Mississippi Blues Marathon Reviews

  Wasn't worth the drive

By AD about 2024

Review

I liked the route. The downtown area was pretty. The music wasn't as advertised. I barely heard any music along the path. The hills were brutal. I don't like they everyone got the same medal. The 5k runners got the same as the marathon runners and nothing showed the race distance you did. I would've liked an expo also. It was very disappointing for a race that has been around for so long. I wouldn't ever do it again.

Race Tips

Practice hills before this run.

  

By MH about 2016

Review

Surprisingly challenging course. Fabulous support, volunteers and swag. Top notch race!

Race Tips

Expect hills! Jackson roads aren't always in the best shape so be prepared for rough roads. The weather can be unpredictable~it IS January after all.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The Marriott on Amite St is amazing for the runners. They always go above and beyond. Free parking in the parking garage.

  

By Pam about 2014

Review

Best medal and goodie bag ever. Rolling hills for most of the course. Great volunteer support.

Race Tips

Save just a little for hills at mile 22ish.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you want a downtown hotel, book early. I LOVE the Hilton Garden Inn King Edward. Very old hotel that has been remodeled. (from the book The Help). Indoor pool and hot tub are awesome race afternoon. Prepare for any weather. One year I ran in tights and heavy shirt. Last year in shorts.

  

By Lucy about 2014

Review

I thought this was one of the best organized marathons that I have ever run. The volunteers were outstanding. They even walked around after the race and offered us water and food. Everyone was super friendly out on the course too. The medal was one of the nicest medals I have ever seen. The Expo/packet pick up was on the smaller side, but super efficient and the swag was great. They gave us a fleece pull-over as the race shirt, a jazz CD, a very nice reusable bag, and a harmonica. The finish line was great too! There was live music, pizza, beer, chocolate milk, cookies, etc. The Blues crawl was also a very nice addition. It was awesome to have free transportation to several restaurants/bars, although most of the places were pretty crowded.

Race Tips

The course this year had some very large hills at the end. However, I felt it was worth the hills to get to see the beautiful old homes in Jackson. Also,the pull over ran very large.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I loved the Marriott. It was a terrific value and very short walk to the start and finish.

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

Well organized, very friendly smaller marathon. You'll never have so many volunteers thank you for running. Great medal, shirt, gear bag, harmonica and blues CD. Plentiful water stops and 3 w/ gels. Only complaint is not enough portapotties on course and bad pavement especially the later miles of race.

Race Tips

There are lots of rolling hills and they are constant throughout. None are that tough along but collectively they can take a toll especially if you don't train on hills.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the host hotel Marriott and they were excellent. Walking distance to expo and race start/finish. They were very accommodating to the runners including gatorade in the lobby on race morning. I ran in 2013.