The Mississippi River Marathon offers the only marathon in the Mississippi Delta and a variety of opportunities that no other race in the world can offer. Our goal is first, for people across the nation, especially in the Delta communities, to get excited about healthy lifestyles by supporting and participating …
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The Mississippi River Marathon offers the only marathon in the Mississippi Delta and a variety of opportunities that no other race in the world can offer. Our goal is first, for people across the nation, especially in the Delta communities, to get excited about healthy lifestyles by supporting and participating in our running events. Second, this marathon was created to help all children receive an excellent education by donating funds raised to the Washington County and Southeast Arkansas Community Foundations benefit local non-profits and organizations.
The full marathon starts in Lake Village, AR, crosses the halfway point on the Mississippi River Bridge and finishes into Greenville, MS.
The Mississippi River Half Marathon starts on the Mississippi River Bridge in Lake Village, AR and crosses over and finishes into Greenville, MS.
The Mississippi River Marathon 5K starts and finishes at the intersection of Washington and Poplar in downtown Greenville right outside race headquarters. The course will consist of an extremely flat out and back course down Washington and will finish on the same finish line as the half and full marathons.
Is the 5K not quite the challenge you’re looking for, but the half marathon is a little too daunting? Grab a friend and team up for the new Mississippi River Half Marathon Two-Person Relay. Runner #1 will start with the half marathoners, cross the bridge and run along Highway 82 before turning right on Tampa and meeting Runner #2 at the relay point. Runner #2 will then proceed thru the neighborhoods of Greenville before hitting Main Street for the final drag onto Washington and across the finish line.
Want to run a half marathon in two states on the same day? Sign up for the Delta Double Down – you will run the same course as the full marathon. The Arkansas Half Finish and the Mississippi Half Start will be separated by 10 feet. Due to safety concerns on the bridge, there will not be large finishing arches, just the timing mats for each race. There are no awards for the Delta Double and you will receive a half marathon medal for each state for a total of two medals. Delta Double Down participants are not eligible for Half Marathon awards either.
Participants will receive a short sleeve tech race shirt, drawstring bag, an awesome custom finishers medal, and a grand selection of post-race food at the post-race party. There are no overall or age group awards for the 5K. FREE for school children age 18 & under.
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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.
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.
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.
WINDY & COLD
This was a very smooth ran race, plenty of emails, facebook updates, easy to switch from marathon to half. The shirts, medals & awards were very nice. The course was … MORE
This was a very smooth ran race, plenty of emails, facebook updates, easy to switch from marathon to half. The shirts, medals & awards were very nice. The course was easy (flat & fast) BUT the wind made this race so hard! Even though this was my 1st time doing it, I was warned by numerous people about the wind from prior years. I know there is nothing anyone can do about the weather but the wind was no joke. I will not be back to this one.
Mother Nature HATES THIS RACE!
This is my 2nd year to run this race as a pacer. This was my 70th marathon. WEATHER! The weather is the biggest negative for this race! This year is … MORE
This is my 2nd year to run this race as a pacer. This was my 70th marathon.
WEATHER! The weather is the biggest negative for this race! This year is was sleeting the morning of the race, which thankfully ended before the start! It was still hovering just under the freezing mark at the start and stayed in the 30s for the duration of the race. The 15+ mph wind at your face for 16 miles (even worse on the bridge) was B-R-U-T-A-L! I’ve run many races in windy weather, but this was the first time I was fighting to stay upright! I was unable to maintain my goal pace (finished 3 minutes late) because the wind and cold was torture! Last year it was rainy and windy. (In years past there was icy rain, wind, and just plain cold)
COURSE: The course begins in Lake Village, Arkansas and turns onto the highway where you will stay until around mile 21. The MS River bridge is several miles long and the only hill in the race. You finish in downtown Greenville. (The double half is a good choice if you are attempting 50 state half marathons.) You are bussed to the start early in the morning where a bag drop and toilets are available.
The race directors did a great job keeping everyone safe and content. The medal and awards are always great. In years past there was music and food vendors, however this year, there was not.
A windy jaunt over the Mississippi
I chose this race because it’s one of the ONLY races I’ve found that would allow me to cross off 2 states on my 50 state half marathon journey. Super … MORE
I chose this race because it’s one of the ONLY races I’ve found that would allow me to cross off 2 states on my 50 state half marathon journey. Super cool! Can’t say enough about the race production. They were great with their communication, sending emails out on event details every day leading up to the race. The transportation they provided to the starting line was smooth, and they were timely with their start. The downfall was the unpredictability of the weather, which we can blame on Mother Nature. Woke up the morning of the race to rain and sleet. Luckily that didn’t last long, but the cold temp and gusty wind made for quite a challenging run, especially when you crossed over the bridge and into Mississippi. It was a brutal (mentally and physically) 5 mille stretch before you finally turn off the highway and onto a side road where houses and trees shielded you from the wind. Highly recommend downloading a really entertaining podcast or updating your playlist for this run. There’s not much to see along the route….long stretches of what feels like never ending roads. The large medals, nice finisher awards, and quarter zip top (with side pocket) made for a satisfying finish. I’d definitely recommend this race for locals.
Bridge Never Seemed to End
Aid stations every 1.5 miles for first 6 and every mile after that. Bridge was uphill and never seemed to end. Best overall performance and would definitely do this again! MORE
Aid stations every 1.5 miles for first 6 and every mile after that. Bridge was uphill and never seemed to end. Best overall performance and would definitely do this again!
Great small town race
I ran as a pacer. This is a low key, very well organized event. In 2018, it rained the entire race - so the scenery wasn't visible. The course follows … MORE
I ran as a pacer. This is a low key, very well organized event. In 2018, it rained the entire race – so the scenery wasn’t visible. The course follows Lake Chicot in Arkansas and the crosses the MS river into Greenville. Very flat except for the bridge. The rain cancelled the bands and outside finish line activities. Typically there is music and more food options in the park area near the finish.
Nice medal and 1/4 zip shirt.
Rainy but well done race
Was rainy and foggy, so we never got a good view of the lake or bridge. Everyone was friendly! Lots of aid stations and porta potties. Beer and pizza were … MORE
Was rainy and foggy, so we never got a good view of the lake or bridge. Everyone was friendly! Lots of aid stations and porta potties. Beer and pizza were available at some of the later aid stops. Great race director who is an active 50 stater. It’s obvious that the race is put on by someone who has run a lot of races.
Small town southern race
Mississippi River Marathon starts in Lake Village, AR and finishes in Greenville, MS. It's a very small race in the deep south but for such a small event, they do … MORE
Mississippi River Marathon starts in Lake Village, AR and finishes in Greenville, MS. It’s a very small race in the deep south but for such a small event, they do a fantastic job with the details, which can make or break a race. The cons:
Weather is unpredictable, which goes for any race, but it got unseasonably warm for this year’s race. The saving grace was cloud cover and wind, which helped cool runners, but the sun could bake you if there were no clouds! There’s no shade along the course.
Scenery is so-so. It’s mostly along a lake and river which is okay, and crosses the Mississippi which is very cool, but otherwise there’s not a whole lot to see.
Porta-johns: I know they have this on their radar to fix for next year, the line at the marathon start got long before the race.
Pros:
Fantastic RD and organization. There were water stations almost every mile, which on a hot day, makes a WORLD of difference. Great volunteers and lots of police manning the intersections.
Nice pull-over quarter zip top.
Cool medal!
Great awards for age group winners.
Race day packet pickup if needed.
Half marathon started at a different spot so there was no congestion or merging.
Lots of food at the finish – great spread!
Free race photos!
I’d recommend the race for all of those ‘pros’ listed above. The cons were fixable or out of their hands. Bottom line is it’s a nice low-key race to knock out either Arkansas or Mississippi.
The good, the bad, and the ugly
The good: the volunteers, the shirt, the overall organization of the race, free pictures to download, and 12 miles of the course. The bad: water the color of mud and … MORE
The good: the volunteers, the shirt, the overall organization of the race, free pictures to download, and 12 miles of the course. The bad: water the color of mud and the rest of the course. Would I run this race again with this course again, probably not. Change the course to remove all of the miles on the highway and use bottled water instead of Mississippi water, definitely.