I've been fortunate to win age awards in this marathon. The first year's award was a beautiful copper guitar. This year's was even more unique: a giant, heavy metal, five inch guitar pick with name, place, and time engraved. Really a nice piece. Next years? Who knows if they can top this one. Impressive. And thanks!!

I enjoyed the challenge of the course but it was very boring. Although almost everyone I encountered was very friendly, the drivers stuck in traffic were very rude. The race swag was top notch and staying at the host hotel is a must. The Jackson Marriott is very close to the expo as well as the start/finish line. They had race day food and allowed late checkout. Since the entire race is run on shared roads and it not scenic, I probably won't do this race again.

The volunteers were the friendliest I've ever experienced. I typically thank the volunteers for their hard work however this was the first Marathon where the volunteers repeatedly answered 'Thank you, we're glad you came'. The medal was amazing, free parking one block from the start, a CD and a Harmonica made this the best value. Others have stated the negatives and I agree with them but no need for me to repeat what has been said. So...to accentuate the positive, I want to thank the volunteers again and let them know how much I appreciated their friendliness!

I was born and raised in Jackson but have lived out of state for the last couple of decades. I took the opportunity to run this marathon and am glad I did. I'll say that Jackson is a lot hillier than I remember! I live in the flatlands now so I don't get much hill training. For someone like me, this is a very challenging course. I did PR but it was difficult. I don't have much to add besides what has already been said - well organized, GREAT volunteers, great swag bag, etc. The medal is by far the best I've ever received. I was very proud of my hometown for how they presented themselves. The weather was even perfect (mid 30's at the start, low 40's at the finish, little wind, and overcast). If you are looking for a good race that is off the beaten path, definitely consider this one!

Pros / Cons

Course:
Challenging rolling hills / Challenging rolling hills.
Beautiful in many parts, unfortunately not in the last few miles / Road conditions were terrible making footing almost like running a trail marathon, saw some serious fall injuries.

Organization:
Small but well organized Expo and packet pickup / Few Porta-Potties at start and even fewer on course made for LONG waits.
Gorgeous finisher medal / No finisher shirt.

Spectators:
Very friendly and welcoming / Not a whole lot of them although the rainy conditions may have kept many away.

A very nice smaller race. There were about 2K runners total (755 in full). The Halfers split off early (~mile 3-4) so crowding isn't an issue. There were plenty of water stops. They all had Gatorade and there were 3 gel stops.

The course does have lots of hills. They are short and most aren't steep but they are almost constant. If you come from a flat section of the country be forwarned. I come from a hilly area so I held up OK. The course can't be called scenic but its pleasant. Most of the course is through neighborhoods. These are nice if unspectacular. There were lots of trees so if its a sunny year (not 2013) you will get some shade. The complaints about the road surfaces are accurate in my opinion. It also seemed to me to be worse after mile 18 or so. Not the time you want to worry about your footing. This was the main reason why I gave the course only 3 stars. I disagree w/ the person who complained about traffic. There were always plenty of cones and volunteers/police at every intersection. Also most of the roads were quiet ones.

My biggest complain was the lack of portapotties on the course. When they had them it was only one. Also this was an urban, suburban race so just using a bush wasn't an option. Race directors do need to understand this. I lost over 5 minutes waiting in line at one.

The expo was small but organized and you could get any last minute supplies. The extras for this race are great. Beyond a good quality tech shirt (w/ a cool design) and a great medal (my best yet) you get an excellent gear bag, a harmonica and a blues CD. If swag is your thing then this race is for you!

The friendliness of this race is really one of its distinguishing features. I can't tell you how many times a volunteer thanked me for running in Jackson. I'm supposed to be thanking them!

I had to catch a flight so I didn't take part in the post race festivities but it looked like fun.

I stayed at the Marriott and that was great. Late check out, Gatorade in the lobby, walking distance to the expo and start/finish and no 2 night minimum.

I would strongly recommend this race.

Having run several 'large' marathons I prefer these smaller down home events. Mississippi Blues did not disappoint. Race organization was excellent. They did a awesome job on the medal (biggest one I ever earned) There was not much pre-race communication but if you read there website you knew what to do. I'm sure if there was an issue they would of let the field know in advance. (paying attention New York?)

Expo: Fine for the size of the field. Liked ability to purchase past event race shirt and CD's

Course: Challenging and glad I drove the night prior some of it to get the flavor. Remember you go down hills faster so it all evens out in the end. Few rough road spots but I've seen that in Chicago.

Aid Stations: Well run and stocked. You knew who had water and Gatorade.

Crowd Support: This was the highlight! Everyone and I mean EVERYONE was cheering for you the whole way, Never had that happen in any of my races. Hats off to the southern hospitality.

On course Race Entertainment: Looked forward to and enjoyed the different blues bands throughout the course.

Post Race Refreshment: I was HUNGRY after the race so all the great pizza, beer, soup, rice and beans, sandwiches were welcome.

Post race events: Unfortunately it rained post race and the cooler weather dampened being able to hang around and enjoy the local blues band. The Blues Crawl via a trolley at night was fun and gave participants a flavor of Jackson night life. I need a juke joint where I live

Overall, this event rocked! Great way to start off the marathon year.

I've run the half or full every year, did the half this year. The excitement has kind of faded, not as many spectators and buzz, but still a great event, and participation increased again this year. Would love to see more bands or something to bring the spice back next year.

Pros:
Awesome medal
Love the backpack
Harmonica!
Good traffic control and well planned course
Great food and drink at the end, with a band all morning
Good crew of elite runners, was fun to watch them finish.
99% of volunteers were super great.
Great tech shirt
Reasonably priced event
By far your best choice if you are trying to check the box for this state.

Cons:
Everybody said the half was too long.
Road conditions rough in spots
Blues crawl Saturday night was a disaster. Two places were closed, two others too crowded to get in.
The two volunteers where the half and full split were rude and not helpful. Thats as nice as I can put it, they should never be allowed back.

This marathon has a lot for its size: Professional/top amateurs in addition to the common folk. Entertainment along the course. A challenging course with little or no backtracking. The spectators were sparse but enthusiastic and the food at the end was substantial and varied. Half marathoners split off early so overcrowding wasn't a problem. Mile markers were accurate (not always the case in some marathons). The expo offered a lot for its size. Everything was accessible and convenient. From a consumer perspective it's topnotch from the packet bag itself and the goodies in it to the beautifully designed T-shirt and medal. Definitely recommend this one.

I respected the organization so much in 2012 I asked to participate as an expo volunteer in 2013 and they allowed me the privilege. Many of the volunteers are BCBS Mississippi employees, so no wonder the organization operated so tightly. Small race, big spirit, hospitality is everywhere. Medal was outstanding like in 2012. Race shirt was good. Pizza, fruit and Gatorade post-race; I think beer was available. Pub crawl happens in the evening post-race but I fly out before that happens (though I heard it's good). Race worth repeating. 3:40 pacer (Bob) was inspirational. I suppose the course is topographical for Mississippi, but that's a relativity which varies by runner experience. I'll say however it isn't dime flat as Odessa or Chicago for that matter. For me it's no more hilly than Baton Rouge, Little Rock or Tyler. Free parking at the State Fairgrounds is a relief compared to larger races in the US and Europe.