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 in Downtown Greenville with a flat out and back course down Main Street.
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.
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I probably wouldn't recommend this race
My opinion is probably tainted by the fact that I ran this race in 2025 when the course was impacted by road construction, preventing the Arkansas to Mississippi (normal) route … MORE
My opinion is probably tainted by the fact that I ran this race in 2025 when the course was impacted by road construction, preventing the Arkansas to Mississippi (normal) route across the bridge. Rather, we made two loops around Greenville. Good points- flat race with good weather in early February. Points to improve- volunteers did not seem to know what they were doing. I placed first in Masters, but I couldn’t get a cell signal (in Greenville) and the volunteer who looked-up my time thought I finished outside the top ten. I think they confused me with half marathoners. So I didn’t get my medal for placing. Anyway, there were other volunteers who were equally confused. So far this is the least organized marathon I’ve run. I also found the route a little confusing, but maybe this was due to the re-route. And I was running alone quite a bit after the half marathoners finished due to the size of the race.
I’d recommend it
Greenville Ms is a little far from any airport and the area shows steps toward improving itself. What once seems to have been a thriving area is a bit depressed … MORE
Greenville Ms is a little far from any airport and the area shows steps toward improving itself. What once seems to have been a thriving area is a bit depressed That aside staying near the race start ( I do not recommend the Rodeway inn until renovations are complete) was a great thing. Weather was 45 in the morning but 60 later in the day. Bib pickup was small and efficient. Race timing and photos were great. The course this year was 2 loops Start and finish same location course is flat and water and portajohns nearly every mile. The RD is friendly and goes out of her way to make the race user friendly. Shirt was a long sleeve tech. The finish metals are really nice. There was a really nice spread at the finish. Pizza. Tamales donuts fruit. Drinks alcohol and non alcohol! Course lends itself to a fast race. I got 1st place age group3rd place grand master. A good amount of the runners are locals but plenty of 50 starters and marathon maniacs ! If you need Mississippi I’d recommend this one!
Amazing
Perfect race. The route is very flat and well marked. The local police guided runners with the traffic. There was an aid station every mile. The weather was amazing. MORE
Perfect race. The route is very flat and well marked. The local police guided runners with the traffic. There was an aid station every mile. The weather was amazing.
Pretty smooth race
Run went through a beautiful neighborhood. I was disappointed that we didn’t see the Mississippi River, but that was due to construction out of the race holders hands. MORE
Run went through a beautiful neighborhood. I was disappointed that we didn’t see the Mississippi River, but that was due to construction out of the race holders hands.
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.