The course was like they said, 'gentle rolling hills'. But it is an out and back course which which some may like, others maybe not. It begins in the dark around 5:00 am and with no starting gun, someone simply yells go as you are talking to your friends or spouse. The hills were not bad at all but the heat played havoc on some. I saw two experienced runners go down due to dehydration and heat. There need to be a few more water stops. There were no port-a-lets either except for two on a construction site just off the road. Overall, I enjoyed the run. Even though I suffered a little leg pain from not enough training, I still scored a personal best. There was basically no crowd support and a few drivers, which were common on the course, almost ran me down.

After I ran it the first time I said I would never again get up at 3:45 to run a marathon. This is the first marathon that I ran three times. I also ran the 14.1 one time. Years past they flipped burgers, a great time if you enjoy pizza and/or beer. Why don't all marathons have beer and pizza or burgers? I unfortunately will not be there this year. This marathon is unique, eat the night before at the Italian restaurant North of McCullough on Gloster. No bad specatators (I remember seeing some that were watching for the runners they drove to the start) and very few homes and less homes that have people awake. Ample aid stations. I could not let the spectator thing lower my rating.

Looking for a well organized marathon with no frills, small or no crowds, friendly support, along with beer and pizza at the finish? If that's the case don't miss this one. Many thanks to the courteous organizers and volunteers who are responsible for a very pleasant experience. PS - Don't look for a PR here-

I give them good reviews even though I ended up in the hospital!!! I ended up suffering dehydration and hyponatremia because of the humidity and lack of salt. I ended up walking this marathon due to an IT band injury and being out there for 7 hours was part of the problem. So, I caution walkers to be careful and take proper care of yourself if you do this marathon, but runners should have no problem.

Mike was great and stayed with me until I finally decided I had to seek medical attention. He and Dave actually drove my running partner to the hospital. The volunteers were wonderful and very hospitable and supportive. They were the only spectators!!!

Wish I could have enjoyed the post race party. It sounded like a good one. My only negative comments are that there were no porta potties on the course (except for 2 that happened to be there b/c of a construction site) and the gatorade was too watered down. Other than that, it was a smooth race, nice shirt and medal, and great friendly people.

I've participated in approximently 20 marathons throughout the states. I decided at the last minute to take the six hour drive from the gulf coast for this one. It was the t-shirt, I had-da have it! I gotta tell ya it was well worth it. These guy's went out of there way to make everyone feel welcome. Hey, Tupelo really is the place to go! Mike and his staff did an outstsanding job organizing this small, but soon to be major event. The post-race party had all the fixin's and I mean all the fixin's, from the awesome beer selection, sorry draft not available, in a town that sells none on Sunday to the fresh hot pizza. Oh and hey ya need a little massage after the run.'FORGET A'BOUT IT'. Hey, I'm not sure he'd be up for it but anyone wanting to organize a first class event could take some serious lessons from Mike and his crew. Well done... Expect many more next year !!!!
Doug Miller
Kiln, Ms

Even though it rained the entire marathon, it was a pleasant and enjoyable course. The runners and organizers were very friendly and made you feel welcome. The t-shirt is awesome and you can't beat the beer and pizza they served up afterwards!

Anyone who signs up to run a marathon in Mississippi in the summer knows what they are in for. Starts in the dark and I remember hearing the first ambulances about a half hour after the sun came up. Don't think the charity teams will start turning out en masse for this one anytime soon. Seriously, this is a very well run event. How it doesn't make it on the '25 Toughest' list, I'll never know....it is a true test. It has a great T-Shirt design...a huge flaming Skull and Crossbones with Tupelo Marathon in bold letters....it will really make them stand up and take notice at your next running club meeting. Try it...you won't forget it...

This is a neat way to get a marathon in at the end of the summer if you enjoy running in the dark and heat. The people are great and take care of the runners well. The course is nothing to brag about except they have fixed the potholes and it is fairly flat. Each year I hope for a cold front to lessen the heat or a shower. Fortunately this has been the case in about 3 out of 4 years, so it is not always so bad. The run is overall comfortable, friendly, and well managed.