Run the Rainbow for Childrens Marathon

This was the first time that the marathon was held! Marathoners started at 6:30, while the half-marathoners started at 7:30 (plus the shorter distances). This is a very hilly course!

The biggest compliant I have is that the streets, especially the highway entrances/exits, were not fully blocked off. The police were there for the intersections, but we had to run next to and with traffic, so someone could have gotten hit easily. Most of the route is through the suburbs/side-streets of Jackson, so it was mostly quiet. Related to this, there were no timing mats and photographers along the course, so you don't know your splits and you only get pics at the end.

The expo was at the fitness center, and they had a lot to offer! They offered wine, beer, and margaritas to us! As for swag, we received a shirt, lotion, sunglasses, and a stress ball (so not much to offer). I was also able to relax in the leg massage machine for free, so I’m glad I had my legs worked on! There was free parking at the fairgrounds (like a 2–3-minute walk to the starting line) and there was no gear check. I didn't need gear check since I parked. There were a few pacers, but the ones I saw ran a 3:30 marathon, 5:00 marathon, and 5:30 marathon.

I wish there were more spectators and crowd support. At least there were tons of volunteers to make the course doable! I do hope to see this marathon grow since it has tons of potential. The medal is HUGE! It is almost the size of my face!

This is HILLY! And the weather was on the warm side!