calendar icon May 8, 2024

Mississippi River Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Mississippi River Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 66 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

 

M. K. from Bolton, MS (2/12/2013)
"My First" (about: 2013)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This being my first marathon, I did not know what to expect. I don't see how it could have been any better. Very organized and well run. MS River Marathon exceeded any expectations I had. See you next year.
 

W. S. from Chicago (2/12/2013)
"Great organization w/ amazing volunteers." (about: 2013)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The quantity and quality of the support from the volunteers and the hospitality of the locals was incredible. We drove from Chicago and felt welcome every minute we were there. My brother ended up walking and jogging a portion of the race with his dog and the running community was fully supportive. Thanks so much for a great race!
 

Chad Whitten from Pearl, MS, USA (2/12/2013)
"First marathon, great experience" (about: 2013)

1 previous marathon | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon. I had run a couple of half-marathons in the past two years but never a full. Since this was a flat course, I decided to make it my first.
 

P. P. from Mississippi (2/12/2013)
"No eye candy, but well organized" (about: 2013)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I was super impressed by how well organized this race was for their first! Not a lot to look at along the course (not their fault), and an expected headwind, but great water stations, and a super after party and TONS of food and beer!! Roads and traffic were handled perfect! Bus to start went smooth. Had to stand in the freezing cold for over an hour before race start (maybe more bon fires needed next time). The pasta dinner supplied was a mess (the place could not handle volumn), but small issue than I am sure will improve next year. I did the full. Not much to the expo, but who cares really. Shirts and medals were nice! All in all, it was a fun day (had great friends to run with), and I would do it again! The town has a very rough feel to it, but at no time did any of us feel at any danger. The town really did a great job with that!! I learned an old forgotten lesson, 'Never judge a book by it's cover'!
 

S. H. from Ridgeland, Mississippi (2/12/2013)
"Completely positive race experience!" (about: 2013)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I could not believe this was an inaugural event. It was well organized with much attention to detail! I was concerned knowing runners boarded buses and were taken to the start line - how would this work with marathoners and half marathoners going to different starting points? I shouldn't have worried. Two lines of buses with volunteers giving directions about which bus to take (and a final check before each bus left the curb. Anyone on the wrong bus just wasn't paying attention!).

When the buses arrived at the start line, there were plenty of port-o-lets available along with a very organized gear check. A great perk: the buses remained parked but running - we were permitted to re-board and wait in the warm bus until race time! Very welcome when temperatures dipped into the low 30's! I ran the half marathon, so my start was at the Mississippi River bridge. Awesome to run across with the mighty river dancing below. I enjoyed the course and the course support.

I was surprised at the number of residents who came out in support of the runners. Lots of cheering, music and encouraging words! Police manning intersection along with volunteers were great - several thanked me for being there (I thanked them for getting out in the freezing weather to support this race and its runners). Water stations were appropriately spaced with one nutrition station (GU, gummies and bananas). The finish line was organized as well. Plenty of volunteers to pass out water, blankets and medals.

The post race food was terrific with a distinctly southern touch - Shipley's donuts, moon pies (no RC cola!), and Magnolia ice cream. Not to worry, there was also oranges, bananas, pretzels and pizza! Beer was also available free to the runners. The finishers medal captured the spirit of the half and full race. A nice surprise was the long sleeve tech shirt with logo. I have told my running friends all about this race and what a great experience I had. I'm certain this race will need to increase the number of runners allowed in 2014. This one is definitely a winner. I applaud the organizers and the city of Greenville for a great event!
 

J. M. from White Hall, Arkansas, USA (2/12/2013)
"Will defiantly be back! With friends!" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I am very impressed by how organized and well run everything was considering this was the first year! I couldn't stay for the party afterwards but everything sounded fun! Congratulations on a great race! Well done!
 

John Riggins from Little Rock, AR (2/11/2013)
"Incredibly well organized for an inaugural event." (about: 2013)

2 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The organizers handled some potentially tricky logistical issues very well. I ran the half and the pre-race and start were handled magnificently. The Teach for America participants and volunteers were great. The city of Greenville was very hospitable. Next year I'd like to see them spruce up vacant buildings on Washington Street (downtown G'ville). But other than that, no suggestions. I wouldn't be surprised if participation doubled next year. This will be a race elite and weekend runners will want on their schedule.
 

D. B. from Mississippi (2/11/2013)
"Great job on an inaugural race!" (about: 2013)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I am from Greenville, and I was so excited to have a race there! For a first time race, the organizers did a super job. The organization was great. There was plenty of food for all runners. I loved the medals and the dri fit shirts! It was also nice to be able to pick up packets for our friends as well as pick up packets the morning of the race. Many races do not allow you to pick up packets the morning of. The stretch on Highway 82 after the bridge was a bit boring. It would help to really pack in supporters on that stretch to make it better. I would also like to see a bigger 'expo', but that will come with more participants. Overall, great job, and I'm looking forward to participating next year. It can only get better.
 

Cindy Young from Ellisville, MS (2/11/2013)
"Overall a great experience!" (about: 2013)

3 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The only reason I rated Spectators at 3 stars is just due to number. And that's to be understood with this being the first year. But the spectators who turned out were FANTASTIC! I doubt they understand how much they add to a marathon (or, in my case, half-marathon) experience. I thought it was great! Cold, but great! I sure hope to be back next year!!! P.S. I wasn't sure how to answer some of these questions because I WALKED the half-marathon. Don't forget...some participants are walkers! :-)
 

Anthony Lowrey from Hamburg, Arkansas (2/11/2013)
"Awesome Race!!" (about: 2013)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Mississippi River Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is the most organized,well staffed,community supported race I have run! Definitely on my list to run again!
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]


Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser