This is a nice though smaller race. The pre race communication was very good and I knew exactly where I needed to be for packet pick up. This is good … MORE
This is a nice though smaller race.
The pre race communication was very good and I knew exactly where I needed to be for packet pick up. This is good because there packet pick up area was not much to look at. It was held in the area that was also the start/finish line. There was only packet pick up and no sort of expo of any sort. One could also pick up their packet early on the day of the race. At packet pick up you receive your bib, and your participant shirt.
Race morning was a little more spirited and organized. Pre race announcements were of sufficient volume and there were enough porto-potties. The starting corrals were not overly crowded either which was lovely.
As for the course I did not have very strong feelings on the scenery. I thought that the course encapsulated what you need to see in Jackson. The course was deceptively more difficult that the description would lead you to believe. There is not a lot of elevation change but there is just enough in the right places to make you think “hey this is kind of hilly”. I will say that I am glad I was only doing the half marathon. The full marathon is two laps of the half marathon course.
The finish line was actually very well done for the small geographic area that it was in. There was sufficient snacks and liquids. The beer choices were tasty. The jambalaya was tasty. The music was well themed. If I was going to knock them on something it would be their level of organization surrounding the awards. No one really seemed to know how they were doing the awards that were not being handed out on the Victor’s Blocks.
One should definitely consider this race if they need to get their Mississippi race done. And if I am to be shameful and plug a local business, Fertile Ground Brewing is a great place and gave a free beer to participants in the race that brought their bib.
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A Very Respectable Race
This is a nice though smaller race. The pre race communication was very good and I knew exactly where I needed to be for packet pick up. This is good … MORE
This is a nice though smaller race.
The pre race communication was very good and I knew exactly where I needed to be for packet pick up. This is good because there packet pick up area was not much to look at. It was held in the area that was also the start/finish line. There was only packet pick up and no sort of expo of any sort. One could also pick up their packet early on the day of the race. At packet pick up you receive your bib, and your participant shirt.
Race morning was a little more spirited and organized. Pre race announcements were of sufficient volume and there were enough porto-potties. The starting corrals were not overly crowded either which was lovely.
As for the course I did not have very strong feelings on the scenery. I thought that the course encapsulated what you need to see in Jackson. The course was deceptively more difficult that the description would lead you to believe. There is not a lot of elevation change but there is just enough in the right places to make you think “hey this is kind of hilly”. I will say that I am glad I was only doing the half marathon. The full marathon is two laps of the half marathon course.
The finish line was actually very well done for the small geographic area that it was in. There was sufficient snacks and liquids. The beer choices were tasty. The jambalaya was tasty. The music was well themed. If I was going to knock them on something it would be their level of organization surrounding the awards. No one really seemed to know how they were doing the awards that were not being handed out on the Victor’s Blocks.
One should definitely consider this race if they need to get their Mississippi race done. And if I am to be shameful and plug a local business, Fertile Ground Brewing is a great place and gave a free beer to participants in the race that brought their bib.
Fun little race and the hills were alive
This race was a lot of fun. It was much smaller than I expected, so whoever does their marketing is amazing - I was fooled! I think there were about … MORE
This race was a lot of fun. It was much smaller than I expected, so whoever does their marketing is amazing – I was fooled! I think there were about 2000 runners total, for 5 races (5k, 10k, 1/2, Full and Full Relay). I did the 1/2.
COURSE: The course ran through some really beautiful neighborhoods and by a couple college campuses – It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining. In the neighborhoods, there were several people sitting in the front yards, cheering us on – other than that, I don’t think I saw a single spectator. The course was really well marked for turns/turnarounds for the different races.
MUSIC: There were 2 bands on the entire course. TWO. There was a radio station broadcasting live, but I think they were promoting a business and not the race – they weren’t even playing any music. There was 1 bagpiper, and honestly, I think he just showed up to play because it was nice outside. I dont think he was officially part of the race.
There was water/gatorade every 2 miles and Gu Stations at mile 8ish. Volunteers were great.
EXPO/MEDAL/Post Party: There was no Expo – just a table to pick up your shirt, bib and bag. The medal was great – it was smaller than expected, but it was a cool guitar. The post party was alot of fun. There was a BIG band set up, playing music. It was LIVELY! There was a food truck serving jambalaya and it was so good. There was a tent with post race snacks which was fully stocked.
Overall, I am glad I did it. I was with a friend, so that helped. This would be a tough race to do solo, because the lack of spectators and music. I am SO GLAD I decided to do the Half vs the Full. The weather was so amazing that day, I really think that played into the overall feeling of this race.
Fun crowd for shorter distances
Participated as we traveled through Mississippi and needed a race in the state for my goals. Weather was perfect. 5 & 10k had reasonable crowd to provide energy and camaraderie … MORE
Participated as we traveled through Mississippi and needed a race in the state for my goals. Weather was perfect. 5 & 10k had reasonable crowd to provide energy and camaraderie to bring out my best that day. The marathon was very small, I tried to cheer them on as they passed my hotel, they looked so lonely with large gaps between each runner. I would bring a running buddy for the half or whole for this one. Race day packet pick up as an out of towner was greatly appreciated along with gear check made the logistics so much easier!
Very small, bare bones race
Very hilly, tough course. Two 13.1 miles loops. Despite the name, only 1 performer on the course. ZERO spectators, not one during the whole race. Water every 2 miles. Non … MORE
Very hilly, tough course. Two 13.1 miles loops. Despite the name, only 1 performer on the course. ZERO spectators, not one during the whole race. Water every 2 miles. Non existent expo, just a table with bibs and shirts on the green lawn by the Capitol. The post race party fully wrapped up before I finished (6 hrs 9 min), although the course limit is 7 hours. Medals are fine, but the ribbon says Continental, an airline company that doesn’t exist anymore… Basically, it only makes sense to run this race if you need MS for your 50 states.
Crossing off Mississippi
Small race (about 400 half marathoners). This course is a tale of two halves. First half winds through downtown and just a few easy hills. Second half was a brutal … MORE
Small race (about 400 half marathoners).
This course is a tale of two halves. First half winds through downtown and just a few easy hills. Second half was a brutal out and back of fairly big hills. And being out and back you see every hill twice. If you’re looking for a flat race, this isn’t it!
No expo to speak of. Medal was ok. Guitar shaped.
Low Budget Race
I ran the half marathon. I was disappointed to check for my results on MB website to see no results like I didn’t run the race. I don’t know if … MORE
I ran the half marathon. I was disappointed to check for my results on MB website to see no results like I didn’t run the race. I don’t know if this happened to other runners. I felt a certain kind of way. I wouldn’t recommend this race, because it’s falsely advertised.
LOW RENT production with NO MUSIC
Left feeling a bit in the twilight zone after this race. It's literally called the MS Blues marathon, and advertises "live blues bands every 2 mi of the course," yet … MORE
Left feeling a bit in the twilight zone after this race. It’s literally called the MS Blues marathon, and advertises “live blues bands every 2 mi of the course,” yet there was no music! There was ONE guitarist picking softly at mi 4, and two guitarists playing around at mi 7. That was literally it. The website mentions pacers yet there were none. The aid stations were bare bones. Most had only water. A few had gatorade. Only ONE had gu. No other nutrition so bring your own! The address for packet pickup was the Capitol building, yet the tent was across the street and down a hill (not visible from street) without any signage..
Overall I don’t think you get your value from this race. It felt pretty low-budget and poorly organized.
Needs Massive Improvement
This is the third time running this race. Back years ago it was a good race and was organized. Last few years has been interesting. 2022, a lot of runners … MORE
This is the third time running this race. Back years ago it was a good race and was organized. Last few years has been interesting. 2022, a lot of runners were directed the wrong way (they had the 5K, 10K, half and full start at the same time all with the same bib colors). 2023 was less confusing but the aid on course was not good, lack of water and ice. The bling used to be awesome but not so much anymore. The race needs to be put on better.
Great finish live festitvities
I got "lucky" with one of the hottest years on record. . .and wasn't prepared for the hills, but the race is run smoothly. Cool start and finish line festivities. … MORE
I got “lucky” with one of the hottest years on record. . .and wasn’t prepared for the hills, but the race is run smoothly. Cool start and finish line festivities. Unique medals and shirt design is good even if not best quality shirt. Bigger small race with some okay scenery- but sure glad I did the half and not the full- would not have wanted to repeat that loop twice.
Not doing that again
I had high hopes for this race, as the website seems put together, and Mississippi does not have that many to offer. However, was sorely disappointed. The day was incredibly … MORE
I had high hopes for this race, as the website seems put together, and Mississippi does not have that many to offer. However, was sorely disappointed. The day was incredibly hot, which they could not help, but I felt as though they did not have adequate water stations. The course was difficult and hilly, you did get to go through downtown, but there were also some areas that felt not very safe, and it’s a double loop course. My biggest problem was the lack of communication, and lack of safety concerns for the runners. There were several intersections that were not closed off and they were no volunteers so you just had to run across the road and hope for the best. In addition, the course is definitely not closed so you needed to constantly be on the lookout for cars. The after party was nice as there was beer, food, miscellaneous snacks, and water, as well as live music.
Rock n roll with out the price
This race is similar to a RnR race with out the higher price point the course has its ups and downs so train for hills. You get a nice tour … MORE
This race is similar to a RnR race with out the higher price point the course has its ups and downs so train for hills. You get a nice tour of the city during this race. Post race festival is a good time with food and live music. And the bling is a nice medal. This years shirt was a long sleeve tech shirt. Nothing that special.
Challenging!
Challenging race with endless hills. Not terribly scenic but good course support and fun after party. Recommend if you like a good challenge. MORE
Challenging race with endless hills. Not terribly scenic but good course support and fun after party. Recommend if you like a good challenge.
One and done
This was the hottest year they've had. Started around 60 and it was 78 by the time I finished. Thankfully I made friends with a random runner early on and … MORE
This was the hottest year they’ve had. Started around 60 and it was 78 by the time I finished. Thankfully I made friends with a random runner early on and it really helped those hot miles fly by. It is a relatively hilly course. There is not much shade along the route. The roads are pretty beat up in some areas but I only tripped once. The bands did not really stand out compared to other races with music. It was good for getting the state done but if I were local I probably would not run this one again.
Nice Race
Overall this is a pretty good race. lots of hills the 2nd half of the race. not a ton of runners but there was a lot more people along the … MORE
Overall this is a pretty good race. lots of hills the 2nd half of the race. not a ton of runners but there was a lot more people along the course than I thought there would be. lots of old buildings and houses along the course as well. no expo, just a packet pick up. after party was decent, beer and music can’t ever be wrong. would recommend if you need mississippi
Good Small City Race
Good small race with 2 loops for full marathon Great Support from local police and Volunteers Rolling hills with 2 loops Race day packet pickup and easy bag drop Less … MORE
Good small race with 2 loops for full marathon
Great Support from local police and Volunteers
Rolling hills with 2 loops
Race day packet pickup and easy bag drop
Less hotels to start line, Long wait times for Uber/Lyft and not many restaurants around in downtown and need to travel to city.
Fun race, especially to Pace
So it was my third time running this race in the past 4 years, but my first time pacing the 2:30 half. Kind of a thin crowd, had a few … MORE
So it was my third time running this race in the past 4 years, but my first time pacing the 2:30 half. Kind of a thin crowd, had a few runners that were running just behind me on the course. They changed the course again and went up a longish hill near an observatory, plus the measurement on the course was off by about 1/4 of a mile. All things considered, nice weather, nice refreshments, and a friendly crowd. Nailed my pacing by a few seconds.
Running For Your Soul
Whether you’re chasing 50 marathons in 50 States or not, you might want to check out the Mississippi Blues Marathon which is held in Jackson. This city sparked so many … MORE
Whether you’re chasing 50 marathons in 50 States or not, you might want to check out the Mississippi Blues Marathon which is held in Jackson. This city sparked so many historic moments which have arguably changed the trajectory of the United States. Spend the weekend in Jackson to learn about the important civil rights history that took place in this city, the roots of the blues, and soak in the famous Southern hospitality.
The Mississippi Blues Marathon course is a 13.1-mile loop so marathon runners run the course twice. There are some small elevations but nothing too hilly. The race was well organized. The bling was nice and there were plenty of Jambalaya and beers at the Finish. Although not a big event, I enjoyed running through the downtown area and neighborhoods. There weren’t many spectators on the course but I still had a good time.
Check out my YouTube video below.
Great music enroute
This was my first time in MS, and the people were so wonderful. The race production team was great as well. My only concern, and this is because I'm heavily … MORE
This was my first time in MS, and the people were so wonderful. The race production team was great as well. My only concern, and this is because I’m heavily addicted, was that there was no coffee at the start. Seriously, I might die without it lol. The live music on the course was fantastic! The reason the race didn’t score higher, and they don’t have much control over this is that portions of the race were in pretty rough areas and the road conditions were really poor in spots. Like easy to wipe out onto your face poor, if you weren’t staring at the ground. The aid stations and cheer stations were AMAZING! All of the people in the city and related to the race were fantastic. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, there was no actual festival of blues at the completion of the race.
What does Bruno Mars see in this town??
The packet pickup is adjacent to the capitol, but "Capitol Green" might not show up on Google Maps and the capitol security guards don't really know either. (Pro tip: follow … MORE
The packet pickup is adjacent to the capitol, but “Capitol Green” might not show up on Google Maps and the capitol security guards don’t really know either. (Pro tip: follow the music). The marathon course is a double loop around the town. The first two miles are in downtown, then we head out past Jackson State University. We run north, mostly on 40 mph hilly roads, and through one neighborhood, before coming back to the capitol. Roads are in phenomenal shape, and the police did a decent job of directing traffic. Previous reviewers complained about mile markers being off and unclear directions, but this year there were separate mile markers for loop 1 and loop 2. They fixed this issue. And I never was confused on the direction. Just follow the orange and/or yellow cones and you’ll be fine. I would advise you to drink at every aid station, because they are only every two miles, even in the home stretch.
Big ghost-town vibes in Jackson. Virtually nobody out downtown on Friday night or race day. This means almost no fans or supporters besides water stations. There were 2-3 blues musicians, but not quite the Beale Street-like blues atmosphere I hoped for. No loudspeaker music on the course except the start/finish line. I only saw one homemade sign (“May the course be with you”). A fire-and-brimstone preacher yelled at me that I would someday stand before God in judgment, coupled with signs of photoshopped abortion images too horrible to repeat. Really nauseating to see that 10 miles in, and AGAIN at 23 miles.
Rolling hills, comparable to Tulsa but slightly easier. Post-race food was small cups of beans and rice which was tasty. Some guy postrace said his watch only registered 25.84 miles, and I see another review that agrees the actual distance is sus. This marathon is still a BQ, but if that really bothers you, go somewhere else in Mississippi. I like running in big cities, and Jackson is by far the biggest in this state, but good grief it was lonely without the support. That’s my main reason for 3 stars.
Hilly New Course
This year featured a new course that went through the Belhaven and Fondren neighborhoods in Jackson! This new course meant that runners had to run up/down numerous hills in those … MORE
This year featured a new course that went through the Belhaven and Fondren neighborhoods in Jackson! This new course meant that runners had to run up/down numerous hills in those neighborhoods, but they weren’t too bad if you just pushed through!
Packet pick up wasn’t very organized. There really wasn’t any signage for where runners should go, and I was very confused. Also, the post-race food options were very limited.
Lastly, when I finished my watch recorded 12.8 miles instead of 13.1. I kept running around the Capitol grounds to finish the mileage on my watch, but I hope it was a technical issue with my watch and not an issue with the course.