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Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

Biloxi, MS
Sunday, December 13, 2026


  4.4 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.


December Other Marathons in December Other Marathons in Mississippi Marathons near Biloxi, MS



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, December 13, 2026
2025: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 53°F (11°C)
Average High: 62°F (16°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.54
Course Score: 99.69

Race Size

2025: 766 Finishers
2024: 615 Finishers
2023: 478 Finishers
2022: 416 Finishers
2021: 505 Finishers
2020: 604 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 5.1%
2024: 3.7%
2023: 9.6%
2022: 8.2%
2021: 16%
2020: 16.6%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 3 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 68°F  (20°C)
Low: 47°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

59°F  (15°C)
Humidity: 87%

Overcast
N 7 mph

PR Score

97.91

Course Score

99.69






Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon was the 110th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 119th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 5.1% of Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 3.7% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon ranked 275th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 354th in 2024. In Mississippi, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 5th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon has a Course Score of 99.69, ranking it as the 70th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Mississippi.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon a PR Score of 99.54. The PR Score ranks the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon as the 67th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in Mississippi.

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

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed70th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Mississippi
Top 16% Nationally#2 of 5 in Mississippi
PR Potential67th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in Mississippi
Top 15% Nationally#1 of 5 in Mississippi
Boston Qualifier Rate275th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in Mississippi
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 58% Nationally#4 of 6 in Mississippi
Race Size110th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Mississippi
Based on 2025 results
Top 19% Nationally#1 of 6 in Mississippi

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 25 feet (7m)
Min Elevation: 4 feet (1m)

Elevation Gain: 140 feet (42m)
Elevation Loss: 130 feet (39m)


Mississippi

Course updated 10/06/2024




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Race Reviews


4.4
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Extremely well run

Full Review:

Good: Water every 1.25 miles, Energy drink was full concentration and no diluted. Plenty of energy gel stops. Not so good: because the whole race is along the ocean, the dew point is high and there is a constant headwind. Plus, it got warm.

Race Tips:

Adjust your pace to counteract the wind, dew point, and possible heat.
Reviewed by rd About 2024

Small race

Full Review:

This is a small marathon in terms of number of runners, but well supported with aid stations. However, there was very little in the way of spectators or crowds. The view of the Gulf was nice, but the course is so straight and flat, the view is mostly the same for hours.

Race Tips:

Expect high humidity and probably headwinds. There's zero shade if it's sunny. The ramp and out-and-back near the end are not actually that bad, but since it goes right past the finish, it feels worse than it is.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Find a hotel in walking distance to Keesler Park, where the race ends, and which is also where the shuttle buses depart from in the morning (other than Margaritaville). The non-casino hotels might be cheaper; stayed at Hyatt Place and they did not charge a resort fee.

The older reviews mentioned being able to stay on the bus to stay warm... for 2024 they did not let us do this. Bring some spare clothes to stay warm until race time, just in case.
Reviewed by GC About 2024

2020 race was fantastic

Full Review:

2020 race was fantastic, the runners and organizers were so thrilled to be able to present a live race. The weather was perfect, low 60s the whole time. The course is point to point, FLAT. Shuttle buses take you to start line and let you sit on the bus, which was really handy because even though it was 57 degrees, it was pretty chilly especially for over an hour. I loved the scenic beachside road we were on the whole race, lots of million-dollar beachfront properties to gawk at. There were lots of volunteers and plenty of water and Powerade stations. No food so I carried some since I need it. Maybe that was just for 2020. 50 state marathoner here, it was a great way to get my Mississippi race done, highly recommended.

Race Tips:

Super flat the whole race, just a short (but steep) on-ramp at mile 24. Wind could definitely be an issue if it was strong. The whole marathon you're running eastward so if you have unfavorable wind, you've got to deal with it the entire race. We got lucky in 2020, it was a headwind but only about 5-7 mph.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you're flying, Mobile AL airport is less than an hour away. Lots of inexpensive hotel options, I stayed at Star Inn for $60. But there are fancy casinos like the Beau Rivage or Hard Rock, many others, with nice hotels attached. Take advantage of great restaurants and the beautiful sandy beaches.
Reviewed by KC About 2020

Watch out for the climb at the end!

Full Review:

This was my first ever marathon, so I don't have anything to compare to; however, this was generally a very good experience. The course is very flat for 24 miles, but then there is a longish climb up to the interstate and another couple of longish hills. My plan of running an easy pace and then pushing hard the last five miles got blown up by those climbs. The organization was excellent, and the start and finish were very well managed. Plenty of "portaloos", and liquid refreshment (water and gatorade) along the way. If you're running with an Apple Watch, you'll soon find out how inaccurate the Apple GPS is, so be ready for that.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for the rise up to the Interstate. It's brutal after 24 miles. Personally, I wish I'd pushed harder on the 24 miles of more-or-less dead flat road to give me a cushion at the end. Knowing what was coming would also have helped.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

They provide an equipment check service, so you don't have to throw your warm clothes away (unlike Disney). I didn't use it, but if I had know how good it was, I would have done.
Reviewed by Brandon Goldsmith About 2020

Great race on a beautiful, fast course

Full Review:

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an outstanding small marathon. The course follows the Beach Road from Pass Christian to Biloxi, a beautiful and historic stretch of coast. I never tired of the Gulf views and breezes. Organization is outstanding. Transportation to the start was efficient and easy. Runners were allowed to stay on the buses at the start to stay warm - This is the only point-to-point race I've run where they didn't just drop you in the middle of nowhere to shiver or get drenched in the rain or whatever. The water stops were every 1.5 mile and had plenty of water and Gatorade. I finished right in the middle of the pack, and I never encountered congestion. We stayed at the Beau Rivage, which was very easy and convenient for the expo, shuttle buses, and finish. The finish line festival is probably the best I've ever encountered in 100+ marathons and half marathons. Lots of excellent food and drink, including jambalaya, gumbo, craft beer, and coffee. Not many spectators but that wasn't a problem for me.

Race Tips:

I cannot emphasize enough how FLAT this course is. I've run the famously flat Chicago and Fargo Marathons, and honestly MGC is even flatter. It's very easy to run consistent splits if you are trained and don't go out too fast. Just settle into your goal pace and put it on cruise control. Except for the incline near the end of the race where you are diverted onto the highway entrance ramp, you will be using the same muscles over and over. It is a bit of a wake-up when you suddenly have to climb at Mile 24 or so, so if you are going for a BQ be prepared to cough up 15-30 seconds in that stretch.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I would stay at the Beau Rivage or the Doubletree. We found lots of fantastic restaurants in Biloxi and some cool historic and cultural sites. Allow some time to explore the charming towns of the Gulf Coast.
Reviewed by SJ About 2018