| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 32 | 69 | 46 | 57 |
| L (°F) | 34 | 30 | 44 | 33 | 38 |
Low key race. Not much to look at on the course after the stunning view of the Mississippi at sunrise. Not many places to stay or much to do around … MORE
Low key race. Not much to look at on the course after the stunning view of the Mississippi at sunrise. Not many places to stay or much to do around here. The bus to the start went smoothly. Course was well marked. Amazing support as there was water AND portapotties every mile. After race had tamales!
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Smaller race with about 500 runners between the full, half and 5K Packet pick up was small, not a expo really They bus you out to the starting line Mostly … MORE
Smaller race with about 500 runners between the full, half and 5K
Packet pick up was small, not a expo really
They bus you out to the starting line
Mostly flat course with the exception of the Mississippi River bridge during your first mile.
Fast course, I missed a PR by just a few seconds
Scenery was non existent , other than a nice sunrise over the river on the bus ride out to starting line.
Shirt was a nice dri-fit long sleeve shirt, medal cool with the Mississippi River bridge on it.
Overall and age group winners received very nice trophies
Post race snacks were plentiful, including tamales, pizza, sausage biscuits, donuts, fruit, sodas, chocolate milk, and beer.
The water in this town was brown, be sure to bring bottled water
Overall a great race that I highly recommend!
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and it's worth it everytime. The Connors organize a great point-to-point race. It's small but that's a wonderful quality about this race. The start is uphill onto a bridge then … MORE
and it’s worth it everytime. The Connors organize a great point-to-point race. It’s small but that’s a wonderful quality about this race. The start is uphill onto a bridge then it’s flat, but there is a slight increase in the neighborhood section. Excellent snacks await you and the tamales are tasty! Great race.
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The Mississippi River Marathon offers a well-organized race on a predominantly flat, open, course. Access to Greenville, MS can be a challenge, given the absence of major city airports nearby. … MORE
The Mississippi River Marathon offers a well-organized race on a predominantly flat, open, course. Access to Greenville, MS can be a challenge, given the absence of major city airports nearby. Personally, I opted for Memphis, undertaking a 2.5-hour drive to Greenville the day before the race. Check-in was conveniently located, and the race shirt provided was a standard long-sleeve technical shirt.
Arriving downtown just before 6 am, I found ample parking. Buses to the start line boarded between 6 am and 6:30 am, departing simultaneously. While driving to the start is an option, note that there is no return bus, so plan accordingly if you have someone drop you off, as narrow roads close early.
The initial 6 miles traversed rural two-lane roads, followed by a stretch on highway 61, utilizing one lane of a four-lane open-access highway. Despite sufficient space between the runners and traffic, the noise can be a factor for those wanting to listen to music.
The notable incline occurred at mile 13 on the bridge over the Mississippi River, spanning about 2.5 miles with a gradual ascent. Miles 16-20 presented a straight and flat section, challenging against the prevailing wind after covering 16 miles. Beyond mile 20, the course navigated through neighborhoods, providing a welcome reprieve from the wind. We had a cloudy day in 2024 – there is no shade for the 1st 20 miles if it is sunny.
The finish line boasted an abundance of food and drinks. Notably, they packed two slices of pizza into to-go boxes, facilitating a quick grab-and-go option. Bagged donuts were also a welcomed treat. Make sure to visit the awards table; despite finishing 5th in my age group, winner only win one award and 3 people in my age group won overall or masters awards bumping me up to 2nd place.
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I created an account solely to give this race some love. As others have mentioned, the race director is kind, responsive, and a consummate professional, and all the logistics of … MORE
I created an account solely to give this race some love.
As others have mentioned, the race director is kind, responsive, and a consummate professional, and all the logistics of the race operate like clockwork.
The course could hardly be easier, the epitome of “pancake flat.” The one exception is the bridge over the Mississippi, which is worth the mile-long, gradual incline for the views of the river.
If you need a wide variety of scenery and ample fan support, this might not be the best race for you. If, like me, you reach a Zen-like state on long, flat, rural highways, the course is perfect.
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This race was put on by a non-profit so the money goes to the community! It was a small race but I can not say enough good things about. Let … MORE
This race was put on by a non-profit so the money goes to the community! It was a small race but I can not say enough good things about. Let me hit the hightlights – good communication, cut design of the shirt and medal, flat course, free photos, post party was inside so cold tired and wet – you could sit and eat your 2 donuts, 2 slices of pizza, Mcdonals breakfast sandiwich, small bag of typical race snack and your choice of soda, beer, or white cloud, – it was all bagged so there was no line. I picked up my bib the night before but if you drove or fly in late, you could pick it up that morning at no charge. Free parking at packet pickup and the day of the race. Great folks running the race . After picking up my packet last night, I had dinner at Downtown Grille and they had a special pasta dinner for runners . Food was great. Stayed at the Hampton and they owned the kitchen so I could grab some food to eat on the bus that left at 6;30 and got us to the bridge at 6:45 so we could take our photos of the sun rising on the bridge. Did I say the race was flatter than a pancake. Well marked so I never had a chance to get lost. Ran on the streets but police did a great job of stopping traffic for even us slow folks. There was lots of water stations with great volunteers and there was plenty of room to run . There was a little drizzy which kept me cool. They had 3 flavors of gu. This is one of the best well run small races I have run. This was my choice for Mississippi because I like to support non-profits and I cannot say enough good things about the race ! On
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Probably one of the flatest courses around. The only "hill" is the bridge going over the Mississippi River. No, really, it isn't hype....this course is flat. You can BQ/PR here. … MORE
Probably one of the flatest courses around. The only “hill” is the bridge going over the Mississippi River. No, really, it isn’t hype….this course is flat. You can BQ/PR here. And because it starts in AR and ends in MS, 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Aid stations at just about every mile. Staffed with enthusiastic volunteers, one was staffed by the mayor of Lake Village! Scenery not much except for the river. And no real crowd support except for the mile 22 adult refreshment stand….that was special! You have to put this race on your list!
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Fantastic small event! This is a point-to-point race that starts in Arkansas and ends in downtown Greenville, MS. They transport runners to their start line on school busses. The time … MORE
Fantastic small event! This is a point-to-point race that starts in Arkansas and ends in downtown Greenville, MS. They transport runners to their start line on school busses. The time limit is 7 hours for both the full and half. We appreciated that the busses stayed at the start until it was time for us to walk up the bridge to our start line as it was 26 degrees when we started. There were plenty of porta-potties at the start and you could get on and off the heated busses as needed.
Once you got over the lovely suspension bridge over the Mississippi River, there were aid stations and porta-potties just about every mile. At about mile 6 you turned off the highway and shortly went through a beautiful gated community of lovely large houses. The community had their own aid station to make you feel welcome.
There was plentiful police presence at intersections throughout the race to keep you safe. The after-race food was inside the race headquarters building right at the finish line with plenty of food, drink, and chairs. The medal was awesome, the people were friendly, and (other than the bridge) the course was flat. If you sign up for this race, book your stay early at the Hotel 27, which is a short city block walk from the busses and two blocks from race headquarters. Very nice hotel in a converted historical building with friendly staff.
I highly recommend this race!
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As a local i have participated in this race every year it’s a flat fast course with the only hill being the Mississippi River bridge that’s a beautiful sight to … MORE
As a local i have participated in this race every year it’s a flat fast course with the only hill being the Mississippi River bridge that’s a beautiful sight to see and run across. The race organizers are very good at communicating everything runs smoothly from packet pickup to the shuttle dropping you off at the start line. This is such a great race and if you decide to visit Mississippi ti run it heck I’ll be there.
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This race starts in AR and ends in MS, so 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Race is well organized and managed, but Greenville is nothing … MORE
This race starts in AR and ends in MS, so 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Race is well organized and managed, but Greenville is nothing to write home about.
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If you're looking for an 'early season' run to get you ready for the rest of the year, this is your race! It's flat as a pancake and you get … MORE
If you’re looking for an ‘early season’ run to get you ready for the rest of the year, this is your race! It’s flat as a pancake and you get to cross the beautiful Mississippi River!
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Some races you cannot wait to do again... this is not that one for me. Had I done the full marathon, I think I would have enjoyed it more. The … MORE
Some races you cannot wait to do again… this is not that one for me. Had I done the full marathon, I think I would have enjoyed it more. The half starts on the Mississippi River bridge and crosses over into Mississippi from Arkansas. The first several (7, I think) miles are strictly highway with nothing but a lot of traffic and fields. The course then turns into a very nice, shady residential area that is absolutely gorgeous. This was my favorite part of the race. The racing staff did a great job of coping with Covid Protocols and had everything extremely safe and organized. The course is flat and easy (after you cross the bridge) and everyone is so friendly. I only wish more people had been out along the route to cheer us on and that the first 7 miles had something to look at besides highway and fields.
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Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks … MORE
Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Please take an opportunity to listen to the podcast TRENDS, BENDS and OPPORTUNITIES and read the article AARON’S AUDACIOUS GOALS and donate (links are at end).
“This past weekend, I ran the “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Hump Back”. Bridge that was the TROUBLE over calm water Marathon – the Mississippi River Marathon. I won’t spend time speaking about the course of the race except for the Mississippi River bridge going from Arkansas to Mississippi made for vehicles and not people. It expands about 2.5 miles with the half marathon and 13 mile marker on the incline — who designed this? In the words of a famous poet, DON’T BE CRUEL, BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER BE THAT CRUEL TO YOU. Continuing upward and onward you come upon mile 14 slightly pass the top of the bridge — or is that mile 15. Anyway, all I know is that when I looked back, there was a curve as far as the eye could see much like looking at the edge of the earth. This is a bridge people, not a planet.
The final mile coming off the bridge renewed my sense of purpose making me strong and invigorating my desire to run on and run strong. This was sort lived as I realized being back on the flat earth that it was the gravity pulling me off the bridge and not my body running me off. It was time for my will to kick back in. After all, I ran the first 2 hours and 20 minutes nonstop. It would take me another 4 hours and 40 minutes to run the remaining 15.2 miles (just a little under a 25K).
There are many things to appreciate about running a marathon and finishing next to dead last. For one, I was able to film everyone beginning the race for both the Arkansas Half portion and the full marathon. But what simply amazed me was the police literally drove behind the last person the entire way. I was that last person for the first 8 miles, and I tell you the truth – Ole boy was jamming. In addition, you get to see the course in the aftermath of the pack and see just how much the production people and the volunteers truly care about the runners. I never ever, ever… ever… ever experienced police and first responders cheering you on and on and on. And despite the cold weather, the volunteers played a vital part in continuing to carry us thru. But I have to give mad shots… I mean shout outs to the family and friends of the house towards the end of the private gated community. Yeah, many took shots and beer from them but I wax filled with their spirit of encouragement and sacrifice of their pickle juice for a lady I was helping to finish her first marathon.
Somewhere between miles 15 and 16, there was a lady who was praying to the LORD Jesus for help with knowing how to work through the cramps in her legs. In speaking with her, I was able to access her condition, help her hydrate properly and get pickle juice in order to keep her in the race. I was feeling good and looking forward to finishing in 6 hours. But they don’t call me the Running Servant for no reason.
If you haven’t read about my story, please click on link at the bottom to catch up to understand my why. If you have read (or heard of me, then you know that I am a sucker for a runner in distress. Seriously, and I am being serious, it has been very humbling for me to get back to running on this level. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to Run and Serve. The lessons I’m learning are priceless. People are my true medals for me to display on Monday and every day thereafter.
Runners on every level were hitting their goals.
My goal was just a goal, but I wasn’t out there for a personal goal — I was out there for Aiden, a young boy I previously met at a marathon, and for Gabby, my two year old great niece who was diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her kidney along with all the other children with cancer and other childhood diseases. #IRunforAiden and #GettingItForGabby was my why regardless if I had to crawl across the finish line —thank God I didn’t have to this time.
My pain was tolerable for me but may have been intolerable for others. I’m getting stronger, but so is the pain. And while I can’t imagined the pain Aiden, Gabby and other young children go through daily from cancer, treatments and surgeries, I kept pushing through until I crossed the finish line. But not only the one at the Mississippi River Marathon but also the goal of completing my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. And I’m hoping you will not only track me but help me to reach a goal that I need your help to meet (and exceed). I’m hoping to raise $50,000 for St. Jude. Please give what you purpose in your heart to give and share my need because you have a heart. Donate here:
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant
By donating, families never receive a bill from St. Jude. Thank you for joining me in supporting this great organization. God bless you and yours. I’ll see you all out on the course of life. Until then, run your race well.
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This race depends on weather especially wind. It is totally flat except for 2.5+ miles of bridge. The course 1-5 is alongside a lake then at miles 6-20 are on … MORE
This race depends on weather especially wind. It is totally flat except for 2.5+ miles of bridge. The course 1-5 is alongside a lake then at miles 6-20 are on the highway to Greenville- this is exposed to wind especially the bridge. This time the wind was moderate and enjoyable. Was able to push my hamstrings which are still healing. So I made reasonably good time… the next part 21-26 is in town running which to me was the nicest part. We ran through a gated community where I had sausage and beer. Remember go easy on the sausage in a race. So I kicked some on the last three miles which of course is pancake flat. There was a small after party with runners distanced from one another. I was able to meet some people from around the country. Thanks John Conner, RD for a great race.
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this is a small and locally sponsored run with super nice people and a community that needs the support. Great local food! I recommend it for all the fifty states … MORE
this is a small and locally sponsored run with super nice people and a community that needs the support. Great local food! I recommend it for all the fifty states folks as you can get AR and MS in one run. That does make a Marathon btw, but we get to count it as two states.
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This was my third time running this race, but first as a pacer. Nice flat and fast course. Great weather as it can be cold and windy in Feb in … MORE
This was my third time running this race, but first as a pacer. Nice flat and fast course. Great weather as it can be cold and windy in Feb in Greenville. Small race yet well organized. It’s a point to point and the half starts just on the other side of the Miss River in Arkansas. I’ll be back to pace.
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Great race crew, amazing support and I am overwhelmed with politeness. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Can’t say enough about the volunteers. Eight stations were every mile and the … MORE
Great race crew, amazing support and I am overwhelmed with politeness. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Can’t say enough about the volunteers.
Eight stations were every mile and the volunteers were enthusiastic helpful and fun
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You start the race mid bridge over the Mississippi River, it's a very nice course but the location leaves you open to possible high winds and time of year those … MORE
You start the race mid bridge over the Mississippi River, it’s a very nice course but the location leaves you open to possible high winds and time of year those could be bitterly cold. I ran in 17 degree weather with a light rain and 15 MPH headwinds. It was still a fun race but it was cold, the first 7-8 miles occur on a straightaway along the highway before you turn into neighborhoods and make your way into town. I did enjoy this race though.
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I absolutely perform my worst when racing temps go below 40 degrees. On race day, the temps were below the freezing mark with sleet right before the start. It was … MORE
I absolutely perform my worst when racing temps go below 40 degrees. On race day, the temps were below the freezing mark with sleet right before the start. It was a flat course and not too bad for scenery. It doesn’t stand out for me as a repeat mostly due to the time of the year and Mother Nature not cooperating. If you love running in the cold, you’ll like this race.
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The race production was great, as well as communications. The expo was basically a packer pickup. This is a point to point race so I was up early to take … MORE
The race production was great, as well as communications. The expo was basically a packer pickup. This is a point to point race so I was up early to take the bus. On the bus I was surprised by the number of Maniacs and Staters doing the race. The course is extremely flat except for the bridge. We somehow managed no rain… but it was very cold for Mississippi and the wind had nothing else to do except blow in our faces the second half of the race. So we were bundled up to no end as the second part of the course did not afford us much cover. The shirt, medal, and afterparty were great. I just wished I had done better with the wind… Well there is always another day. I would run this race again.
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Great Start over the Mississippi
Low key race. Not much to look at on the course after the stunning view of the Mississippi at sunrise. Not many places to stay or much to do around … MORE
Low key race. Not much to look at on the course after the stunning view of the Mississippi at sunrise. Not many places to stay or much to do around here. The bus to the start went smoothly. Course was well marked. Amazing support as there was water AND portapotties every mile. After race had tamales!
Mississippi River Sunrise 🌅
Smaller race with about 500 runners between the full, half and 5K Packet pick up was small, not a expo really They bus you out to the starting line Mostly … MORE
Smaller race with about 500 runners between the full, half and 5K
Packet pick up was small, not a expo really
They bus you out to the starting line
Mostly flat course with the exception of the Mississippi River bridge during your first mile.
Fast course, I missed a PR by just a few seconds
Scenery was non existent , other than a nice sunrise over the river on the bus ride out to starting line.
Shirt was a nice dri-fit long sleeve shirt, medal cool with the Mississippi River bridge on it.
Overall and age group winners received very nice trophies
Post race snacks were plentiful, including tamales, pizza, sausage biscuits, donuts, fruit, sodas, chocolate milk, and beer.
The water in this town was brown, be sure to bring bottled water
Overall a great race that I highly recommend!
This was my 5th time to run this race
and it's worth it everytime. The Connors organize a great point-to-point race. It's small but that's a wonderful quality about this race. The start is uphill onto a bridge then … MORE
and it’s worth it everytime. The Connors organize a great point-to-point race. It’s small but that’s a wonderful quality about this race. The start is uphill onto a bridge then it’s flat, but there is a slight increase in the neighborhood section. Excellent snacks await you and the tamales are tasty! Great race.
Open Flat Race Course
The Mississippi River Marathon offers a well-organized race on a predominantly flat, open, course. Access to Greenville, MS can be a challenge, given the absence of major city airports nearby. … MORE
The Mississippi River Marathon offers a well-organized race on a predominantly flat, open, course. Access to Greenville, MS can be a challenge, given the absence of major city airports nearby. Personally, I opted for Memphis, undertaking a 2.5-hour drive to Greenville the day before the race. Check-in was conveniently located, and the race shirt provided was a standard long-sleeve technical shirt.
Arriving downtown just before 6 am, I found ample parking. Buses to the start line boarded between 6 am and 6:30 am, departing simultaneously. While driving to the start is an option, note that there is no return bus, so plan accordingly if you have someone drop you off, as narrow roads close early.
The initial 6 miles traversed rural two-lane roads, followed by a stretch on highway 61, utilizing one lane of a four-lane open-access highway. Despite sufficient space between the runners and traffic, the noise can be a factor for those wanting to listen to music.
The notable incline occurred at mile 13 on the bridge over the Mississippi River, spanning about 2.5 miles with a gradual ascent. Miles 16-20 presented a straight and flat section, challenging against the prevailing wind after covering 16 miles. Beyond mile 20, the course navigated through neighborhoods, providing a welcome reprieve from the wind. We had a cloudy day in 2024 – there is no shade for the 1st 20 miles if it is sunny.
The finish line boasted an abundance of food and drinks. Notably, they packed two slices of pizza into to-go boxes, facilitating a quick grab-and-go option. Bagged donuts were also a welcomed treat. Make sure to visit the awards table; despite finishing 5th in my age group, winner only win one award and 3 people in my age group won overall or masters awards bumping me up to 2nd place.
Perfect Small Marathon
I created an account solely to give this race some love. As others have mentioned, the race director is kind, responsive, and a consummate professional, and all the logistics of … MORE
I created an account solely to give this race some love.
As others have mentioned, the race director is kind, responsive, and a consummate professional, and all the logistics of the race operate like clockwork.
The course could hardly be easier, the epitome of “pancake flat.” The one exception is the bridge over the Mississippi, which is worth the mile-long, gradual incline for the views of the river.
If you need a wide variety of scenery and ample fan support, this might not be the best race for you. If, like me, you reach a Zen-like state on long, flat, rural highways, the course is perfect.
Race to run in Mississippi -
This race was put on by a non-profit so the money goes to the community! It was a small race but I can not say enough good things about. Let … MORE
This race was put on by a non-profit so the money goes to the community! It was a small race but I can not say enough good things about. Let me hit the hightlights – good communication, cut design of the shirt and medal, flat course, free photos, post party was inside so cold tired and wet – you could sit and eat your 2 donuts, 2 slices of pizza, Mcdonals breakfast sandiwich, small bag of typical race snack and your choice of soda, beer, or white cloud, – it was all bagged so there was no line. I picked up my bib the night before but if you drove or fly in late, you could pick it up that morning at no charge. Free parking at packet pickup and the day of the race. Great folks running the race . After picking up my packet last night, I had dinner at Downtown Grille and they had a special pasta dinner for runners . Food was great. Stayed at the Hampton and they owned the kitchen so I could grab some food to eat on the bus that left at 6;30 and got us to the bridge at 6:45 so we could take our photos of the sun rising on the bridge. Did I say the race was flatter than a pancake. Well marked so I never had a chance to get lost. Ran on the streets but police did a great job of stopping traffic for even us slow folks. There was lots of water stations with great volunteers and there was plenty of room to run . There was a little drizzy which kept me cool. They had 3 flavors of gu. This is one of the best well run small races I have run. This was my choice for Mississippi because I like to support non-profits and I cannot say enough good things about the race ! On
Flat, fast course for either AR or MS
Probably one of the flatest courses around. The only "hill" is the bridge going over the Mississippi River. No, really, it isn't hype....this course is flat. You can BQ/PR here. … MORE
Probably one of the flatest courses around. The only “hill” is the bridge going over the Mississippi River. No, really, it isn’t hype….this course is flat. You can BQ/PR here. And because it starts in AR and ends in MS, 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Aid stations at just about every mile. Staffed with enthusiastic volunteers, one was staffed by the mayor of Lake Village! Scenery not much except for the river. And no real crowd support except for the mile 22 adult refreshment stand….that was special! You have to put this race on your list!
Fantastic small event!
Fantastic small event! This is a point-to-point race that starts in Arkansas and ends in downtown Greenville, MS. They transport runners to their start line on school busses. The time … MORE
Fantastic small event! This is a point-to-point race that starts in Arkansas and ends in downtown Greenville, MS. They transport runners to their start line on school busses. The time limit is 7 hours for both the full and half. We appreciated that the busses stayed at the start until it was time for us to walk up the bridge to our start line as it was 26 degrees when we started. There were plenty of porta-potties at the start and you could get on and off the heated busses as needed.
Once you got over the lovely suspension bridge over the Mississippi River, there were aid stations and porta-potties just about every mile. At about mile 6 you turned off the highway and shortly went through a beautiful gated community of lovely large houses. The community had their own aid station to make you feel welcome.
There was plentiful police presence at intersections throughout the race to keep you safe. The after-race food was inside the race headquarters building right at the finish line with plenty of food, drink, and chairs. The medal was awesome, the people were friendly, and (other than the bridge) the course was flat. If you sign up for this race, book your stay early at the Hotel 27, which is a short city block walk from the busses and two blocks from race headquarters. Very nice hotel in a converted historical building with friendly staff.
I highly recommend this race!
Great race
As a local i have participated in this race every year it’s a flat fast course with the only hill being the Mississippi River bridge that’s a beautiful sight to … MORE
As a local i have participated in this race every year it’s a flat fast course with the only hill being the Mississippi River bridge that’s a beautiful sight to see and run across. The race organizers are very good at communicating everything runs smoothly from packet pickup to the shuttle dropping you off at the start line. This is such a great race and if you decide to visit Mississippi ti run it heck I’ll be there.
Fast and Flat!
This race starts in AR and ends in MS, so 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Race is well organized and managed, but Greenville is nothing … MORE
This race starts in AR and ends in MS, so 50 Staters can count it as one or the other. Race is well organized and managed, but Greenville is nothing to write home about.
Flat Run
If you're looking for an 'early season' run to get you ready for the rest of the year, this is your race! It's flat as a pancake and you get … MORE
If you’re looking for an ‘early season’ run to get you ready for the rest of the year, this is your race! It’s flat as a pancake and you get to cross the beautiful Mississippi River!
Not bad but not my favorite
Some races you cannot wait to do again... this is not that one for me. Had I done the full marathon, I think I would have enjoyed it more. The … MORE
Some races you cannot wait to do again… this is not that one for me. Had I done the full marathon, I think I would have enjoyed it more. The half starts on the Mississippi River bridge and crosses over into Mississippi from Arkansas. The first several (7, I think) miles are strictly highway with nothing but a lot of traffic and fields. The course then turns into a very nice, shady residential area that is absolutely gorgeous. This was my favorite part of the race. The racing staff did a great job of coping with Covid Protocols and had everything extremely safe and organized. The course is flat and easy (after you cross the bridge) and everyone is so friendly. I only wish more people had been out along the route to cheer us on and that the first 7 miles had something to look at besides highway and fields.
THAT BRIDGE WAS THE TROUBLE OVER WATER
Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks … MORE
Hello. I’m Aaron Burros, the Running Servant and wanted to share about my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons. I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Please take an opportunity to listen to the podcast TRENDS, BENDS and OPPORTUNITIES and read the article AARON’S AUDACIOUS GOALS and donate (links are at end).
“This past weekend, I ran the “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Hump Back”. Bridge that was the TROUBLE over calm water Marathon – the Mississippi River Marathon. I won’t spend time speaking about the course of the race except for the Mississippi River bridge going from Arkansas to Mississippi made for vehicles and not people. It expands about 2.5 miles with the half marathon and 13 mile marker on the incline — who designed this? In the words of a famous poet, DON’T BE CRUEL, BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER BE THAT CRUEL TO YOU. Continuing upward and onward you come upon mile 14 slightly pass the top of the bridge — or is that mile 15. Anyway, all I know is that when I looked back, there was a curve as far as the eye could see much like looking at the edge of the earth. This is a bridge people, not a planet.
The final mile coming off the bridge renewed my sense of purpose making me strong and invigorating my desire to run on and run strong. This was sort lived as I realized being back on the flat earth that it was the gravity pulling me off the bridge and not my body running me off. It was time for my will to kick back in. After all, I ran the first 2 hours and 20 minutes nonstop. It would take me another 4 hours and 40 minutes to run the remaining 15.2 miles (just a little under a 25K).
There are many things to appreciate about running a marathon and finishing next to dead last. For one, I was able to film everyone beginning the race for both the Arkansas Half portion and the full marathon. But what simply amazed me was the police literally drove behind the last person the entire way. I was that last person for the first 8 miles, and I tell you the truth – Ole boy was jamming. In addition, you get to see the course in the aftermath of the pack and see just how much the production people and the volunteers truly care about the runners. I never ever, ever… ever… ever experienced police and first responders cheering you on and on and on. And despite the cold weather, the volunteers played a vital part in continuing to carry us thru. But I have to give mad shots… I mean shout outs to the family and friends of the house towards the end of the private gated community. Yeah, many took shots and beer from them but I wax filled with their spirit of encouragement and sacrifice of their pickle juice for a lady I was helping to finish her first marathon.
Somewhere between miles 15 and 16, there was a lady who was praying to the LORD Jesus for help with knowing how to work through the cramps in her legs. In speaking with her, I was able to access her condition, help her hydrate properly and get pickle juice in order to keep her in the race. I was feeling good and looking forward to finishing in 6 hours. But they don’t call me the Running Servant for no reason.
If you haven’t read about my story, please click on link at the bottom to catch up to understand my why. If you have read (or heard of me, then you know that I am a sucker for a runner in distress. Seriously, and I am being serious, it has been very humbling for me to get back to running on this level. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to Run and Serve. The lessons I’m learning are priceless. People are my true medals for me to display on Monday and every day thereafter.
Runners on every level were hitting their goals.
My goal was just a goal, but I wasn’t out there for a personal goal — I was out there for Aiden, a young boy I previously met at a marathon, and for Gabby, my two year old great niece who was diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her kidney along with all the other children with cancer and other childhood diseases. #IRunforAiden and #GettingItForGabby was my why regardless if I had to crawl across the finish line —thank God I didn’t have to this time.
My pain was tolerable for me but may have been intolerable for others. I’m getting stronger, but so is the pain. And while I can’t imagined the pain Aiden, Gabby and other young children go through daily from cancer, treatments and surgeries, I kept pushing through until I crossed the finish line. But not only the one at the Mississippi River Marathon but also the goal of completing my 50th Birthday Year Celebration Running of Marathons benefiting St. Jude Children Research Hospital. And I’m hoping you will not only track me but help me to reach a goal that I need your help to meet (and exceed). I’m hoping to raise $50,000 for St. Jude. Please give what you purpose in your heart to give and share my need because you have a heart. Donate here:
http://heroes.stjude.org/runningservant
By donating, families never receive a bill from St. Jude. Thank you for joining me in supporting this great organization. God bless you and yours. I’ll see you all out on the course of life. Until then, run your race well.
Second time in Greenville
This race depends on weather especially wind. It is totally flat except for 2.5+ miles of bridge. The course 1-5 is alongside a lake then at miles 6-20 are on … MORE
This race depends on weather especially wind. It is totally flat except for 2.5+ miles of bridge. The course 1-5 is alongside a lake then at miles 6-20 are on the highway to Greenville- this is exposed to wind especially the bridge. This time the wind was moderate and enjoyable. Was able to push my hamstrings which are still healing. So I made reasonably good time… the next part 21-26 is in town running which to me was the nicest part. We ran through a gated community where I had sausage and beer. Remember go easy on the sausage in a race. So I kicked some on the last three miles which of course is pancake flat. There was a small after party with runners distanced from one another. I was able to meet some people from around the country. Thanks John Conner, RD for a great race.
great small town run
this is a small and locally sponsored run with super nice people and a community that needs the support. Great local food! I recommend it for all the fifty states … MORE
this is a small and locally sponsored run with super nice people and a community that needs the support. Great local food! I recommend it for all the fifty states folks as you can get AR and MS in one run. That does make a Marathon btw, but we get to count it as two states.
Flat-n-Fast
This was my third time running this race, but first as a pacer. Nice flat and fast course. Great weather as it can be cold and windy in Feb in … MORE
This was my third time running this race, but first as a pacer. Nice flat and fast course. Great weather as it can be cold and windy in Feb in Greenville. Small race yet well organized. It’s a point to point and the half starts just on the other side of the Miss River in Arkansas. I’ll be back to pace.
Flat flat flat except for the one bridge
Great race crew, amazing support and I am overwhelmed with politeness. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Can’t say enough about the volunteers. Eight stations were every mile and the … MORE
Great race crew, amazing support and I am overwhelmed with politeness. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Can’t say enough about the volunteers.
Eight stations were every mile and the volunteers were enthusiastic helpful and fun
Start on the Bridge
You start the race mid bridge over the Mississippi River, it's a very nice course but the location leaves you open to possible high winds and time of year those … MORE
You start the race mid bridge over the Mississippi River, it’s a very nice course but the location leaves you open to possible high winds and time of year those could be bitterly cold. I ran in 17 degree weather with a light rain and 15 MPH headwinds. It was still a fun race but it was cold, the first 7-8 miles occur on a straightaway along the highway before you turn into neighborhoods and make your way into town. I did enjoy this race though.
Well organized race
I absolutely perform my worst when racing temps go below 40 degrees. On race day, the temps were below the freezing mark with sleet right before the start. It was … MORE
I absolutely perform my worst when racing temps go below 40 degrees. On race day, the temps were below the freezing mark with sleet right before the start. It was a flat course and not too bad for scenery. It doesn’t stand out for me as a repeat mostly due to the time of the year and Mother Nature not cooperating. If you love running in the cold, you’ll like this race.
Small town race with RD that runs
The race production was great, as well as communications. The expo was basically a packer pickup. This is a point to point race so I was up early to take … MORE
The race production was great, as well as communications. The expo was basically a packer pickup. This is a point to point race so I was up early to take the bus. On the bus I was surprised by the number of Maniacs and Staters doing the race. The course is extremely flat except for the bridge. We somehow managed no rain… but it was very cold for Mississippi and the wind had nothing else to do except blow in our faces the second half of the race. So we were bundled up to no end as the second part of the course did not afford us much cover. The shirt, medal, and afterparty were great. I just wished I had done better with the wind… Well there is always another day. I would run this race again.