All the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. There were nice amenities including medals, t-shirts, showers, massages and a post-race luncheon. Course support is a little on the no-frills side. Sports drink and water only - no gel or other solid fuel. The course is marked with arrows drawn on the road and there are not enough volunteers to work every turn, so you have to pay attention or you could easily miss a turn. They had officers stationed at a few major intersections, which helped a lot. There were very few spectators, but there were probably fewer than 100 runners, so you wouldn't expect many.

This was my first half-marathon and I found it very challenging (which is what I needed!). The organizers were very friendly and the small-town atmosphere contributed to a enjoyable experience. I found the course to be very nice as it was mainly rural and on quiet residential streets. The motorists were very accommodating and the volunteers/spectators went out of there way to encourage and motivate! Finding the location was a little difficult as no signage was posted to assist in the registration location. At one point I almost got lost on the course as I was running alone; if I did not carry the provided map, I would surely have taken a wrong turn. Of course, it is always best to review the route before running and I know this now! I look forward to working toward my marathon goal and am glad Jackson was a step toward that day. I have no doubt that I will return to run a full marathon at such a charming event! (Thanks to the on-route fans! They kept us moving!)

This race has been around a long time, and that is because of the small group who work so hard to make it happen. It is not a big city run. There is no expo and no big hoopla. It is just country running at its best. The people are wonderful and helpful as best they can be. The weather this year was really hot, but that can not be helped. Next year it may be cold. I'll be back regardless.

Well organized, very friendly race. Spectators ranked so low only because there aren't any. Course was pretty, residential and rural. Very small field spreads out quickly so you're likely to spend some time on your own, but course very well marked and I felt secure - except for short section where there isn't much room for us on the road. Cars were good about moving for us, which is a good thing because there's minimal traffic control. First half moderately hilly, probably not a great race for first-timers, especially with the absence of a crowd. Understated but nice shirt. Medal is pedestrian at best.

This is a fun, small-town race. Low entry fee, nice awards and friendly atmosphere.

If you don't want the crowds of the big races and don't mind running a couple miles by yourself, this is a good race for you.

Jackson is a great host city with not many running supporters. Local 5K and 10K runs are lucky to get 50-60 runners. Three hour marathon runners should come to this race if you have always wanted a chance to win one. The co-winners this year were just a few seconds off 3 hours. Good looking guys who decided to finish together to honor Jesus Christ, very touching move on their part. Race could use more support and more runners in the future.

I highly recommend the host hotel (Jameson Inn) as it was very nice and convenient. This was my 3rd time running the Andrew Jackson Marathon and it definitely won't be my last. Probably the friendliest people in the world. The course needs to be marked better. I ran alone for the entire 26.2 miles but didn't mind (that's how I train). Post-race food was sufficient. Overall, I really enjoyed it.

#19 State, #23 Marathon/ultra
This is a very small race that is in it's 32nd year. If you want big medals, big crowds, go to another race.

This race has the small-town charm w/ friendly people and a challenging (rolling hills, very limited shade) scenic course. The few volunteers that lined the course were very helpful - you would see them working the H20 stops at various stops along the course. The cost is minimal ($30), which benefits Prevention of Child Abuse; however, please present either a nicer medal or better race shirt, as both were low-budget and unimpressive.

The post-race food was very good. This race is small - I won my age group w/ a 3:22. Nice trophy, and where else can I 'win' my age group with that time!
The 2004 course was changed to the old course due to a bridge out. It would have been nice to know this prior to the race start. After talking w/ other runners who have run both courses, I say keep the old course. This may be harder to manage, however it is more runner friendly, letting runners see more of the area - and more importantly, featuring less traffic.

Overall Grade: B

I have watched this race several times and actually ran it in 2001. They did not have the race in 2002, from what I understand a lack of participation and local interest. Parts of the course is run on busy highways with no traffic control, which meant running in the ditch some of the time. Some of the water stops were not manned either. The awards ceremony was a big let-down, (here is your award, come again). The town did not even know there was a race going on. I think that when you look at the results and see very few runners from the area running it, you know why. I would scout out some other marathons first.

Well organized race by friendly people from the Jackson Roadrunners Club. Course was well marked, with plenty of people at turns.Most of race run through farmland on part rolling and part flat country roads.By no means the easiest course I have run, but not too hard for first timers etc.Good race for those looking for small town low cost race.