Marathon Details - Mississippi River Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MS > Greenville > Mississippi River Marathon

Mississippi River Marathon & Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay

Greenville, MS USA

February 3, 2024

http://www.msrivermarathon.com

More Info:	News
Results:	2024 \| 2023 \| 2021 \| 2020 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	John Conner
Address:	PO Box 5337 Greenville, MS 38701
Phone Number:	501-650-3400
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.9

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 66 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

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

P. W. from AR (2/10/2023) "Right-sized marathon with flawless organization" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want an event where the race directors personally let you know and show you they are glad you are there, this is it! If you want to be an entry fee and just another face in the crowd, look elsewhere. Every aspect of race logistics was executed flawlessly, including pre-race communication, packet pick-up, starting line transportation, ample portapotties, well-stocked aid stations with friendly volunteers every mile, well-marked point-to-point course with good traffic control, post-race food, and awards. This was my 25th marathon, and I have high standards. They were met or exceeded in every way by the MS River Marathon.
M. B. from Ellicott City, Maryland (2/27/2021) "AMAZING Experience in Mississippi!" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A race is as good as the Race Director. John Connor is a fantastic RD, and, therefore, this marathon was one of the best I have ever experienced. I drove down from Maryland and arrived late the night before the race. I love that I was able to grab my packet that night, and it was really cool that John Conner was there when I checked in. He heard me say my name and he came over to introduce himself, as we had emailed back and forth a few times over the previous weeks (he was always quick to respond and to reassure that the race would go on, despite COVID...and indeed it was a very SAFE race). Anyway he said hello and then even helped me find a last-minute hotel room when my previous AirBnB plans fell through unexpectedly. Also, John was right there at the finish line to hand me my medal. The race was extremely well organized. The volunteers were top notch and couldn't have been more friendly. The bridge crossing was the highlight of the course. The course was nothing to get overly excited about, but you know that fact coming in, so no surprise there. After the race there was beer, pizza, and hot tamales, just to name a few items. I highly recommend this race because it was one of best-organized events I have ever done. Parking was a breeze. The people were amazing. Run this race and you will not be disappointed.
J. J. from Jackson, MS (2/8/2021) "Wonderfully organized and friendly small race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Mississippi River Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is one of the best small races I have ever run (I have now run this race several years and it is only better). This is a wonderful race if you like small races (<200 marathoners) and as long as you don't need lots of crowd support or world class scenery. But if you want friendly people, perfect organization, honesty, lots or great food, a fast course, and just a good time, then this is for you. Organization: Very friendly race director and volunteers. They made this race come off perfectly even with COVID restrictions. Well maintained aid stations which were very frequent (nearly every mile). Ample porta-potties, and three stations with Gu. Post race food was delicious, local, and plentiful. Course: A flat course other than the bridge over the Mississippi River. Race starts in Lake Village, AR which is a small, but friendly town with some (not much) crowd support for the first few miles. For several miles before and after the bridge you are on the side of a road which has two lanes blocked (ample room and plenty of police), but there is traffic in the other lanes. This part is not very scenic. Then the last few miles are through some very nice residential areas of Greenville, then ends downtown. The bridge itself is beautiful. As you are surrounded by mostly farmland, it can be windy. OK, if you want a really interesting and scenic race, don't do this one. If you want to just zone out and run your own race on an easy course, then this is perfect. Crowd/spectators: OK, I shouldn't use the word 'crowd.' There are some residents and spectators both for the first few miles and the last few, but none really in between (for 15 miles or so). There are aid stations with very friendly and helpful volunteers, but there really are no spectators. But what do you expect for a race this size. There are also no lines for anything and you are treated like an individual. And hey, I just set a PR, so there is that. This is definitely a PR type of race.
L. F. from OH (3/8/2019) "Small, very well organized race" (about: 2019) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is a real gem - the level of organization is impressive, especially for such a small race. Amazing local support along the course (especially given that it was cold out this year) and the town of Greenville shows this race some real love. The course runs from Arkansas into Mississippi and while it's not the most exciting course visually, it does have a real local flavor.
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (2/21/2019) "Excellent Race-The one to do in Mississippi" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Everything from the expo to the finish line was a "gold bar" standard. I do not know how they were able to provide such great support for a small race. I was in awe with the number of rest stops (24) with port-a -pots on the course. I have done 20 marathons and have never seen that before! Plus, 3 Gu Shot areas was very helpful .Being able to stay on busses until the start of the race was a blessing! Finally, the volunteers and police were friendly and all of the road crossings were supervised. Very safe race! I thought the shirt was also excellent, first time I received a shirt with a zipped pocket! Great medal and food at the end. The timing system was also excellent and we were able to get our awards immediately following the race. The only area I would try to improve upon is the course, too much 4 lane highway. I am sure they have limitations in this area. The bridge and parts of the course that were about 20 yards from the Mississippi River were excellent! I did this race to get Mississippi in for my 50 state quest. Very glad i did and would encourage anyone to make the extra effort to get to Greenville to do this race. Plenty of fine restaurants in town to celebrate after the race!
J. J. from Jackson, MS (2/17/2019) "Great small race" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Mississippi River Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Every one is incredibly friendly, very well organized. I personally love this race. Yes, it is small, there are minimal spectators, but I am fine with this. It is flat. This year's race was very windy and so most fell off their planned pace, but can't blame that on the race. It is point to point, with some good food and welcoming people at the end. There is a fairly long straight stretch through a highway with crop fields on either side which is not interesting at all, but otherwise, you run through a nice tiny town (Lake Village, AR), then over a beautiful bridge over the Mississippi River, then the boring field, but finally through a couple very nice neighborhoods and into downtown Greenville.
D. W. from MO (2/12/2019) "Great small town marathon" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This the first time I ran this event. This event was very well organized. Emails kept us continually informed of things coming up and where to go. The packet pickup was small, but extremely well setup and efficient. Nice to have packet pickup near the start/finish area. Plenty of parking near the start/finish. The buses that shuttled participants to the start were expertly coordinated and got us to the start with ample time to warm up (yeah, in the crazy 30 degree cold and 16-20 mph wind), and they even allowed us to sit on the buses until just before the start. The course was very well marked at each mile, with very few turns. The bridge was fun. The wind was something I really wasn't prepared for; mostly, because I suffered an eye injury from the sand blowing on the bridge, but all is good now. The course is not very scenic, but who really stops to admire the scenery during a marathon (other than me in Anchorage). Aid station volunteers, police and fire departments were fantastic and enthusiastic. Have to say that the water in AR, was not that great. And, there were not many people lining the roads. It would be hard to pick the best aid station crew from so many good ones. At the finish, it was nice to meet the Race Directors and then be shuttled to the warmth inside a building. Great Job to the Race Directors, sponsor and volunteers. I've run 20 marathons, and have to honestly say that this is in my top two of best marathons. I don't normally run the same marathon twice, but I just might have to run this one again.
R. d. from PA (2/25/2018) "Well organized - awesome run over the Mississippi" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ran this race as my Mississippi race in my goal to complete all states east of the Mississippi River. Super volunteers and organization. Lots of water stops staffed by enthusiastic volunteers - they stayed around even for late finishers like me. Race Director John Conner and his staff of volunteers are very dedicated to all runners having a great experience. Very few spectators. Point to point race format is great and it's really unique to be able to run over the Mississippi River.
C. B. from MI (2/25/2018) "Amazing Organization, Boring Course" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I couldn't believe how well-done this race was. Not a hitch with packet pick-up, aid stations, shuttles, or finish area, and great shirt and medal. The course was... probably the best they could do given the area. I would have enjoyed the bridge more if not for the fog and rain making it hard to see, but I was happy for perfect temps, even if it was pouring. I wouldn't do it again just because I don't like the area, but I don't think I've ever run a better-organized marathon.
K. B. from Alexandria, VA (2/17/2018) "WELL ORGANIZED AND FLAT RACE" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 1) You will not find a more engaged and organized race director. I saw him everywhere. He was at packet pickup, the starting line holding an umbrella over runners, at an aid station, at the finish, giving interviews on the local news.... incredibly easy to run this race as a result. 2) You will not find more gracious and welcoming people ... I was treated like an honored guest. Greenville has some challenges, hence the fact this race raises money for Teach for America, an amazing program. The RD says it brings a lot of economic development to the town. It's worth your time and effort to visit. 3) This course is easy, though I struggled with the rain. Thankfully, the temperature was high enough that hypothermia was not a factor. As some have mentioned, the first six miles and the last six miles are more scenic, with the middle 14 along a four lane highway. The passing 18 wheelers were annoying on such a wet day. 4) There are aid stations and porta-potties almost every single mile. GU offered at three aid stations. Absolutely superb support, and that hospitality from local volunteers is showcased. Police and other course marshals were incredibly supportive. This is a wonderful race. If you are looking for a race in MS or AR, this is a great one!!

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

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P. W. from AR (2/10/2023) "Right-sized marathon with flawless organization" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want an event where the race directors personally let you know and show you they are glad you are there, this is it! If you want to be an entry fee and just another face in the crowd, look elsewhere. Every aspect of race logistics was executed flawlessly, including pre-race communication, packet pick-up, starting line transportation, ample portapotties, well-stocked aid stations with friendly volunteers every mile, well-marked point-to-point course with good traffic control, post-race food, and awards. This was my 25th marathon, and I have high standards. They were met or exceeded in every way by the MS River Marathon.
M. B. from Ellicott City, Maryland (2/27/2021) "AMAZING Experience in Mississippi!" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A race is as good as the Race Director. John Connor is a fantastic RD, and, therefore, this marathon was one of the best I have ever experienced. I drove down from Maryland and arrived late the night before the race. I love that I was able to grab my packet that night, and it was really cool that John Conner was there when I checked in. He heard me say my name and he came over to introduce himself, as we had emailed back and forth a few times over the previous weeks (he was always quick to respond and to reassure that the race would go on, despite COVID...and indeed it was a very SAFE race). Anyway he said hello and then even helped me find a last-minute hotel room when my previous AirBnB plans fell through unexpectedly. Also, John was right there at the finish line to hand me my medal. The race was extremely well organized. The volunteers were top notch and couldn't have been more friendly. The bridge crossing was the highlight of the course. The course was nothing to get overly excited about, but you know that fact coming in, so no surprise there. After the race there was beer, pizza, and hot tamales, just to name a few items. I highly recommend this race because it was one of best-organized events I have ever done. Parking was a breeze. The people were amazing. Run this race and you will not be disappointed.
J. J. from Jackson, MS (2/8/2021) "Wonderfully organized and friendly small race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Mississippi River Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is one of the best small races I have ever run (I have now run this race several years and it is only better). This is a wonderful race if you like small races (<200 marathoners) and as long as you don't need lots of crowd support or world class scenery. But if you want friendly people, perfect organization, honesty, lots or great food, a fast course, and just a good time, then this is for you. Organization: Very friendly race director and volunteers. They made this race come off perfectly even with COVID restrictions. Well maintained aid stations which were very frequent (nearly every mile). Ample porta-potties, and three stations with Gu. Post race food was delicious, local, and plentiful. Course: A flat course other than the bridge over the Mississippi River. Race starts in Lake Village, AR which is a small, but friendly town with some (not much) crowd support for the first few miles. For several miles before and after the bridge you are on the side of a road which has two lanes blocked (ample room and plenty of police), but there is traffic in the other lanes. This part is not very scenic. Then the last few miles are through some very nice residential areas of Greenville, then ends downtown. The bridge itself is beautiful. As you are surrounded by mostly farmland, it can be windy. OK, if you want a really interesting and scenic race, don't do this one. If you want to just zone out and run your own race on an easy course, then this is perfect. Crowd/spectators: OK, I shouldn't use the word 'crowd.' There are some residents and spectators both for the first few miles and the last few, but none really in between (for 15 miles or so). There are aid stations with very friendly and helpful volunteers, but there really are no spectators. But what do you expect for a race this size. There are also no lines for anything and you are treated like an individual. And hey, I just set a PR, so there is that. This is definitely a PR type of race.
L. F. from OH (3/8/2019) "Small, very well organized race" (about: 2019) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is a real gem - the level of organization is impressive, especially for such a small race. Amazing local support along the course (especially given that it was cold out this year) and the town of Greenville shows this race some real love. The course runs from Arkansas into Mississippi and while it's not the most exciting course visually, it does have a real local flavor.
J. G. from Williamsburg, Virginia (2/21/2019) "Excellent Race-The one to do in Mississippi" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Everything from the expo to the finish line was a "gold bar" standard. I do not know how they were able to provide such great support for a small race. I was in awe with the number of rest stops (24) with port-a -pots on the course. I have done 20 marathons and have never seen that before! Plus, 3 Gu Shot areas was very helpful .Being able to stay on busses until the start of the race was a blessing! Finally, the volunteers and police were friendly and all of the road crossings were supervised. Very safe race! I thought the shirt was also excellent, first time I received a shirt with a zipped pocket! Great medal and food at the end. The timing system was also excellent and we were able to get our awards immediately following the race. The only area I would try to improve upon is the course, too much 4 lane highway. I am sure they have limitations in this area. The bridge and parts of the course that were about 20 yards from the Mississippi River were excellent! I did this race to get Mississippi in for my 50 state quest. Very glad i did and would encourage anyone to make the extra effort to get to Greenville to do this race. Plenty of fine restaurants in town to celebrate after the race!
J. J. from Jackson, MS (2/17/2019) "Great small race" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Mississippi River Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Every one is incredibly friendly, very well organized. I personally love this race. Yes, it is small, there are minimal spectators, but I am fine with this. It is flat. This year's race was very windy and so most fell off their planned pace, but can't blame that on the race. It is point to point, with some good food and welcoming people at the end. There is a fairly long straight stretch through a highway with crop fields on either side which is not interesting at all, but otherwise, you run through a nice tiny town (Lake Village, AR), then over a beautiful bridge over the Mississippi River, then the boring field, but finally through a couple very nice neighborhoods and into downtown Greenville.
D. W. from MO (2/12/2019) "Great small town marathon" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This the first time I ran this event. This event was very well organized. Emails kept us continually informed of things coming up and where to go. The packet pickup was small, but extremely well setup and efficient. Nice to have packet pickup near the start/finish area. Plenty of parking near the start/finish. The buses that shuttled participants to the start were expertly coordinated and got us to the start with ample time to warm up (yeah, in the crazy 30 degree cold and 16-20 mph wind), and they even allowed us to sit on the buses until just before the start. The course was very well marked at each mile, with very few turns. The bridge was fun. The wind was something I really wasn't prepared for; mostly, because I suffered an eye injury from the sand blowing on the bridge, but all is good now. The course is not very scenic, but who really stops to admire the scenery during a marathon (other than me in Anchorage). Aid station volunteers, police and fire departments were fantastic and enthusiastic. Have to say that the water in AR, was not that great. And, there were not many people lining the roads. It would be hard to pick the best aid station crew from so many good ones. At the finish, it was nice to meet the Race Directors and then be shuttled to the warmth inside a building. Great Job to the Race Directors, sponsor and volunteers. I've run 20 marathons, and have to honestly say that this is in my top two of best marathons. I don't normally run the same marathon twice, but I just might have to run this one again.
R. d. from PA (2/25/2018) "Well organized - awesome run over the Mississippi" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ran this race as my Mississippi race in my goal to complete all states east of the Mississippi River. Super volunteers and organization. Lots of water stops staffed by enthusiastic volunteers - they stayed around even for late finishers like me. Race Director John Conner and his staff of volunteers are very dedicated to all runners having a great experience. Very few spectators. Point to point race format is great and it's really unique to be able to run over the Mississippi River.
C. B. from MI (2/25/2018) "Amazing Organization, Boring Course" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I couldn't believe how well-done this race was. Not a hitch with packet pick-up, aid stations, shuttles, or finish area, and great shirt and medal. The course was... probably the best they could do given the area. I would have enjoyed the bridge more if not for the fog and rain making it hard to see, but I was happy for perfect temps, even if it was pouring. I wouldn't do it again just because I don't like the area, but I don't think I've ever run a better-organized marathon.
K. B. from Alexandria, VA (2/17/2018) "WELL ORGANIZED AND FLAT RACE" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mississippi River Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 1) You will not find a more engaged and organized race director. I saw him everywhere. He was at packet pickup, the starting line holding an umbrella over runners, at an aid station, at the finish, giving interviews on the local news.... incredibly easy to run this race as a result. 2) You will not find more gracious and welcoming people ... I was treated like an honored guest. Greenville has some challenges, hence the fact this race raises money for Teach for America, an amazing program. The RD says it brings a lot of economic development to the town. It's worth your time and effort to visit. 3) This course is easy, though I struggled with the rain. Thankfully, the temperature was high enough that hypothermia was not a factor. As some have mentioned, the first six miles and the last six miles are more scenic, with the middle 14 along a four lane highway. The passing 18 wheelers were annoying on such a wet day. 4) There are aid stations and porta-potties almost every single mile. GU offered at three aid stations. Absolutely superb support, and that hospitality from local volunteers is showcased. Police and other course marshals were incredibly supportive. This is a wonderful race. If you are looking for a race in MS or AR, this is a great one!!

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Marathon Details - Mississippi River Marathon