The annual Hattiesburg Half Marathon provides fundraising opportunities for participating Pine Belt nonprofits while attracting runners from numerous states to the Hub City. With race participation capped at 1,500 participants, nearly half of the runners in this sold-out event traveled from outside a 50-mile radius over the last three years. …
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The annual Hattiesburg Half Marathon provides fundraising opportunities for participating Pine Belt nonprofits while attracting runners from numerous states to the Hub City. With race participation capped at 1,500 participants, nearly half of the runners in this sold-out event traveled from outside a 50-mile radius over the last three years.
The Hattiesburg Half Marathon course highlights iconic local landmarks and engages Hattiesburg businesses. The course will once again wind through downtown, head toward the Avenues, and loop around the Hattiesburg Zoo. A portion of the route also tours The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus before runners blaze down the Longleaf Trace to the finish line.
Again this year, the race is focusing on the philanthropic impact a race of this size can make on our community by having charity runners. As a charity runner, you have the option to choose one of 7 nonprofits in the Pinebelt region to raise money and awareness on their mission.
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First 10K Experience
This is a hometown race for me. I have ran the 5K several times, but this was my first 10K. The start line is in a downtown setting and can … MORE
This is a hometown race for me. I have ran the 5K several times, but this was my first 10K. The start line is in a downtown setting and can be quite crowded for the first mile. I like that there were several pre-race snacks to choose from. Packet pick-up is available on race day. The course is mostly flat and take you through neighborhoods and the zoo. There are several places where you intersect the half marathon course, so pay close attention to the blue arrows. The bathroom and water stations were great and well staffed. The finish line was well attended and the medals are always superior. The finish fest has a few really good food (pizza and chicken) options as well as drink options from a few local breweries that are included with your entry fee. Overall, this is a great small town race.
Great Race, Beautiful Town!
Loved this race! Great after party! Only complaint I have is they ran out of Gu on the course. Volunteers were all very friendly and it was a fun after … MORE
Loved this race! Great after party! Only complaint I have is they ran out of Gu on the course. Volunteers were all very friendly and it was a fun after party with great food and drinks! Definitely recommend!
Fun and well done!
This race is very well done and a lot of fun. The course goes through a residential area then a college campus and finishes on a greenway. It had a … MORE
This race is very well done and a lot of fun. The course goes through a residential area then a college campus and finishes on a greenway. It had a nice expo and nice swag.
I enjoyed this race!
This race was nice, I didn't make it to the expo, however the beginning of the race was organized and it wasn't too crowded. The scenery was good and the … MORE
This race was nice, I didn’t make it to the expo, however the beginning of the race was organized and it wasn’t too crowded. The scenery was good and the after party was ok. overall I enjoyed this race!
Not accurate
This course is primarily flat. Only a few mile marks. The course is inaccurately measured (probably with a car or GPS). No body knows. The course has a lot of … MORE
This course is primarily flat. Only a few mile marks. The course is inaccurately measured (probably with a car or GPS). No body knows. The course has a lot of turns. I would not travel and spend money to run a race that is not accurately measured. If you run a personal best it won’t mean anything.
Really enjoyed it!
This was my first time running this race in its current location. The course was good, with some hilly areas through out. Water/nutrition stops were great. The course spectators were … MORE
This was my first time running this race in its current location. The course was good, with some hilly areas through out. Water/nutrition stops were great. The course spectators were really great, especially, the businesses at different mile markers (the YMCA had the best stretch). It would have been perfect if the porto-johns at the start line were across the street, by the post office; they were literally right at the start line, so people waiting in line cut through the crowd of runners. The post race food and craft beer was EXCELLENT! I’ll definitely run this one next year.
Fantastic Race!
I always enjoy running in the Hattiesburg Half, 10K and 5K event every spring. It is really well organized and a great experience. Highest recommendation! MORE
I always enjoy running in the Hattiesburg Half, 10K and 5K event every spring. It is really well organized and a great experience. Highest recommendation!
Bigger and Better Every Year!!
The Hattiesburg Half Marathon, 10K & 5K event (formerly the Rise & Shine Half) literally gets bigger and better every single year. This was my 5th year to run the … MORE
The Hattiesburg Half Marathon, 10K & 5K event (formerly the Rise & Shine Half) literally gets bigger and better every single year. This was my 5th year to run the Half and I can’t wait for 2020. April usually offers good weather conditions and the course isn’t too hilly or high in traffic so there is nothing stopping runners from achieving a new PR. It’s a well mapped and safe route with tons of cheering supporters along the way so you never feel alone even if you aren’t with a pack of runners.
Multiple charitable organizations benefit from the proceeds on this very organized event and participants can choose the specific charity they want to support as well. Those charity organizations are involved with the race and sponsor areas along the route. I fully admit I am partial to the Southern Pines Animal Shelter because you can get PUPPY KISSES with your cup of Powerade!!!
There are plenty of hydration stations with a variety of drink and snack choices long before you reach the after party downtown – and you don’t want to miss the after party! At the party, you get plenty of food and drinks plus photo ops and the chance to relax your aching muscles with the help of the best physical therapists in town. Participants get a beautiful medal and a great shirt plus winners are treated to really nice unique awards they can’t get everywhere else. Whether running, walking or something in between and no matter the distance, every finisher really gets to feel like a winner.
A MUST RUN MS EVENT!!
HIGHLIGHTS: Top-notch finish-line party and FOOD. Course full of spectators and volunteers. A unique route that included the USM campus and the zoo. Raised over $200,000 for local charities. LOWLIGHTS: … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Top-notch finish-line party and FOOD. Course full of spectators and volunteers. A unique route that included the USM campus and the zoo. Raised over $200,000 for local charities. LOWLIGHTS: So. Much. Humidity.
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes pics and video!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews & Blog” section.
Great Half Marathon
Great half marathon to run with a super nice support staff. Nice fairly easy course with themed water stops every couple of miles. The metal was nice and there was … MORE
Great half marathon to run with a super nice support staff. Nice fairly easy course with themed water stops every couple of miles. The metal was nice and there was good entertainment and drinks at the end. All in all I highly recommend this race.
Nice half in Hattiesburg
This is a great little half marathon (only) in a midsize college town. The course takes you around USM's campus and through some neighborhoods. Nothing to fancy. I was able … MORE
This is a great little half marathon (only) in a midsize college town. The course takes you around USM’s campus and through some neighborhoods. Nothing to fancy. I was able to snag 3rd overall female and win $100!