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.
The Mississippi Blues Marathon was the 273rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 256th largest in 2022.
This year 5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Mississippi Blues Marathon the 389th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 276th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.24 ranks it as the 368th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Mississippi.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Mississippi Blues Marathon a PR Score of 97.24. This PR Score ranks it as the 318th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Mississippi.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Mississippi Blues Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 381 feet (116m) Min Elevation: 272 feet (82m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mississippi Blues Marathon
View available accomodations around the Mississippi Blues Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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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.
The Marriott on Amite St is amazing for the runners. They always go above and beyond. Free parking in the parking garage.
Lucy's review of 2014 Mississippi Blues Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
EMR's review of 2013 Mississippi Blues Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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.
4.2 Stars from 5 Reviews
