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Mississippi Blues Marathon

Jackson, MS
Saturday, February 20, 2027


  4.2 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The double loop Mississippi Blues Marathon course is often described as a challenging mix of unrelenting rolling hills. There are very few flat sections in the race until the last few miles. Although there are lots of hills, not many are very large.

February Other Marathons in February Other Marathons in Mississippi Marathons near Jackson, MS



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, February 20, 2027
2026: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 49°F (9°C)
Average High: 57°F (13°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.24
Course Score: 97.24

Race Size

2026: 237 Finishers
2025: 105 Finishers
2024: 139 Finishers
2023: 153 Finishers
2022: 147 Finishers
2021: 128 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 4.2%
2025: 3.8%
2024: 5%
2023: 3.3%
2022: 10.2%
2021: 9.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 61°F  (16°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 79%

Clear
NNW 5 mph

PR Score

97.14

Course Score

97.72






Mississippi Blues Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Mississippi Blues Marathon was the 359th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 305th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 4.2% of Mississippi Blues Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Mississippi Blues Marathon ranked 336th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 155th so far in 2026. In Mississippi, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 2nd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Mississippi Blues Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Mississippi Blues Marathon has a Course Score of 97.24, ranking it as the 393rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Mississippi.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Mississippi Blues Marathon a PR Score of 97.24. The PR Score ranks the Mississippi Blues Marathon as the 339th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Mississippi.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Mississippi Blues Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Mississippi for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Mississippi Blues Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed393rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Mississippi
Top 86% Nationally#5 of 5 in Mississippi
PR Potential339th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Mississippi
Top 74% Nationally#4 of 5 in Mississippi
Boston Qualifier Rate336th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Mississippi
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 71% Nationally#5 of 6 in Mississippi
Race Size359th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Mississippi
Based on 2025 results
Top 61% Nationally#3 of 6 in Mississippi

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 381 feet (116m)
Min Elevation: 272 feet (82m)

Elevation Gain: 1193 feet (363m)
Elevation Loss: 1193 feet (363m)


Mississippi

Course updated 12/09/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mississippi Blues Marathon

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Race Reviews


4.2
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Wasn't worth the drive

Full 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.
Reviewed by AD About 2024

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The Marriott on Amite St is amazing for the runners. They always go above and beyond. Free parking in the parking garage.
Reviewed by MH About 2016

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I loved the Marriott. It was a terrific value and very short walk to the start and finish.
Reviewed by Lucy About 2014

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Pam About 2014

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by EMR About 2013