This is my 40th marathon and I have run most of the large popular marathons. This marathon stands out for having the most exciting volunteers I have ever seen. I know that this is a new marathon and that the organizers will probably make some changes, but don't change the volume of volunteers on the course. I was getting over a cold and had to walk the last 5 miles of the marathon. The volunteers cheered me on as though I was an elite runner. Jackson, Mississippi I thank you for your warm "Southern Hospitality." Thanks for the glasses.

From the gun to the finish, it was obvious the MS Blues Marathon was formed and organized by veteran marathoners. The most important things to me in a marathon are... on-time starts, well marked course, visual splits, adequate fluids and ample recovery foods. The MS Blues Marathon delivered in every way. This race, with its veteran organization, reminds me of Rocket City Marathon, one of the most professionally organized races out there, which is in its 31st year. As I was struggling in the final 5K, which is a challenging stretch, I was saying, "I don't think I'll run this course again." As I reflect back on the diverse and tactical aspect of the course, it leaves me intrigued. I can't wait till next year. What a JEWEL! Bring back the fig newtons.

Grannie Annie from the back of the pack here for the marathon. Yes, we really had all the amenities way in the back of the pack. Finished in 6:22, with a great head cold but a happy heart. The course has its up and downs (hills). Loved the uphill finish... yeah, and calling my name out as I came under finish banner. Orange cones are set the whole 26.2 miles. Traffic control was EXCELLENT. Expo: hi-tech. Blue guitar-front shirt is a keeper. The speaker (50 marathons/50 days) was very interesting. The CD was great. On the morning of the race, the blues guitar national anthem was very moving. Fans along the course the very BEST. Whoever led the team of volunteers should be commended - each one greeted runners, thanked us for coming and wished us well. Thank you; the guitar marathon medal was a nice touch. Thank you for doing this marathon right for the fast runners as well as us slowpokes.

Running the First Mississippi Blues Marathon was a great experience. The organizers did an outstanding job! The course was hilly and challenging! Surprise, surprise... Jackson IS NOT flat like a pancake! :) It's good sometimes to run challenging courses. There were a lot of friendly and helpful volunteers. There were not many fans, but those who were in the streets were very enthusiastic. The food and beverages after the race were A+. The packet include a nice technical long-sleeve shirt, blues sunglasses, etc., etc.

I also recommend this race to everyone. You will have fun in Mississippi!

The only recommendation... increase the number of the porta-potties available for the runners.

The course was challenging, but the support and spectators made it so much fun. The host hotel and all the volunteers did an awesome job. Everything from the packet pick up to the finish line was very well organized and enthusiastic. The only thing I could ask for next year is more porta-toilets at the start and throughout the course. Thank you, Jackson, for a great race. I'll see you again next year.

Well organized, friendly crowds, good support and traffic control, and a nice shirt! But just because it's Mississippi, don't expect a flat course. This is moderately challenging.

The course did have quite a few hills, and yes, the hill to the finish was brutal, but there were also plenty of declines and flat spots. The organization was A+ and the volunteers, traffic control and police, and the drivers who waited patiently for us to cross the streets were top-notch! Actually, the volunteers were the most cheerful and attentive that I have seen for some time. Good job to all! I will be back!!

Volunteers were fantastic. Everyone was very supportive and nice. Volunteers stood at every (or almost) intersection with stop signs for cross traffic, and some of the streets didn't seem like they had any traffic. Somewhere around mile 15 was a large of supports who were screaming loudly and cheering for every runner. They were so great; they put a smile on my face!

Packet pickup was easy except for one small complaint: packets were handed out at the back of the same room as the expo. You had to weave through people looking at products and standing around. It would have been nice to not have to say, "Excuse me" 10 times just to pick up the packet.

This was only my second marathon. My first was the Memphis St. Jude in December. I have run two 1/2 marathons: Maui and Midsouth in Wynne, AR. Each of those races was reasonably difficult. I thought this course was cruel. It starts off downhill. Miles 1-11 were hilly and challenging. (The half marathon split off around mile 11.) Miles 11-18 were relatively flat. Miles 18 to the finish line were mostly uphill. Some portions were downhill, but most of it was uphill. Having the hills in the beginning and the end was too much for me. Also, some of the roads were awful; they were in very poor condition. Camber was pretty bad on some roads. I ran outside of the cones, but no one seemed to care (unlike Memphis, where they yell at you to get back inside the cones).

The food after the race was delicious. However, I wasn't able to get any Gatorade because they were out of it. I saw several volunteers or family members eating. I don't care if they eat; I only care when they eat. Supporters should wait until most of the runners (marathoners) are done eating.

There were no pacers. No clocks throughout the course. Only split recorded was mile 13.1. Frequency of water stations was adequate, but a few more would have been nice. The finisher's medal is great - in the shape of the guitar. And they put a CD of blues artist in the packet which was nice.


I stayed with some friends, so I can't comment about the hotel. My comment to my hosts about the race was that it would was brutal and that it seems like it would be a great 1/2 marathon course because that distance is short enough that the level of challenge and difficulty seems reasonable. I will probably come back down for the 1/2 marathon but not the full. My overall experience was great. The people were superb.

Volunteers and spectators were outstanding. Very friendly and supportive. The group in front of BC/BS around mile 15-16 was really fun and motivating, cheering with their hats and glasses on. Good food and beer at the end and good music. Only thing I would change is to offer a late packet pickup on Saturday morning for those of us arriving late Friday night. (Luckily I found someone to pick up my packet for me.)

This was my first trip to Mississippi and, being a northerner from Ohio, I had some preconceived reservations.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of all locals: at hotels, restaurants, and especially the many enthusiastic volunteers at the race. I even had the chance to run with a native Mississippian for the first 19 miles. Where else can a Rebel and a Yankee enjoy each other's company for three hours. Got to love the camaraderie of marathon running!

I gave the course five stars because it has a nice flow of ups and downs with a teaser at the end. But, folks, compared to the Grandfather Mountain, these hills are tiny. Winding through all parts of Jackson, it gives runners a good look at southern living. Sorry, Mr. Southern California, but the traffic control was excellent and the camber of the roads was minimal. Except for a little congestion at the start, ample roadways! Good course!

The weather was ideal: high 40s at the start and high 50s at the end. A 10 mph wind, often in your face, did challenge even the Ethiopian who won.

I can offer only one small suggestion: that the gels (three stations) be handed out by two or three volunteers slightly ahead of those with the fluids.
Overall, it was a great exposure to Southern culture and I would be willing to say that if all Americans ran marathons, we'd all get along a lot better.