The MS Blues Marathon is a Blues Musical Tour through the communities of Jackson, MS. The Mississippi Blues Marathon will take place in downtown Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city. Starting and finishing at the Mississippi State Capitol, the marathon course takes runners on a scenic tour of the capitol city, passing …
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The MS Blues Marathon is a Blues Musical Tour through the communities of Jackson, MS.
The Mississippi Blues Marathon will take place in downtown Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city. Starting and finishing at the Mississippi State Capitol, the marathon course takes runners on a scenic tour of the capitol city, passing historic landmarks, centers of education and numerous residential areas conveying the personality of Jackson. Runners also get a taste of authentic Mississippi Blues with live music around the 13.1 course which for the marathon is 2 loops of the exact same route. The Mississippi Blues Marathon has been an official Boston Qualifier each year.
Since the inaugural race in 2008, the Mississippi Blues Marathon has worked to showcase Jackson and the rich Blues history of the state, with a portion of proceeds going to the Mississippi Blues Commission’s Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.
The Mississippi Blues Marathon & Half Marathon attracts runners from around the country and beyond with great food, great music, great swag and some of the friendliest volunteers you’ll ever meet.
Challenge yourself with the marathon or half-marathon, or take things a little easier with our “Quarter Note” 10K. You can even create a team of five runners and tackle the course as a relay team. Four of you take on five-mile legs with the final runner going the 6.2 miles to the end. With the Mississippi Blues Marathon, there really is something for everyone!
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Check Mississippi off the list
As a 50 state marathon hopeful, this race was a way to check Mississippi off my list of states. Starting/finishing in the Jackson State football stadium was fun and also … MORE
As a 50 state marathon hopeful, this race was a way to check Mississippi off my list of states. Starting/finishing in the Jackson State football stadium was fun and also easy parking. The race itself is fine, more hills than I was expecting (my fault for not paying attention). The double out-and-back is TEDIOUS but probably easier for race organizers to keep up with. On course support adequate, even for a back-of-pack gal.
There was a problem with finisher medals getting past customs in Long Beach, CA. No surprise given the state of the world right now, but still a small bummer. Race director’s communication was very good though. Still haven’t received the medal, but I’m sure it will turn up eventually.
Well planned event
This was a well planned event. The volunteers and officers on the course were great, and full on energy. The course itself was hilly, but manageable. The food at the … MORE
This was a well planned event. The volunteers and officers on the course were great, and full on energy. The course itself was hilly, but manageable. The food at the end was just okay nothing to write home about, but the people were great. Being from the northeast the weather was very warm, which affected me. Overall I would differently recommend this race.
A Challenging Hilly Marathon Course
The race loops through the capital city, with lots of great views of capital buildings, courthouses, convention center and churches, of different historical architectural perspectives. It's a generally hilly course, … MORE
The race loops through the capital city, with lots of great views of capital buildings, courthouses, convention center and churches, of different historical architectural perspectives.
It’s a generally hilly course, balanced between long rises and long descents that can work out if managed properly.
This race felt in it’s infancy this year for event management, with some good and bad attributes.
The check-in the day before was well staffed and efficient, no standing around to check in. The race jersey did not have much customization to remember this race, yet a nice long sleeve active wear black shirt. The finisher medals were not available on race day so we now are promised mailing to our homes. That’s an expensive thought for the race management team.
The race venue was a massive affair at their Memorial Stadium, a large location for this size marathon/half marathon, etc. race. On the start morning it was a puzzle on arrival to determine where to park, with no active help and much of the parking gates closed off, it was a trial and error process.
The stadium venue was scenic and equipped with the running tracking electronics, start/finish gate/corral. The Port-o-lets quantity looked very small for this race, (less than 10 I recall) but was glad to find stadium restrooms and locker rooms available to help with this. There were very minimal Port-o-lets available on the course.
The start seemed disorganized with time slipping beyond the planned start. The actual marathon started 14 minutes late, not too bad. For us in the corral, the audio was not acceptable for the back half of the corral, just waiting for it all to get going.
For the marathon, the race was two loops with some surprise changes in the 2nd loop that added stress to the remaining finish energy. Some of the long new additions did not have electronics ensuring all finished the whole course, the honor system was in play.
The course could have been marked better with some areas missing the painted road arrows to direct our course. Paint is cheap, come on, use more. I found myself off-course for a half a block before called back onto course by personnel that were not ensuring we knew our way. It was at about 11 miles in the course for me and my mind could not clearly choose the route.
For the later marathon finishers, most recovery food options were gone except for water.
Overall it was an interesting and challenging race, with great downtown dining venues for pre-race and post-race enjoyment. It seems to be a race and area in transition, working to make a good go of it. Weather was perfect, upper 50’s for most of the race.
Hilly Race
Good Race with lots of hills you can make up your time with the downhills. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. No expo just packet pick up. Medals were … MORE
Good Race with lots of hills you can make up your time with the downhills. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. No expo just packet pick up. Medals were delayed so they will be mailed to us. You finish in the stadium on the 50 yard line which was cool – Weather was beautiful – water, Gatorade and jambalaya for post race.
Not very memorable
I’m working on a half marathon in each state and this one was drivable from STL. The theme of the race is fun and fitting for MS. I didn’t love … MORE
I’m working on a half marathon in each state and this one was drivable from STL. The theme of the race is fun and fitting for MS. I didn’t love this race, but I didn’t hate it either. The race course was hilly and not scenic with aid stations every 2 miles. They had water and Gatorade; one station had gels. It should be noted there were no porta-potties after mile 6, but that did not impact me. After race goodies included jambalaya and cake with some photo ops. State 27 done, but I wouldn’t repeat this race.
Southern Hospitality
Solid little race. Double loop course (not my favorite) but through neighborhoods as well as downtown Jackson so enough to look at. Second loop is pretty quiet. Definitely more for … MORE
Solid little race. Double loop course (not my favorite) but through neighborhoods as well as downtown Jackson so enough to look at. Second loop is pretty quiet. Definitely more for half marathoners. Good medal and nice half zip shirt. I enjoyed the time in Mississippi! Would recommend this race.
No frills race
The race was surprisingly hilly. There was NO specatator support. There were enough water stops and many police ensuring the runners were safe. MORE
The race was surprisingly hilly. There was NO specatator support. There were enough water stops and many police ensuring the runners were safe.
Great Race, Good Food, Good Support
Nice friendly running crowd, very organized. The full is 2 loops of the half, I did the half his time because I don't like loops. Good hydration on course but … MORE
Nice friendly running crowd, very organized. The full is 2 loops of the half, I did the half his time because I don’t like loops. Good hydration on course but only one gu stop if i remember correctly, after the race there was Jambalaya, drinks, other snacks. Very nice BB Kings Medal this year for what was to be his 100th birthday, would repeat again if in the area.
Bring music!
Overall an OK race. The course is well marked so easy to follow- which is good because the only full marathoners are likely from other states trying to check off … MORE
Overall an OK race. The course is well marked so easy to follow- which is good because the only full marathoners are likely from other states trying to check off Mississippi. There is zero crowd or spectators on the course. There were a few musical folks on the course and they should be applauded and thanked and there are manned water and Gatorade stops every couple miles- but NO SNACKS of any kind other than a few vanilla gu stops. Also pretty desolate and no crowds at all anywhere so definitely bring headphones as I forgot mine and 26 miles is a long way to go alone. I did chat with a few runners on the second loop of the course with folks from other states which was enjoyable. Overall an ok and not difficult run but also not the usual fun and energy of a marathon. Also, I finished at 5:14 not my best but also not the last one in- and all of the booths and tents were closed. I would think they would stay out at least 6 hours -but I am glad at least that there was a marathon in Mississippi.
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.