This is a very reasonably priced, "no frills" type of race. The long-sleeved (cotton) shirt is colorful and of decent quality. The finisher's medal is attractive (large American flag in colors, runners, etc.). Running through the space center property provided some unique views (like a huge rocket booster!). The showers at the wellness center were much appreciated, since there are no hotels near the start/finish. The jambalaya and beer at the finish hit the spot. So overall I'm glad I did this race to check off Mississippi in my 50 states quest.

However, there are definitely some things to be aware of:

1. The bib pickup is just a couple of tables set up outside the Mississippi welcome center. There is no chip timing, so don't bother looking for the timing chips.
2. The closest hotels are about 13 miles away. I would not recommend the Coast Inn in Waveland, although it did serve the purpose. The maids didn't even make the bed or clean the room during the 2 nights I stayed there, and it was like staying in a cheap roadside motel.
3. Race morning, plan for extra time going through security into the space center, and have your photo ID ready. The race started about 18 minutes late, and I think that was because of the delays getting through security.
4. This is the deep south, so expect muggy weather even at the end of November. We also had thunderstorms this year while we were on the course, which actually felt good to me (cooled things off).
5. The course is actually a double loop, so the 1/2 marathoners "drop off" after the first time around. The course weaved a lot, but I didn't miss any of the directional arrows. Just don't expect many folks cheering you on.
6. The finish was a little odd (probably due to no chip timing), but worked pretty efficiently. Just so you're prepared, when you cross the finish you're given your medal and then a little slip of paper. There's table and pens, and you're to write in your name, sex, age, and finish time and post it on a board there. This allows you to immediately see where you placed overall and scan through those posted to see if you got an age group award. Strange, but it works!
7. The sign to the showers after the race was pointing the wrong way! After driving around a while, I found them on the other side of the road. In case they don't fix that problem next year, the wellness center is on the LEFT as you're driving from the finish area.

So, bottom line, it was an interesting, small (109 marathoners) race. It started late, was humid, rained, and the course wasn't especially "scenic." However, if you're looking for a race in Mississippi, this will fit the bill.

Mississippi Coast is #41 in my ongoing quest for 50 states plus DC. This is a fun, well organized race where, even though standing for hours in the rain, the finish line staff was cheering each finisher like that person was a true winner!!!!! I have had the honor of running some grand events (Boston '96, Big Sur, Marine Corps), but I must say that this small club race will be of my fondest memories because of the loyalty and friendliness of the race directors and volunteers. NO big-name sponsors, NO prepackaged food - just plenty of refreshments and VOLUNTEERS at EVERY WATER STOP, AND a WONDERFUL LADY who scratch-made enough JAMBALAYA for EVERYBODY!!!!! No, if you're one of the many WHINERS that expect spectators every step of the way, or can't keep your own pace to qualify for Boston, then this race is not for you. If, however, you would like to participate in the camaraderie of marathoning before the boom of TEAMS IN TRAINING and people complaining that the course was closed before 8 hours, then THIS IS YOUR RACE!!!! The course is FLAT and fast, very well marked, and if you can't see anyone in front of you, you're either winning or you need to PICK UP THE PACE!!! AND, where else have you ever received a CD of GREAT running music to go with a DAMN GOOD-LOOKING MEDAL???? GODSPEED BROTHERS - I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!!!!

Came from Tampa Florida looking for a PR, but did not get it. The temperature and humidity threw my race plan out the window and I just did what I could to finish. The course was very nice and could be fantastic if there were more people running the race. I didn't see one runner from mile 12 through 17, which was not too motivating when you're trying to run fast. This is definitely a race to run with training partners. Two suggestions for the race director would be to start the race at 7 a.m. and getting the gate entry problem resolved. Waiting the extra 15 minutes to start the race didn't help with the heat and humidity.

If no crowds, a flat course, and a minimal complexity race are what you desire, then this is the race for you. However, plan to run this one with a running partner(s). The flat, long, straight roads, near zero crowd support and a low number of marathon runners can bring on the boredom and mental fatigue big time! Also, beware the aid station Gatorade: usually a very watery mix. It may be best to bring your own bottles of concentrated, high-quality sports drink and supplement it with aid station water. Finally, beware the humidity! Even low 70's temps can become brutal, with the humidity in the 80 to 90 percent range and the sun shining down (welcome to the Deep South!).

Plenty of parking, easy packet pickup, nice race medals and race shirts, good post-race chow and a friendly staff help to offset the negatives listed above and make this a good race for beginners or returning marathoners alike.

Great, flat course through the Stennis Space Center. It was peaceful and quiet. There was not a lot of traffic. And there were only a few spectators, which is the only negative I found with this race. It was extremely humid and warm at the start in '08, and then it rained. Those who have run before said it is always humid/rainy or cold - of course the weather is uncontrollable but a factor to consider. Great, well stocked aid stations approximately every 2 miles, and a great post-race meal of jambalaya and beer. The Stennis SC fitness center showers are available after the race, which was great since I stayed at a hotel in Gulfport, MS - 30 miles away, and in the opposite direction of New Orleans (where I flew in/out of). There is no expo, just a number pick up; but hey, for a great, no-frills race (only $30 registration!), no expo was expected - or needed. Overall, a great race for a relatively slow time of year!

One of my best marathons. Love the course. It makes it easy to stay at race pace. My first one alone (without my husband at my side), but nonetheless a great run. Away from the crowds, no walking at the start, YEAH! Strongly recommended to all first marathoners.

I am a vegetarian, yet I ENJOYED and LOVED the jambalaya!!!!!!!!!! Great job by the running club!!!

This was a nice, well organized race. Remote location, so no spectators, but that's okay. Flat and fast with enjoyable scenery.

RD was at packet pickup Friday evening and gave me my requested number and the nice, cotton, long-sleeve shirt. Personal service - and I'd forgotten about the request. He started the race Sat. morning, ran the full marathon, and won it! Besides that, he was there with my medal when I finally crossed the finish line! Testament to good organization.

Aid stations were very well stocked with water/Gatorade, bananas, oranges and other food. Volunteers were very supportive. One young boy knew what I needed when I approached with a mouth full of GU and not talking. He stated it correctly and handed me water.

Course was flat, along mostly closed paved roads, sometimes surrounded by woods. From a distance, I saw baby deer crossing the road. As I came closer, mom came out of woods, stood in the road and watched me. She was standing right next to the 20-mile-marker sign. A perfect "Kodak" moment and I had left the camera in the car thinking this was a military base and there'd be nothing of interest to photograph.... Baby deer then came back out of woods and scampered across the road back to opposite side. Mom then left her post on the road and I continued on.

Later, a volunteer drove by and asked if I am Mama Jean, saying he'd been sent to check on me. I was fine and I knew that was a good sign, accounting for participants. Shortly thereafter, I missed a directional arrow and put in about an extra quarter mile. A man in a red truck who was picking up signs, etc. then saw me and got me back on course. I had done that earlier also. So the little black arrows on orange cones just didn't work for me. Need much bigger signs.

As usual, no food at the end, but not a problem. Director apologized and offered drinks and bananas, which were fine. What I was really interested in was the age group award. Having one of those keeps me from having to repeat that state once I get my 50 done, as that's my new goal.

A special thanks to the lady in the gray Magnum who also checked on me, and to my 50-state buddies Cheryl and Vicky from FL, who waited over half hour for me to finish. Turns out we were all second place in our respective age groups and that's how the volunteer knew my marathon name.

Yes, I'd highly recommend this to anyone who likes flat courses and don't need crowd support, but can enjoy variety of scenery and occasional skeet shooting sounds. I'd also highly recommend improving the directional arrows by making them larger and higher. Chalk markings on the road would help also.

RD is to be commended for getting report online so quickly. I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks to all involved. Obviously, a well organized group does this race.

This is a great little race. The course is flat and rural. It is a tough mental race because there are no spectators but that's OK. It is well organized and EVERYONE is friendly. No big egos at this one. After you finish the race you are treated to some homemade jambalaya that is awesome!!! I recommend this one to those looking for a pleasant surprise of a small race or if you're trying to qualify for Boston.

Very well organized race. Small but full of energy. Volunteers were very supportive and friendly. More than adequate refreshments at each aid station. Nice rural setting (I almost got run over by deer). Absolutely no complaints.