Race day was COLD (20)! However the volunteers and organization were outstanding. This was my 27th marathon and by far the friendliest race. The volunteers braved the frigid weather with a smile on their faces and every single one of them thanked me for coming to Jackson to run the race. All aid stations were well supported and the traffic was well managed. One of the best values for give-aways - blues CD, harmonica, race shirt, and good food (and beer) at the end. Only point of caution is that the course is hilly at the start and really hilly at the end.

I ran this race in Iraq at COB Speicher. I can say that Mr. John Sewell worked with many others to allow us to participate over here. I only hope I get to run next year with the group in MS!

I had to settle for the half this year, after doing the whole last year (shin splints and many other excuses). First, I was glad to see that my time got recorded correctly, since I signed up for the whole, and turned back at the last minute due to physical limitations and only did the half. Please order up some less humid weather next year. The volunteers were awesome - everybody got first-class treatment. Packet pick up was smooth. The entertainment was great, especially post-race. My yellow vest zipper was broken when I got it, but I didn't really care since I doubt I would ever wear it anyway. I loved the tech shirt the year before. Blue Cross is to be commended for stepping up and making this happen. Thanks! It's first-class all the way

Being a native Mississippian, I was excited about running in my home state; in fact, we ran by the hospital where I was born!

The pros: Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers. More volunteers than you could shake a stick at, and the nicest people around. There was no confusion about where to go next. They ran the expo smoothly, and thanked us profusely for running. The course was completely closed off by plenty of police, who were incredibly nice, too. Sporadic course support, but some, toward the end, were handing out bananas, oranges, etc., in front of their houses. There was one group, right around BCBS headquarters, that really gave you that jolt you needed. Some of the course was beautiful, winding through historic districts and downtown. Blues CD and the backpack/goody bag were awesome, as was the music at the expo and after the race. Plenty of gel, Gatorade, and water.

Cons: This course was tough, particularly those miles from around 15 on. LOTS of hills. I didn't particularly care for the day-glo yellow vest that came with the goody bag; I had to purchase a technical tee that I'd actually wear. And, I actually liked the volunteers' shirts better than the tech tees. More music along the course (along the likes of Memphis or Nashville) would be a great addition. Also, there were no clocks at all on the course, or anyone yelling times, so be sure to bring your watch if you want to pace yourself.

All in all, it's a good experience. I don't know that I'll go back (at least to that particular course), but if you live in Mississippi or want to cross it off your list, it's definitely worth it!

I grew up in Jackson, MS and, quite frankly, didn't think I would enjoy running a marathon there. (You can't go home again!) I was wrong! The course had rolling hills (NO, those definitely were not hills - come to Birmingham and you'll see) and flats. The race was very well organized - offering GREAT vests in the race packet, along with a blues CD - and the volunteers thanked me for running! That was a first! If large crowd support is important to you, go to Chicago or New York; otherwise, MS Blues Marathon is a wonderful surprise! I would recommend it to anyone and will run it again!

The support and enthusiasm of the volunteers was actually very amazing. I put Mississippians on my top friendliest list. This was a huge help when one is tired. The expo was well organized. I just wish that race directors would give out maps that are actually to scale (a pet peeve of mine); it is impossible to use most maps from any marathon as an actual street guide on race morning. And they should have warned about the streets in many parts being very, very sloped and very potholed and in poor shape. I had to pay more attention to the street instead of the scenery. Otherwise, it was a good challenge - hilly indeed. The post-race area was well stocked. And the free massage at the yoga shop was great.

The pre-race expo was well organized and moved quickly, the goody bag was decent (although I don't wear vests very often), and pre-race instructions were thorough. Race-day parking was a little vague. Not enough porta-potties (of all the marathons I've done, Disney World is the only one that had no porta-potty lines). Course was hilly, but that was a known and it gave it some challenge. Hills were frequent, but none more than 1/4 - 1/2 mile long at the most. Course was well-marked with excellent traffic control, and there were friendly volunteers along the entire route. A good portion of the marathon route was an out-and-back along a larger highway connecting strip malls. The scenery for most of the route was not especially memorable. Aid stations were very adequate, but not overabundant. Crowds were light. The marathon field was small, with fewer than 500 runners. Even finish line crowds were small, albeit enthusiastic. After-race food was good and plentiful, and there was BEER, which is always fun. I'm glad to have done it, but I think once is enough for this venue.

Best small marathon I've done. Terrific organization and support, great music, and plenty of post-race food. Lots of parking near the combined start/finish area. Plenty of rolling hills to mix it up a bit. None too long or big to present a challenge. Nice to have the variety of ups/downs/flats. This is a must-run for those who enjoy the small marathon setting.

First, I will begin with positive aspects. Volunteers were friendly and traffic control was really good. The music at the expo was fantastic! There was plenty of food when I finished after five hours. Pizza, delicious sandwiches, and a Pepsi - what more could a runner want? Shuttle service from host hotel was helpful. The host hotel was very nice and within walking distance of the start and finish.

Possible improvements before 2010:
It would have been nice if the hotel had an airport shuttle since round trip fare was around $60. I was also surprised that the host hotel did not have a restaurant.

For those of us who did not have private transportation, the expo was a little far for walking the day before the marathon. I liked the volunteer shirt better than the vest. In most of my 55 marathons large and small, approaching the finish line has always been a big rush with a cheering crowd. There were very few spectators near the finish line when I finished.

Thanks to the director and his staff for pulling off a good marathon. It definitely takes a village for a marathon to be successful.

No detail was overlooked in organizing this race. Everything went smoothly from the packet pick-up to the finish line. I loved the bags and vests given out to participants. The course is hilly but well-staffed with friendly, encouraging volunteers and well stocked with water, Gatorade, and gels. There was an adequate number of porto-potties as well. Even though, there was 5-mile boring stretch from mile 13-18, at least it was flat. Just about every marathon I've run has a stretch like that. Great food and music at the finish line. Thank you, Jackson, for a great event!