I was looking for a race in Mississippi for the 50 State Challenge and the Mississippi Coast looked the most organized. The race is not very big and the organizer waited until everyone had finished using the porta potties before starting the race (about 75 finishers for the marathon). You will probably never find another marathon for only $35.

The course is pancake flat and consists of 2 loops. On the 2nd loop, there were some unmanned water stops but there were plenty of filled cups for you to grab. You get to run around the John Stennis NASA facility but you don't get to see the rocket testing area (located in a more secure area that is accessible by a bus tour). There aren't any spectators except at the water stops so if you need throngs of crowds to keep you going, you are out of luck.

The medal is cheap but nicely decorated. The jambalaya was fantastic and a cold beer is always welcome. The bases's gym is open for you to shower and getting to the race is very easy.

It is not a top 5 course and there is no expo but the organization is worth 5 stars and if you love running just for running, I would recommend this race.

I would like to thank the race director, Leonard Vergunst, and all the volunteers for making me remember why I enjoy running in the first place. It has been 10 years since I first ran this race, and during that time I have ran all the majors. If you want a lot of spectators, and crowds, this race is not for you. If you want good friendly people, a truly fast runner's course, and a small marathon, this race is for you. Finally, the cost of the race is less than what I have paid for some 5k / 10k races and they didn't even have hot jambalaya.

This is an extremely well-organized race, and at a bargain price of $35. It's run entirely on the grounds of the Stennis Space Center - so don't expect cheering crowds. But it's a great and super-flat course, with a timely awards ceremony. Perfect for a PR.

This was a great race. I am going to recommend it to several running magazines as a best value. Where else can you pay $35 dollars the day of the race and get a well staffed race? I ran 4:55 and that was a PR. There were very limited numbers spectators, but are you really doing it for them? The course wasn't super eventful, but it was broken up very nicely, I thought. Again, I recommend this as a hidden gem and the best value for a non-expert runner wanting a PR. Super fast and flat. And there were gel and bananas, and aid stations were plentiful.

Good, flat course; great aid stations (well equipped); great food and drinks afterward.

It's so small that there is no problem with not having chip timing. The course is flat and the aid stations were well spaced and stocked. Bananas available at 17 and 22 miles were a nice plus. It was a little lonely after the half marathon course split, but with long, straight stretches and few sharp turns, it is fast. Well organized and efficient volunteers. Ice cold beer and hot food choices at the finish were a nice touch for a small race. Not many supporters on the course but the volunteers were doing double duty by cheering and providing aid. It's also unique in that the race director runs the race (and wins!!). Easy access from Interstate 10 makes it easy to find. A terrific bargain for $35!!

You can't beat the super-cheap entry fee or the totally-flat-as-a-pancake course, but the uninformed volunteers, poorly marked course, total lack of spectators, and very dull route will dissuade me from future attempts. Despite the fact that this was a PR for me, I was bored throughout (there were exactly zero spectators and the scenery is only interesting if you like rows of identical pine trees lining highways) and disappointed in course support. The Gatorade had been watered down and there were no gels (one was promised); and the volunteers didn't even bother to stop chatting to hand you a cup of water - it was self-serve. I finished near the top, but runners who were over 4 hours told me that at that point the stations were abandoned. I like this little running club and it's nice to have a race small enough to medal in, but I think it needs more planning and effort. I'd pay $10 more for real Gatorade and a few gels; I'd pay $20 more to move the course to an attractive area (hello, we're on the beach!) that allows spectators.

I ran the half since I had just run my first full marathon 6 weeks prior. I grew up in the area and know that there are so many more beautiful places to run than Stennis that probably would attract more spectators. Casual atmosphere was great and much appreciated as I was in town for a funeral and wanted to run just for the therapy of it. The post-race food was fantastic. The biggest disappointment was that the beautiful finisher's medal had the word "marathon" misspelled!

I really enjoyed this race. I was very apprehensive, as it was my first marathon. The overall experience was good.

1. There was a delay at the gate to get into Stennis. I was worried about a late start.
2. I drove around looking for the starting point. I had to get directions after passing the correct turn. A big sign pointing you in the right direction to start the race would be helpful in the future.
3. Fan appreciation was not present because there weren't any.
4. The double-loop was not a problem, but there was absolutely nothing worth seeing on the run - just a bunch of vacant or deserted buildings. This is where some fans or entertainment would have been appreciated.
5. There were very limited port-o-lets on the course and the few at the starting location were a long distance away.
6. The race price was very inexpensive and well worth the 4-and-a-half-hour drive.
7. The welcome station was conveniently located and the race director was very helpful.
8. The finishing medal was very nice, and the long-sleeved shirt was decent, but liked how it matched the design of the medal.
9. Aid stations on the course were spaced well and the people were supportive.
10. This was a small race, which I really liked because it was my first.
11. There was nothing so great that would make me do this race again, but I'm glad to have had the experience.

Where else can you go and pay 40 bucks on the day of the race, have a great course to run on, and get a laid back atmosphere? The weather was great and the size of the marathon was perfect. I love the look of the shirt and finisher's medal. It was very cool to see the race director run and win his own marathon.