Though the rain started just as the gun fired to start the 2004 Mississippi Coast Marathon, it was a great run with a well marked flat course, plenty of aid stations, roads without traffic, lovely scenery, and a good post-race party. The course loops the Stennis Space Center and besides a few spectators driving here and there, there were very few cars on the course. The scenery is coastal pine trees and Space Center buildings--maybe not spectacular but much prettier than some portions of urban marathons.

Every turn and mile was clearly marked. The aid stations were positioned every other mile with hearty and friendly volunteers offering water, Gatorade and oranges. A good race--now if only the race director could do something about that rain. ;-)

If you are looking for a fast marathon to run, then this is it. The course is flat with the only complaint being two cone turn-arounds. The were not any fans on the course except for the nice aid stations and at the finish line. The volunteers were great at all of the aid stations. Also the finisher medals are really neat.

If you are looking for spectacular scenery and large cheering crowds, then this is not the race for you. If, however, you are looking for a superbly organized race on a very fast course, at a very low cost, then this is the race for you. While course through the woods at the Stennis Space Center is not awe-inspiring, it is pretty. The medals and shirts are nicer than ones I have gotten at some much larger marathon. The organizers do an excellent job. Results were posted online hours after the race was completed. Last year I left with out realizing that I had won an age-group award; it arrived in the mail just a couple of days later. Overall, an excellent race.

This was my first marathon. I have to say I had a great experience, although the course was not everything I hoped for. But it was flat and the volunteers and organizers that worked the race were awesome and as nice as can be. Also the runners I talked to were very friendly and a couple even helped my friend and I pull our car out of the mud after all the rain... many thanks to them for their kind act :). The fans that were around were few and far between but were very supportive. Overall I enjoyed this marathon a lot and hope to do more in the future.

The course is somewhat boring as there is not a lot to look at, but the volunteers are wonderful and friendly - couldn't ask for better. It was a beautiful, sunny day, a very flat course and I met some very nice runners along the way. I'm from Louisiana so I did not have to come far and the expense was extremely low, but I would recommend this race for anyone from out of the region. It is small, fast, runner friendly with great people and good food. It is only a short drive to the ocean if you have time to spend there after the race. It is also small enough that almost every runner has a good chance of getting an age group award. I would definitely recommend this to someone looking to do a Mississippi marathon.

A definite bargain at $30. For a small non-urban marathon this is probably as good as they come. The organization and set up at this race were excellent. This course was not totally uninteresting, as a rocket engine test faclility makes this course somewhat unique. The weather was superb. A great fall marathon for anyone in the area.

I had run the 1/2 marathon twice before, but this year decided on the full. Used to be small marathons intimidated me, because I was afraid of coming in last. I am working on a goal of 100 marathons, so if there is a marathon close to home I will be there no matter what the size. (I have yet to be last although close to it). This is a almost totally flat course; not a lot too see, but a nice way to spend a cool(finally), but sunny Saturday morning. Not a lot of spectators, but who needs 'em. Worth a go if you are in the area.

This was my first marathon and I was pleased with the organization. The course had to be moved since the Space Center was closed this year. So it was an out-and-back course along the highway. Pretty boring since it's just pine trees and cars too look at but I understand the constraints this year.

It was a very hot and humid day (near 80 degrees). Beware of the weather on the MS coast. It was impossible for me to run as fast as I had planned.

With the heat, the water/gatorade stops weren't nearly enough. They were 2 miles apart and had only tiny cups. One station even ran out of cups. I was lucky to have my family bring me bottles of powerade, but I don't know what I'd have done without that since the cups at the aid stations were tiny. Offer bigger cups next year! Maybe it's not so important for the half-marathon, but it is for the marathon on such a hot day especially.

Right on about the spectators. Just a few cars driving around to meet their runner! Maybe some publicity with the local TV/newspaper would be good. No results even in the paper the next day!

Overall, well organized. Not many runners at all, but it's hard to expect that when it's not a big city.

This was my first marathon run in 1998. The race used to be held on highway 90, along the Gulf Coast, but was switched to the Stennis Space Center. The course is a double loop (more or less) run along the roads of Stennis. The course is pancake flat & can definitely be run for a PR, assuming you don't need tons of people standing around cheering you on. Crowd support is limited, mostly families of the runners, moving around from spot to spot along the course to cheer on their favorite runner. The field is very small, but the race is truly well-run. The Gulf Coast Running Club does an excellent job putting on a race. The aid stations were very well stocked with water, electolyte drinks, hard candies, oranges, etc. They truly did a great job with organization, aid, and the post-race party. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone looking for a fast race in the south.