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Marathon Details - Mississippi Coast Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MS > Waveland > Mississippi Coast Marathon

Mississippi Coast Marathon

Mississippi Coast Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Waveland, MS USA

November 30, 2024

http://www.gulfcoastrunningclub.org

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Race Details

Double Loop - Stennis Space Center grounds where NASA test fires their rockets. Wooded area. Paved roads. Flat-fast course. TAC certified. Boston Marathon qualifier.

Contact Information

Name:	Leonard Vergunst
Address:	Gulf Coast Running Club P.O. Drawer 3569 Gulfport, MS 39505
Phone Number:	228-380-7037
Fax Number:	(228) 875-6855
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (55)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.5

Spectators 2.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 55 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

H. M. from NW Arkansas (12/21/2017) "Great Old-School Race" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was an old-school, simple race and a great way to check Mississippi off of my 50-state list. First, you can't beat the $35 entry fee. In exchange for the fee, you get the race entry, a race shirt, and the finisher medal (if you finish). The race shirt was a long-sleeved cotton shirt, which was a nice change from the typical tech shirt. (I won't wear it for running, but it makes a great shirt for relaxing on the weekend.) The finisher medal matched the logo on the shirt and referenced the Stennis NASA Space Center (including a couple of rockets). This race is low-key, no frills. The starting line was little more than a line on the road. All of the races (5-K, half-marathon, and full) start at the same time and run the same path for the first mile, so it's important to pace yourself. The course is pretty flat - a few minor 'humps,' especially in the last mile, but nothing too challenging. The half and full marathon share the course for the first 11.5 miles or so, and then the full splits off for a second loop. The scenery along the course is pretty - peaceful, coastal forest landscape. The course loops back on itself a few times, so you wind up seeing other racers several times along the course. There weren't many volunteers or spectators on the course, but those who were manning the water stops were enthusiastic. No fancy chip-timing, either - just an old fashioned tear tag & giant safety pin to track the finish order. The announcer called the finish times, and you posted your own results on a big bulletin board. They also offered access to a fitness center where you could grab a shower after the race. Post-race food was OK - fruit, cookies, pasta salad, and jambalaya. If I could change one thing, I would start the race earlier than 8 AM (or at least start the marathon earlier), although that might make the race timing a bit more complicated. The temperature was cold (upper 30s) at the start of our race, but it rose quickly, easily hitting 70 degrees over the next four+ hours. An earlier start might have made the last few miles a little cooler. If you're flying, the airport in New Orleans is about an hour away and offers better connections than Gulfport. I stayed in Slidell, LA, which is half-way between the airport and the race site. (Joe's Ristorante in Slidell had great pasta for carb loading the night before the race!)
joe roche from Cincinnati, OH (11/27/2016) "Everything you need for a great price!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Super well run marathon for $35. Race is essentially on a closed course and is very flat on good roads. Good race for PR seekers or 50 staters or if you are trying to getting another race in before the end of the year. Plenty of aid is offered by friendly volunteers. Weather could be warm if you are from the North. This year it was sunny 50/70. Medal was ok/shirt so so. Race has a hard 6 hour cut off so not ideal for walkers. Only complaint,it is on a NASA base but there was no fly over the start. This race is worth looking at!
T. B. from Georgia (12/4/2015) "Gulf Coast Running Club is great!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My husband and I chose this marathon because it was a short enough drive to make it there and back in a weekend. It was well-organized, aid stations were REALLY well stocked, and the post-race celebration was quite fun (included beer, jambalaya, water, and soda). The course wasn't scenic, but it was closed, which made it easy to run a race. It's a small event, so there are few spectators, but I knew this going in. It was a hot day (75 when I finished). My only complaint about this event is something organizers really can't control - the heat. Maybe a 7am start would have helped, but then folks driving in would suffer. Overall, it was a fun event and we'd recommend it to friends. Also, it's only $35!
T. M. from Atlanta, GA (12/3/2013) "Nice Course with spetacular organization" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Course is run on a military base. So drivers do not speed and you feel completely safe. The course is flat. It got hot this year later in the morning. Aid stations were well supplied and very helpful. There were not a lot of spectators, but those there were enthusiastic. You cannot pay less for a well run race. The race director did a great job. Showers available after the marathon. I would highly recommend this race.
M. W. from Illinois, USA (12/1/2013) "Great Value & potentially fast course" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is probably the best value marathon in the USA. The entry fee was less than $40 if memory serves, and included all the essentials. It is a flat course with a few minor, mild climbs esp. in the last mile. Overall, two thumbs up, and a big thanks to Leonard the event director, and the other volunteers. A word of caution if you are attempting to PR or BQ: Since the race starts at 8 am, you will find no shade on the course after about 9:30. In the 2013 running, we had blazing sun & v. light wind so by mile 10 you could start to feel the heat. 60-65F will feel more like 80+F on this course if there is humidity & no breeze. However, if you get lucky with the weather, this event has the potential to be very fast.
B. B. from Texas (12/1/2013) "Better than the stars will indicate" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I decided on this one for my MS state and it was a good choice. It's small (104 finishers), flat, friendly, low key, and easy to run. OK, so it's not the most stunning course you'll ever run, but it was totally flat, the road surfaces were fine, the streets were obviously plenty big enough for the field, even with a half and 5K, there were virtually no cars, the few intersections were easy to cross, the aid stations were all good, including GU handouts twice, it was a double loop so you knew what to expect, the mile markers were accurate, there was a clock on the course, and you could see who was ahead of you on a nice straightaway from around 18-20. We had good weather - 34 at start, warming to maybe 64, humid, light wind. Not that far from New Orleans airport (although I'm sure not many people fly in). Easy to park, use facilities, and meet afterward. They could use a few more port-a-pots and more food at the finish but these things cost money and there wasn't chip timing so I can appreciate budgetary constraints, especially with the amazingly low $30.00 registration fee. Thanks to the Leonard and running club for organizing this - you did a fine job.
Charlie West from Pottstown, PA (12/4/2012) "Nice pancake flat coarse with great organization" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I was looking for a race in Mississippi for the 50 State Challenge and the Mississippi Coast looked the most organized. The race is not very big and the organizer waited until everyone had finished using the porta potties before starting the race (about 75 finishers for the marathon). You will probably never find another marathon for only $35. The course is pancake flat and consists of 2 loops. On the 2nd loop, there were some unmanned water stops but there were plenty of filled cups for you to grab. You get to run around the John Stennis NASA facility but you don't get to see the rocket testing area (located in a more secure area that is accessible by a bus tour). There aren't any spectators except at the water stops so if you need throngs of crowds to keep you going, you are out of luck. The medal is cheap but nicely decorated. The jambalaya was fantastic and a cold beer is always welcome. The bases's gym is open for you to shower and getting to the race is very easy. It is not a top 5 course and there is no expo but the organization is worth 5 stars and if you love running just for running, I would recommend this race.
P. D. from Memphis, TN (11/27/2012) "A Runner's Marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mississippi Coast Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I would like to thank the race director, Leonard Vergunst, and all the volunteers for making me remember why I enjoy running in the first place. It has been 10 years since I first ran this race, and during that time I have ran all the majors. If you want a lot of spectators, and crowds, this race is not for you. If you want good friendly people, a truly fast runner's course, and a small marathon, this race is for you. Finally, the cost of the race is less than what I have paid for some 5k / 10k races and they didn't even have hot jambalaya.
J. V. from Flowery Branch, GA (2/1/2011) "Great Course For a PR!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is an extremely well-organized race, and at a bargain price of $35. It's run entirely on the grounds of the Stennis Space Center - so don't expect cheering crowds. But it's a great and super-flat course, with a timely awards ceremony. Perfect for a PR.
Walt Smith from Lawrenceburg, TN (1/2/2011) "BEST VALUE EVER!!!!" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a great race. I am going to recommend it to several running magazines as a best value. Where else can you pay $35 dollars the day of the race and get a well staffed race? I ran 4:55 and that was a PR. There were very limited numbers spectators, but are you really doing it for them? The course wasn't super eventful, but it was broken up very nicely, I thought. Again, I recommend this as a hidden gem and the best value for a non-expert runner wanting a PR. Super fast and flat. And there were gel and bananas, and aid stations were plentiful.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]



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H. M. from NW Arkansas (12/21/2017) "Great Old-School Race" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was an old-school, simple race and a great way to check Mississippi off of my 50-state list. First, you can't beat the $35 entry fee. In exchange for the fee, you get the race entry, a race shirt, and the finisher medal (if you finish). The race shirt was a long-sleeved cotton shirt, which was a nice change from the typical tech shirt. (I won't wear it for running, but it makes a great shirt for relaxing on the weekend.) The finisher medal matched the logo on the shirt and referenced the Stennis NASA Space Center (including a couple of rockets). This race is low-key, no frills. The starting line was little more than a line on the road. All of the races (5-K, half-marathon, and full) start at the same time and run the same path for the first mile, so it's important to pace yourself. The course is pretty flat - a few minor 'humps,' especially in the last mile, but nothing too challenging. The half and full marathon share the course for the first 11.5 miles or so, and then the full splits off for a second loop. The scenery along the course is pretty - peaceful, coastal forest landscape. The course loops back on itself a few times, so you wind up seeing other racers several times along the course. There weren't many volunteers or spectators on the course, but those who were manning the water stops were enthusiastic. No fancy chip-timing, either - just an old fashioned tear tag & giant safety pin to track the finish order. The announcer called the finish times, and you posted your own results on a big bulletin board. They also offered access to a fitness center where you could grab a shower after the race. Post-race food was OK - fruit, cookies, pasta salad, and jambalaya. If I could change one thing, I would start the race earlier than 8 AM (or at least start the marathon earlier), although that might make the race timing a bit more complicated. The temperature was cold (upper 30s) at the start of our race, but it rose quickly, easily hitting 70 degrees over the next four+ hours. An earlier start might have made the last few miles a little cooler. If you're flying, the airport in New Orleans is about an hour away and offers better connections than Gulfport. I stayed in Slidell, LA, which is half-way between the airport and the race site. (Joe's Ristorante in Slidell had great pasta for carb loading the night before the race!)
joe roche from Cincinnati, OH (11/27/2016) "Everything you need for a great price!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Super well run marathon for $35. Race is essentially on a closed course and is very flat on good roads. Good race for PR seekers or 50 staters or if you are trying to getting another race in before the end of the year. Plenty of aid is offered by friendly volunteers. Weather could be warm if you are from the North. This year it was sunny 50/70. Medal was ok/shirt so so. Race has a hard 6 hour cut off so not ideal for walkers. Only complaint,it is on a NASA base but there was no fly over the start. This race is worth looking at!
T. B. from Georgia (12/4/2015) "Gulf Coast Running Club is great!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My husband and I chose this marathon because it was a short enough drive to make it there and back in a weekend. It was well-organized, aid stations were REALLY well stocked, and the post-race celebration was quite fun (included beer, jambalaya, water, and soda). The course wasn't scenic, but it was closed, which made it easy to run a race. It's a small event, so there are few spectators, but I knew this going in. It was a hot day (75 when I finished). My only complaint about this event is something organizers really can't control - the heat. Maybe a 7am start would have helped, but then folks driving in would suffer. Overall, it was a fun event and we'd recommend it to friends. Also, it's only $35!
T. M. from Atlanta, GA (12/3/2013) "Nice Course with spetacular organization" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Course is run on a military base. So drivers do not speed and you feel completely safe. The course is flat. It got hot this year later in the morning. Aid stations were well supplied and very helpful. There were not a lot of spectators, but those there were enthusiastic. You cannot pay less for a well run race. The race director did a great job. Showers available after the marathon. I would highly recommend this race.
M. W. from Illinois, USA (12/1/2013) "Great Value & potentially fast course" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is probably the best value marathon in the USA. The entry fee was less than $40 if memory serves, and included all the essentials. It is a flat course with a few minor, mild climbs esp. in the last mile. Overall, two thumbs up, and a big thanks to Leonard the event director, and the other volunteers. A word of caution if you are attempting to PR or BQ: Since the race starts at 8 am, you will find no shade on the course after about 9:30. In the 2013 running, we had blazing sun & v. light wind so by mile 10 you could start to feel the heat. 60-65F will feel more like 80+F on this course if there is humidity & no breeze. However, if you get lucky with the weather, this event has the potential to be very fast.
B. B. from Texas (12/1/2013) "Better than the stars will indicate" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I decided on this one for my MS state and it was a good choice. It's small (104 finishers), flat, friendly, low key, and easy to run. OK, so it's not the most stunning course you'll ever run, but it was totally flat, the road surfaces were fine, the streets were obviously plenty big enough for the field, even with a half and 5K, there were virtually no cars, the few intersections were easy to cross, the aid stations were all good, including GU handouts twice, it was a double loop so you knew what to expect, the mile markers were accurate, there was a clock on the course, and you could see who was ahead of you on a nice straightaway from around 18-20. We had good weather - 34 at start, warming to maybe 64, humid, light wind. Not that far from New Orleans airport (although I'm sure not many people fly in). Easy to park, use facilities, and meet afterward. They could use a few more port-a-pots and more food at the finish but these things cost money and there wasn't chip timing so I can appreciate budgetary constraints, especially with the amazingly low $30.00 registration fee. Thanks to the Leonard and running club for organizing this - you did a fine job.
Charlie West from Pottstown, PA (12/4/2012) "Nice pancake flat coarse with great organization" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I was looking for a race in Mississippi for the 50 State Challenge and the Mississippi Coast looked the most organized. The race is not very big and the organizer waited until everyone had finished using the porta potties before starting the race (about 75 finishers for the marathon). You will probably never find another marathon for only $35. The course is pancake flat and consists of 2 loops. On the 2nd loop, there were some unmanned water stops but there were plenty of filled cups for you to grab. You get to run around the John Stennis NASA facility but you don't get to see the rocket testing area (located in a more secure area that is accessible by a bus tour). There aren't any spectators except at the water stops so if you need throngs of crowds to keep you going, you are out of luck. The medal is cheap but nicely decorated. The jambalaya was fantastic and a cold beer is always welcome. The bases's gym is open for you to shower and getting to the race is very easy. It is not a top 5 course and there is no expo but the organization is worth 5 stars and if you love running just for running, I would recommend this race.
P. D. from Memphis, TN (11/27/2012) "A Runner's Marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mississippi Coast Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I would like to thank the race director, Leonard Vergunst, and all the volunteers for making me remember why I enjoy running in the first place. It has been 10 years since I first ran this race, and during that time I have ran all the majors. If you want a lot of spectators, and crowds, this race is not for you. If you want good friendly people, a truly fast runner's course, and a small marathon, this race is for you. Finally, the cost of the race is less than what I have paid for some 5k / 10k races and they didn't even have hot jambalaya.
J. V. from Flowery Branch, GA (2/1/2011) "Great Course For a PR!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is an extremely well-organized race, and at a bargain price of $35. It's run entirely on the grounds of the Stennis Space Center - so don't expect cheering crowds. But it's a great and super-flat course, with a timely awards ceremony. Perfect for a PR.
Walt Smith from Lawrenceburg, TN (1/2/2011) "BEST VALUE EVER!!!!" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi Coast Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a great race. I am going to recommend it to several running magazines as a best value. Where else can you pay $35 dollars the day of the race and get a well staffed race? I ran 4:55 and that was a PR. There were very limited numbers spectators, but are you really doing it for them? The course wasn't super eventful, but it was broken up very nicely, I thought. Again, I recommend this as a hidden gem and the best value for a non-expert runner wanting a PR. Super fast and flat. And there were gel and bananas, and aid stations were plentiful.

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Marathon Details - Mississippi Coast Marathon