This was the most difficult marathon I've ever run (lots of hills) but I ran my best time - and I believe it was due to the wonderful course volunteers and spectators. They all greeted you - "thanking" you for being there. At mile 16, Blue Cross Blue Shield had at least 50 people out to cheer you on - it was like an injection of energy for me. They were wonderful. The hills were plentiful but they were relatively short - the roads were in poor shape at times but the spectators and volunteers made up for it. The race in itself was very organized and they had wonderful post-race activities to include great food, beer, and music immediately following the race. In addition, they had a great party that evening featuring the best of Mississippi Blues. Although a difficult race, the experience is very worthwhile.

Organizers and volunteers were amazing! I've never been thanked more for running a marathon. The Blue Cross spectators brought tears to our eyes as we ran through their unending line of support. One area of improvement that is a MUST: MORE PORTA-POTTIES! I think I only counted a total of 7 from start to finish. A second area of needed improvement is the race course. However I think once the City of Jackson realizes the revenue a big race can produce, they may be more cooperative in closing streets, etc....

What a wonderful race! These were the nicest bunch of volunteers ever. Weather was perfect, and lots of food and great entertainment at the finish. We went to Hal & Mal's for the post-race party that night and Super Chicken was awesome. Jackson, pat yourself on the back for a fabulous marathon weekend experience!!! Did I mention how nice all the volunteers were?

Ps. Maybe have a few more porta-potties, especially at the start.

Congratulations to the director, organizers, sponsors and volunteers in this excellent inaugural marathon. They did a wonderful job putting this race together and made it fun for the runners. There were many, many perks. There was great blues music along the course and especially at the stage behind the finish line. The race packet included a nice tech shirt, a CD of all-time great blues musicians, and drink tickets for a party at a blues bar Saturday evening after the race. The course was uh, hilly and challenging, just like the website said, but it went through interesting neighborhoods and gave the runners a nice tour of the city and outlying areas. The race logo was cool and used on banners and mile markers. The volunteers appeared to be well trained and they were all friendly and helpful, thanking all the runners for coming. Police protection was great. One of the most fun things about the race was at the turnaround - at the headquarters of the title sponsor, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi. Just as you were coming up to this point, you could see a large crowd of people cheering enthusiastically, and as you got closer, you could see they were all dressed in handsome black coats, pants, and black felt hats - the Blues Brothers? As you ran past, they clapped, cheered, raised their hats, and generally made you feel much more important than you really are. This was VERY cool.

There was also prize money, which attracted some very good national and international athletes.

My husband and I were certainly impressed with this entire event.

The spectators and the volunteers were among the best I have encountered.

I have never been to Mississippi but now I understand the term "Southern hospitality." Everyone from the taxi drivers, to the hotel employees, race organizers and volunteers was unbelievably helpful and friendly. Many of the runners were there to include MS in the 50 states, so the camaraderie among runners was amazing and made for one of the most interesting marathons ever for me. There was plenty of water/Gatorade on the course, and tons of volunteers controlling traffic. All along the way, locals came out of their houses throughout the various neighborhoods to cheer for the runners. Over and over, as I thanked folks for helping out, I heard in reply, "Thank you for coming here." The blues theme was a lot of fun, with blues bands scattered throughtout, and a whole group of folks dressed in blues costumes around mile 20 (?) and a blues band at the end. Wish I could have stayed for the blues party afterwards. I stayed at the host hotel and had a fabulous dinner at Shimmel's down the street. Awesome sales at the expo/packet pick-up. Thank you to the race organizers who put on a great first marathon and asked runners for feedback for improvement. Well done!

I enjoyed this marathon, and have the following comments:

(1) Thank you for the great, complementary trolley bus ride taking us to and from the start/finish area from the host hotel for our race day.

(2) The packet pick-up process at the expo should be revised in a way that creates numerous shorter lines and moves things along faster. [People coming in on their work lunch breaks should be allowed to jump to the front and get out quickly.]

(3) The host hotel didn't have a restaurant; and I found a place to eat pasta prior to the race, using my hotel room telephone book. [Please provide details, and discounts, for where to eat for carbo. loading meals, in the race packet provided at the expo., within walking distance, and for those who have a vehicle.]

(4) The provision for portable rest rooms at the start/finish, and along the race course, needs to revised to provide enough restrooms for the quantity (1000 plus) of runners and support. I only found one or two along the course, and I actually had missed one of those only to see it later from across the street.

(5) The finish area ran out of Gatorade bottles at the finish line for those who ran a 4-hour-plus marathon. (Please provide adequate replenishment drinks - not just beer - at the finish area for all runners.)

(6) The finish area had too many fans, visitors, and nonsupport people hanging out, eating the runner food, and generally getting in the way. (Please have volunteers to keep the finish area less crowded for the delirious runners, as they finish and try to find their way to the refreshments.)

(7) There were no volunteers at any of the mile markers calling out race times. I had a runner ask me what time it was so that he could determine his pace. (Please provide time-calling volunteers, at least at the 10K, half marathon, 30K, and 20 mile markers.)

(8) After mile 17, the asphalt roads were torn up, and uneven (presenting tripping and ankle hazards) for long stretches. (Please make runners aware of the road conditions on the course prior to them running the race course.)

(9) I recommend Sal & M. New York Style Pizza for great pasta, within walking distance of the host hotel, (Cabot Lodge-Millsaps).

(10) More folks are needed to yell and cheer along the race route, to help motivate the runners/walkers, especially in the last six miles.

The race course was well balanced in its variation of hills and flat sections.

The race day weather was perfect: 50F, cloudy, light wind.

Thanks again for a good inaugural race-day.

This is a small marathon with a very tough course. Only 5 miles of flat terrain with the remaining course composed of short but steep hills. The worst are the last 2 miles, which are all uphill to the finish. The few spectators that were on the course were very friendly and supportive. The course crossed 4 lanes of traffic several times, which was a bit scary. There was a play area for the young kids at the finish, which was a nice idea for anyone who has small children waiting for their parent to finish.

For an inaugural marathon this was a "top gun event" The volunteers were incredible, the staff was helpful and the city showed us its Southern charm. The few small glitches were: 1. the host hotel didn't allow a late check-out, which made for an inconvenient experience getting home to the hotel (not being able to enjoy the after-race activities), and get a shower and checked out by noon. 2. Also the roads had to be paid attention to, as there were a lot of potholes and uneven pavement. It was very accurate in being described as a challenging course!!!!! LOTS of hills. The shirt was great, the medal was awesome and unique, and the overall Mississippi experience was a lot of fun. Not all of us got to stay in state overnight, but I would have loved to attend the post-race party... I bet it was a blast.

Excellent job for an inaugural race! The volunteers were the best I have ever seen - plentiful and enthusiastic. Course was definitely a challenge; at the start we were warned of potholes, but it was mainly uneven road, so pay attention - it is easy to stumble. Hills in the beginning were not too bad; the middle stretch through Lakelands is boring, but understand we need to pass Blue Cross Blue Shield, the main sponsor. Besides, that crowd just before the turnaround can give Boston's Wellesly girls a run for their money - great support!

Hills from 22 to the finish, esp. 25-26, were really tough; but your website warned us and we were prepared. Do not lose them despite the complaints you may receive- they make for a challenging and memorable race.

Host hotel: The race committee needs to insist on late checkout for the runners. This is common and expected at most races, but Cabot would not budge. If they make that much money from the running community, they should accommodate us by giving us at least one more hour rather than charging us a half-day fee.

Lastly, the finish area was one of the best I have ever seen - more than enough food, great variety, great beer, great music.

Overall, there are many races who can learn a lesson from Jackson. Thanks to the entire committee and the volunteers. Good job!!!!