As most marathoners, we were looking for the 10-day cold snap to break the day before the race. Instead, with a 17 F start, the race started off with a warm sun and no breeze to speak of... so the first 5-6 miles went well (the year before, some of the local racers told me the start temp was in the mid-70's - so the "average" of 47 F for Jackson in mid-January, makes sense... just watch out for the standard deviation).

It clouded up and a breeze kicked in around mile 8 and for the next 15 miles - so the sweat started to solidify.

BUT, I can't adequately describe how friendly the race monitors and traffic police were! - the best effort of my 25+ marathons. Every intersection was staffed by a volunteer who greeted you and thanked you for coming!! (I wouldn't have blamed them for being home in a warm bed!)

The course route was above average for a metro run and the traffic control was superb! Rest stops were well spaced and staffed (brrr, it was cold for them) - but they made you feel welcome and special). The Marriott, a few blocks from the start/finish, accommodated the marathon runners and allowed for late post-race departures.

I'd recommend this race to anyone. Nice JOB, BCBS of Mississippi and the Mississippi Track Club!

Wonderful event despite temps in the single digits with the wind chill. Layering worked well for this So Cal native. Enthusiastic welcoming volunteers and spectators showed their true southern hospitality in such adverse weather conditions. Great expo with wonderful music, best swag (guitar medal, blues tee-shirt, engraved harmonica) and deals on apparel of any marathon I've been to. Loved exploring the delta blues towns and Civil War sites (Vicksburg) nearby. Intimidating hills last five miles. Thanks, Mississippi.

I didn't notice the hills, but I think that may be because I was freezing my butt off. I had my worst marathon clock time ever, but an awesome time on the course. All the volunteers and police were great. Only 2 bands showed. Jackson State University drum corps, you rock! This would have been an exceptional marathon if it were 50 degrees, like it usually is. Do not stay at the Roberts-Walthall. Very bad experience.

Absolutely the most friendly support people and spectators along the route. I was thanked at every crossing by the volunteers and police. Great finisher's medal. Challenging course, but beautiful.

Course is pretty good; it's a typical southern Midwest marathon. You see some beautiful neighborhoods, they do their best to avoid uninteresting transitions, and there are enough hills to make you wish you trained for more hills!

The race is very well organized. The staff was ready for the challenge this year with the weather and pulled it off spectacularly.

I backed off a little this year because the cold and the hills totally demotivated me, but I really enjoyed this experience. Not my best finish time, but a very positive experience!

Unfortunately, there were not many bands out there on this very cold day, but I think that may have been more due to the weather.

What a wonderful experience. First off, I'm from Minnesota so I'm used to the cold temps. However, even I don't usually run outside when the temps go below 20! Despite the weather, I had an all-out blast. The volunteer support was outstanding. Everyone kept thanking me for coming out - I loved that. We stayed at the host hotel, which was very accommodating of us runners and so close to the start/finish line. The start was really cool, with the Jumbo-tron and the soldier countdown and the national anthem. The only issue I had here was the runners' starting gate. It was a little confusing, but fortunately I was towards the front. I enjoyed the hills on the course. I had been training for them, and I got my PR that day!! The police did an outstanding job of patrolling the course. I've never seen so many officers on a course before. It made me feel very safe. The finish line area was good as well, with plenty of food and music (and heated tents!). Thanks so much for making my trip to your state a very memorable one!

This was my 8th marathon. I don't have many complaints about the Blues Marathon, but I do have a couple. I do think it's a bit pricey. My MAJOR complaint is that, when I did finally finish the marathon - which took me an hour longer than my average marathon time - I had spent 5 hours out there running in 17-degree snow flurries. I walked into the food tent to see the LAST 4 slices of pizza being carried away by a volunteer who didn't even run. I watched as they moved the table back and carried the empty boxes away. All that was left was COLD ham and cheese and plain bagels. I CANNOT understand how, if 600 people out of the 2,000 who signed up didn't even show up to run, they could possibly RUN OUT of pizza!!!

The course was challenging, as advertised - generally picturesque running through neighborhoods, but there is a somewhat unpleasant out-and-back on the side of a highway.

The volunteers and fans were amazing, especially considering that standing and handing out semi-frozen cups of water and Gatorade in sub-freezing temps couldn't have been comfy. They did what they could to minimize ice from dropped water cups on the course that froze over - never saw that before! Volunteers and course marshals were all friendly, positive, and welcoming - they even thanked us for running!

I don't think I ever saw a split clock at any of the mile markers, so be forewarned if that matters to you.

As mentioned elsewhere, the post-race food and warm tent were wonderful (until stepping out into the cold!). The medal, tee, and harmonica were all fun and different "swag."

But the best "swag" was the post-race party - designed as a "Blues crawl." A trolley picked us up from the Marriott and ran a loop that took us to several different Blues clubs for live music and fun. No cost for the ride or any club covers - we had a great time and met a lot of other fun marathoners. I loved it!

The only downside to downtown was the relative lack of nearby (walkable) open businesses on weekends - restaurants, shops, etc. One find: Hal and Mal's was worth the walk and getting lost for; consider getting a car. The old capitol building/museum was walkable, as was the art museum.

The Marriott was great. They had fruit and coffee out before the race, and coffee/hot chocolate out after.
Oh - and there was a live Blues band at the expo, too! Awesome!

Other than the hills and cold (won't hold Jackson responsible for either), it was a great marathon experience - small, friendly, and fun.

This was my 10th half marathon and my second Blues Half, and the more I think about it, I believe it is my favorite race experience. Last year's race was way hot, so I tip my hat to organizers who had to do a near 180 to keep us all comfortable in 17-degree weather.

I stayed at the Roberts Walthall Hotel just two blocks from the start, and the staff went out of their way to accommodate our needs. I was even asked what they should put out for breakfast and when runners would want to eat! As for the shirt being cotton, that's what they gave us at Grandma's in Duluth, MN, three years ago, so I didn't mind. My favorite tune on the CD is "Hip Shakin' Woman."

Can't wait for next year's event!

As a Jackson area resident, I've had the privilege of running in all 3 Blues Marathons. For the most part, they just keep getting better and better. Finisher's medal was the best version yet. The slightly altered course was still challenging but fair. The cold was well managed, with heaters, tents, and warmer post-race food options. The addition of miniature sports-topped water bottles was FANTASTIC for those of us who were wondering how to get fluids without soaking our gloves! As a no-frills kind of guy, I would be willing to trade the swanky packet pick-up bag, cotton shirt, harmonica, and CD for a technical shirt and lower entry fee.

Nice job, BC/BS.... I'll be an early bird registrant for next year's 4th installation of this event!!