hight from Pueblo West, CO
(1/9/2012)
"Hilly course, Great people, Excellent swag" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 25th marathon and 22nd state. Being from Colorado, I always find the southern humidity a challenge, but that said this was a good run. As a general rule, I try to beat 4 hours - this one was a 3:58 - made goal, but just barely. Hills people - trust me - you're either going up one or you're heading down the other side pretty much the entire way. The people of Jackson were very nice and I have nothing but good things to say about the folks at the Marriot, spectators on the course cheering us on and the folks at the restaurants, etc. The city did seem overly quiet without many people in the streets downtown. Best for last. If you like swag, this might be the number one race in the country - or at least in the top 10 certainly. The race shirt is high quality and comfortable. The swag bag was a nice drawstring bag for those who care about that particular aspect. Also included were a Blues CD and a harmonica with the MS Blues imprint. The medal was really nice and HUGE - my Antarctica medal is big - this MS Blues medal is HUGE! Packet pickup was very well organized as was the event in its entirety. My compliments to the race director and staff. Great job! | |
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B. S. from Little Rock, AR
(1/9/2012)
"Great race ... definitely recommend!!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great race! PACKET PICK-UP: As soon as you came through the doors, you were greeted and helped along the race. Packet pick up was quick and efficient. They had a blues music playing to get you in the mood. RACE DAY: parking was fee and only 2 blocks from the finish line. Ladies DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN SIGHT ... our car was broken into and purse was stolen. Cops were everywhere but it was our fault. The only real complaint was there were not enough porta potties at the start line but other than that everything was smooth and effortless. VOLUNTEERS: The were ALL cheery and friendly. The water came from water jugs and I was especially happy (bad RnR experience). The police officers were all friendly to and thanked us for participating. COURSE: HILLY!!!! but scenic. They mention the hills on the website, so practice. I PR'd at this course and shocked myself. POST-RACE: Water, Gatorade, bananas, BBQ, sandwiches, plenty to eat PLUS Back Yard Burger had a food truck. OVERALL: I think this was a great race, great course and I would definitely recommend the MS Blues marathon. | |
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Bill Landers from NW Georgia
(1/9/2012)
"Fantastic Organization!!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mississippi Blues Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The 2012 version of the MS Blues Marathon was fantastic! The organization is by far one of the highlights of this race. The volunteers seemed to be sincere in their appreciation of the runners visiting their city and thanked me for coming every time I spoke to them. Hats off to Jackson Mississippi's finest also who provided a safe course for the runners. As far as the course, it is hilly as advertised. Take the elevation profile seriously! Do your best to get your hill work in and everything will be ok. The hills aren't really steep, but there are plenty to go around. We call 'em 'rollers' where I come from and they keep coming right until the last mile. We stayed at the Marriott downtown who also provided first class runner support. They gladly offer late (1:00pm) check out on race day. Another perk is that the staff meet you at the door upon your return after the race and hand you a towel and offer ice cold gatorade in the lobby. Go ahead and reserve your room as soon as you register for the race as they go pretty quickly. |
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