Mississippi Coast Marathon - Race Reviews

This race was an old-school, simple race and a great way to check Mississippi off of my 50-state list. First, you can't beat the $35 entry fee. In exchange for the fee, you get the race entry, a race shirt, and the finisher medal (if you finish). The race shirt was a long-sleeved cotton shirt, which was a nice change from the typical tech shirt. (I won't wear it for running, but it makes a great shirt for relaxing on the weekend.) The finisher medal matched the logo on the shirt and referenced the Stennis NASA Space Center (including a couple of rockets). This race is low-key, no frills. The starting line was little more than a line on the road. All of the races (5-K, half-marathon, and full) start at the same time and run the same path for the first mile, so it's important to pace yourself. The course is pretty flat - a few minor 'humps,' especially in the last mile, but nothing too challenging. The half and full marathon share the course for the first 11.5 miles or so, and then the full splits off for a second loop. The scenery along the course is pretty - peaceful, coastal forest landscape. The course loops back on itself a few times, so you wind up seeing other racers several times along the course. There weren't many volunteers or spectators on the course, but those who were manning the water stops were enthusiastic. No fancy chip-timing, either - just an old fashioned tear tag & giant safety pin to track the finish order. The announcer called the finish times, and you posted your own results on a big bulletin board. They also offered access to a fitness center where you could grab a shower after the race. Post-race food was OK - fruit, cookies, pasta salad, and jambalaya. If I could change one thing, I would start the race earlier than 8 AM (or at least start the marathon earlier), although that might make the race timing a bit more complicated. The temperature was cold (upper 30s) at the start of our race, but it rose quickly, easily hitting 70 degrees over the next four+ hours. An earlier start might have made the last few miles a little cooler. If you're flying, the airport in New Orleans is about an hour away and offers better connections than Gulfport. I stayed in Slidell, LA, which is half-way between the airport and the race site. (Joe's Ristorante in Slidell had great pasta for carb loading the night before the race!)

Super well run marathon for $35. Race is essentially on a closed course and is very flat on good roads. Good race for PR seekers or 50 staters or if you are trying to getting another race in before the end of the year. Plenty of aid is offered by friendly volunteers. Weather could be warm if you are from the North. This year it was sunny 50/70. Medal was ok/shirt so so. Race has a hard 6 hour cut off so not ideal for walkers. Only complaint,it is on a NASA base but there was no fly over the start. This race is worth looking at!

My husband and I chose this marathon because it was a short enough drive to make it there and back in a weekend. It was well-organized, aid stations were REALLY well stocked, and the post-race celebration was quite fun (included beer, jambalaya, water, and soda). The course wasn't scenic, but it was closed, which made it easy to run a race. It's a small event, so there are few spectators, but I knew this going in. It was a hot day (75 when I finished). My only complaint about this event is something organizers really can't control - the heat. Maybe a 7am start would have helped, but then folks driving in would suffer. Overall, it was a fun event and we'd recommend it to friends. Also, it's only $35!

The Course is run on a military base. So drivers do not speed and you feel completely safe. The course is flat. It got hot this year later in the morning. Aid stations were well supplied and very helpful. There were not a lot of spectators, but those there were enthusiastic. You cannot pay less for a well run race. The race director did a great job. Showers available after the marathon. I would highly recommend this race.

This is probably the best value marathon in the USA. The entry fee was less than $40 if memory serves, and included all the essentials. It is a flat course with a few minor, mild climbs esp. in the last mile. Overall, two thumbs up, and a big thanks to Leonard the event director, and the other volunteers. A word of caution if you are attempting to PR or BQ: Since the race starts at 8 am, you will find no shade on the course after about 9:30. In the 2013 running, we had blazing sun & v. light wind so by mile 10 you could start to feel the heat. 60-65F will feel more like 80+F on this course if there is humidity & no breeze. However, if you get lucky with the weather, this event has the potential to be very fast.

I decided on this one for my MS state and it was a good choice. It's small (104 finishers), flat, friendly, low key, and easy to run. OK, so it's not the most stunning course you'll ever run, but it was totally flat, the road surfaces were fine, the streets were obviously plenty big enough for the field, even with a half and 5K, there were virtually no cars, the few intersections were easy to cross, the aid stations were all good, including GU handouts twice, it was a double loop so you knew what to expect, the mile markers were accurate, there was a clock on the course, and you could see who was ahead of you on a nice straightaway from around 18-20. We had good weather - 34 at start, warming to maybe 64, humid, light wind. Not that far from New Orleans airport (although I'm sure not many people fly in). Easy to park, use facilities, and meet afterward. They could use a few more port-a-pots and more food at the finish but these things cost money and there wasn't chip timing so I can appreciate budgetary constraints, especially with the amazingly low $30.00 registration fee. Thanks to the Leonard and running club for organizing this - you did a fine job.

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.

This was my first marathon, and after doing all of my training runs solo, I was very happy with the experience of running my first marathon near my home town. The race was well organized and the volunteers were very friendly. The weather was perfect and I finished in 4:36. Hats off to Leonard and all who organized, volunteered in and staffed a great race! I would highly recommend this race to anyone interested in running a marathon.

I really enjoyed this race. It had a flat course that is PR friendly, although the PR eluded me today. What a unique opportunity to run (actually I race-walked) past NASA rockets, rocket boosters, aircraft, etc. And my family was able to drive to various places around the course to offer support. Really had a great time! I finished in a little over 5 hours and the food was all gone by then, so that was a bit disappointing. And I know there were still several runners who finished after me. So, several didn't get to eat any of the anticipated jambalaya. But I would still do this race again. The weather was perfect as well.

I stumbled across this race trying to fill another state in November. I am glad I did. This is a no-frills marathon, so I am glad that I came prepared. There was no expo (fortunately I planned ahead an brought backup GU). Packet pickup was held at the MS Welcome Station a few miles from the event. The course was a double-loop course that ran around the John Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, MS. With the exception of a couple of rolling hills within a mile of the start/finish, it was flat as a pancake. The start included the half-marathon and 5K, so there were probably 500 people. With only 109 finishers in the marathon, I would estimate that there were probably 130 starters. It was easily the smallest marathon I have run, and for the last half of the race, there were more times than not where the person in front of me and the person behind me were more than a minute away. You better enjoy solitude - which I did with a great playlist on my permitted iPod. Aid stations were every two miles and had water, Gatorade and fruit. The volunteers were very friendly and supportive. Outside of the volunteers, I don't remember seeing a sole on the course, so you better not need to feed off the crowd. The long-sleeve cotton T-shirt wasn't bad, and the finisher's medal was well done. This was my 17th marathon and I had a PR by 13 minutes, so it is hard to find many complaints. The three minor complaints that I had were (which is why I gave organization 4 stars instead of 5): 1) There needed to be a couple more volunteers to make sure you stayed on course (or at least a better marker). With runners so spread out, on the second loop I missed a turn and added an extra quarter-mile adding 2.5 extra minutes to my time. 2) Because they provided gun time only, and the 5K runners and half-marathoners were in the race too, we had to absorb the extra 20 or 30 seconds it took to get to the starting line. 3) Probably the biggest complaint is that they ran out of food at the finish. After running a marathon, you definitely are hungry. The runner that finished five positions ahead of me got the great jambalaya, but I didn't. There was one beer left, which I quickly snarfed. All in all, if you are looking for a fall race and want a PR, this is probably a great, inexpensive race to run.

My wife and I were looking for a nice, easy 5K to run on our way back form Georgia where we were visiting her family. We found this race on the internet, and although we hadn't been training for a half, we decided to run it. Registration was fast, we got a great t-shirt, they had a well marked course, there were lots of participants, and we had lots of fun. Everyone (runners and staff) was very friendly. The temperature was perfect. Awards were prompt. If opportunity presents itself, we will do it again. We did the tour of the facility that afternoon and enjoyed it also.

Nice little marathon for the price. Very flat. If you need many spectators, though, I would not recommend this one. I would say there were no more than 50 spectators on the whole course, but that is to be expected. The price is just right for this type of marathon. There were times I got nervous that I had made a wrong turn, but for the most part the course had adequate signs. If you need the distractions of spectators or scenery, you are out of luck. Plenty of water and Gatorade. No chip timing, but being so small, it only took about 10 seconds to reach the start line. The only complaint I had was at the end. One of the race officials started hounding me immediately after the finish about the fact that I didn't have my race number tear-off. I've never been asked to keep that, so the wife and I put it in our car. I tried to explain we would go get it but the official said, "No tear-off, no official time." I basically yelled at him, telling him we would go get it and just to give us a couple of minutes to recover. After all, we had just run a marathon. The other official - I think he was the director - told us not to rush, to take our time to go get our tear-off, and that we would have an official time. A big thanks to him. If you want a cheap, well organized, not-so-scenic, un-spectated, flat course, then this one is perfect.

A great race event in 2009. Very small race - about 70 half marathoners and 110 full, and a lot of 5K runners. So one gets very lonely on the second loop. But it could not have turned out better! Crowd support was quality: families at water stations and especially at the finish were awesome. It was refreshing to see children out there with their parents! The post-race jambalaya was perfect, and the weather was ideal. Being able to sign up on race morning was another perk. One request for next time: additional porto-lets at the start.

I am 15 years-old and I did the half-marathon with my grandmother. I think it was an easy race for everyone. It was mainly flat, and there were really no cars. It was my second half-marathon, and even though it stormed, I had a good experience. The people on the side of the road were encouraging to everyone in sight. All I heard was, "You got it," "Keep going," "You're doing great." It was great, and the food was delicious after the race!!

The forecast wasn't good. Coming from Florida, I am used to running in hot, humid weather. On those days, I pray for rain. This was one of those days. The packet pickup was very smooth. There were three really nice guys at the Welcome Station. Great running CD, and even though it's not a techie, the shirt was pretty impressive! Maybe I missed it, but I didn't notice on the website any security caution for race morning. To my surprise, I joined a double line of cars getting in to the space center by showing a photo ID and getting checked off by the guard at the gate. This caused the director to delay the start, which was not fair to those who were on time to the start line and who also perhaps had flight or travel constraints for later that day. Perhaps this could have been avoided had there been some notice given ahead of race day. It was already hot and muggy at the start. It started to rain, then pour, then came the thunder and lightning. A really big THANKS to the volunteers that stayed out there - it was very much appreciated as they also doubled as spectators! There were a couple of water stops that apparently the volunteers were tired of getting wet, or the bad weather forced them inside, because they were completely unmanned. The cups and the coolers were on the tables, but not a soul in sight. A couple of times, I wasn't sure if I was still on the course, so a few more course markers would be very helpful, especially to those slower runners who may be running solo. Eventually the bad weather blew over but it continued to rain through the rest of the marathon. The post-race food was delicious and plentiful, a fabulous reward at the end of 26.2 miles! This is a PR course and a BQ, no doubt about it, even in the rain. One drawback is that the field of full marathoners was just over 100. I went for miles without seeing another runner, and parts of this course were out/back. If you are used to running solo, or come with a buddy, you'll have a great time! Thanks again to everyone at Gulf Coast Running Club!

I knew going into this race what to expect: low-key race with no crowd and temperamental weather. That's exactly what was delivered. They had (small) registration at a Mississippi welcome station, where we received a running music CD and a nice shirt. For $30, you get more than your money's worth. Race day, temps were near 70 with 100% humidity at 8 a.m. The director then delayed the race start more than a half-hour so more folks could register. While I certainly understand why they did this, it was a mistake to those who had already entered. The weather was getting hotter and muggier as the day progressed and the thunderstorms were on their way. This day would be our Beijing. By mile 3, I was completely drenched. I've never sweated, struggled, or suffered like this in my life. By halfway, we were begging for the rain to be here already; we just didn't know how much of it would come. About the course: it's very flat and very lonely. There are very few spectators (if any). I think I went more than 7 miles once without seeing a person. I knew all of this beforehand though. My only complaint is regarding the course markings. If I had not run with the race director for the first 10 or so miles, I would have gotten lost. In fact, one of the guys that was with us did get off course at one point and ended up dropping out because he would have had to backtrack about 6 miles. Additionally, at mile 24 when it's pouring down rain, one of the volunteers sent me the wrong way before realizing she was sending me the wrong way. Let's just say it's not wise to irritate someone who is being tortured in muggy, hot weather in the pouring down rain. Yep, that's right, at mile 23, it started pouring. POURING. I really feel bad for those who still had a long time left on the course. Luckily, I was close to the finish where the misery would end. The weather is the weather though and can't be controlled. The course markings could be better. All in all, though, if the weather is right, this course is ripe for the PR picking. As long as you can deal with the solitude of being by yourself for a couple of hours, this course is pancake flat and can potentially be run very quickly. To those who want to run a decent time here, there are some very quick guys who run that you can pace with. You just can't predict the weather here. As far as post-race, the beer and jambalaya were great. All in all, I did enjoy this day even though it probably was the most miserable race of my life. Never have I suffered quite so much. I did enjoy getting to meet some great people. The director, Leonard, is a super nice guy and really puts on a nice, low-key event. And to the guys from New Orleans, I hope I'll make it down to Mardi Gras one day.

The weather was so bad that I felt horrible the entire time, which may make me feel more negative about the race than I would on a beautiful day. It was 68 with over 90% humidity at the start. I train in Florida and it was even bad for me. But that's no one's fault. It got really lonely when the halfers finished... I only saw 4 people from that point to the finish, and finished with a 7-minute bubble around me of no runners. I didn't think it would bother me, but there were several points during the race where I thought I may have been lost. That was very unnerving. Then coming into the finish you have to compete with the half marathoners driving out, which is the last thing you want to be doing 25 miles in. The shirt is really nice and the food was great. Everyone was really friendly. So really it was the confusion of the course and the loneliness that got to me. I didn't mind no spectators but could have used a few more runners. You get to start right on the line, though, which is nice! I personally looooved the watered-down Gatorade because I normally have to half it with water. That way I could use the water to dump on my head... because believe me: you needed it! Hope y'all get a nice 50-degree day next year! Thanks to all of the volunteers and the track club... good work.

This is a very reasonably priced, "no frills" type of race. The long-sleeved (cotton) shirt is colorful and of decent quality. The finisher's medal is attractive (large American flag in colors, runners, etc.). Running through the space center property provided some unique views (like a huge rocket booster!). The showers at the wellness center were much appreciated, since there are no hotels near the start/finish. The jambalaya and beer at the finish hit the spot. So overall I'm glad I did this race to check off Mississippi in my 50 states quest. However, there are definitely some things to be aware of: 1. The bib pickup is just a couple of tables set up outside the Mississippi welcome center. There is no chip timing, so don't bother looking for the timing chips. 2. The closest hotels are about 13 miles away. I would not recommend the Coast Inn in Waveland, although it did serve the purpose. The maids didn't even make the bed or clean the room during the 2 nights I stayed there, and it was like staying in a cheap roadside motel. 3. Race morning, plan for extra time going through security into the space center, and have your photo ID ready. The race started about 18 minutes late, and I think that was because of the delays getting through security. 4. This is the deep south, so expect muggy weather even at the end of November. We also had thunderstorms this year while we were on the course, which actually felt good to me (cooled things off). 5. The course is actually a double loop, so the 1/2 marathoners "drop off" after the first time around. The course weaved a lot, but I didn't miss any of the directional arrows. Just don't expect many folks cheering you on. 6. The finish was a little odd (probably due to no chip timing), but worked pretty efficiently. Just so you're prepared, when you cross the finish you're given your medal and then a little slip of paper. There's table and pens, and you're to write in your name, sex, age, and finish time and post it on a board there. This allows you to immediately see where you placed overall and scan through those posted to see if you got an age group award. Strange, but it works! 7. The sign to the showers after the race was pointing the wrong way! After driving around a while, I found them on the other side of the road. In case they don't fix that problem next year, the wellness center is on the LEFT as you're driving from the finish area. So, bottom line, it was an interesting, small (109 marathoners) race. It started late, was humid, rained, and the course wasn't especially "scenic." However, if you're looking for a race in Mississippi, this will fit the bill.

Mississippi Coast is #41 in my ongoing quest for 50 states plus DC. This is a fun, well organized race where, even though standing for hours in the rain, the finish line staff was cheering each finisher like that person was a true winner!!!!! I have had the honor of running some grand events (Boston '96, Big Sur, Marine Corps), but I must say that this small club race will be of my fondest memories because of the loyalty and friendliness of the race directors and volunteers. NO big-name sponsors, NO prepackaged food - just plenty of refreshments and VOLUNTEERS at EVERY WATER STOP, AND a WONDERFUL LADY who scratch-made enough JAMBALAYA for EVERYBODY!!!!! No, if you're one of the many WHINERS that expect spectators every step of the way, or can't keep your own pace to qualify for Boston, then this race is not for you. If, however, you would like to participate in the camaraderie of marathoning before the boom of TEAMS IN TRAINING and people complaining that the course was closed before 8 hours, then THIS IS YOUR RACE!!!! The course is FLAT and fast, very well marked, and if you can't see anyone in front of you, you're either winning or you need to PICK UP THE PACE!!! AND, where else have you ever received a CD of GREAT running music to go with a DAMN GOOD-LOOKING MEDAL???? GODSPEED BROTHERS - I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU!!!!

Came from Tampa Florida looking for a PR, but did not get it. The temperature and humidity threw my race plan out the window and I just did what I could to finish. The course was very nice and could be fantastic if there were more people running the race. I didn't see one runner from mile 12 through 17, which was not too motivating when you're trying to run fast. This is definitely a race to run with training partners. Two suggestions for the race director would be to start the race at 7 a.m. and getting the gate entry problem resolved. Waiting the extra 15 minutes to start the race didn't help with the heat and humidity.

If no crowds, a flat course, and a minimal complexity race are what you desire, then this is the race for you. However, plan to run this one with a running partner(s). The flat, long, straight roads, near zero crowd support and a low number of marathon runners can bring on the boredom and mental fatigue big time! Also, beware the aid station Gatorade: usually a very watery mix. It may be best to bring your own bottles of concentrated, high-quality sports drink and supplement it with aid station water. Finally, beware the humidity! Even low 70's temps can become brutal, with the humidity in the 80 to 90 percent range and the sun shining down (welcome to the Deep South!). Plenty of parking, easy packet pickup, nice race medals and race shirts, good post-race chow and a friendly staff help to offset the negatives listed above and make this a good race for beginners or returning marathoners alike.

Great, flat course through the Stennis Space Center. It was peaceful and quiet. There was not a lot of traffic. And there were only a few spectators, which is the only negative I found with this race. It was extremely humid and warm at the start in '08, and then it rained. Those who have run before said it is always humid/rainy or cold - of course the weather is uncontrollable but a factor to consider. Great, well stocked aid stations approximately every 2 miles, and a great post-race meal of jambalaya and beer. The Stennis SC fitness center showers are available after the race, which was great since I stayed at a hotel in Gulfport, MS - 30 miles away, and in the opposite direction of New Orleans (where I flew in/out of). There is no expo, just a number pick up; but hey, for a great, no-frills race (only $30 registration!), no expo was expected - or needed. Overall, a great race for a relatively slow time of year!

One of my best marathons. Love the course. It makes it easy to stay at race pace. My first one alone (without my husband at my side), but nonetheless a great run. Away from the crowds, no walking at the start, YEAH! Strongly recommended to all first marathoners. I am a vegetarian, yet I ENJOYED and LOVED the jambalaya!!!!!!!!!! Great job by the running club!!!

This was a nice, well organized race. Remote location, so no spectators, but that's okay. Flat and fast with enjoyable scenery.

RD was at packet pickup Friday evening and gave me my requested number and the nice, cotton, long-sleeve shirt. Personal service - and I'd forgotten about the request. He started the race Sat. morning, ran the full marathon, and won it! Besides that, he was there with my medal when I finally crossed the finish line! Testament to good organization. Aid stations were very well stocked with water/Gatorade, bananas, oranges and other food. Volunteers were very supportive. One young boy knew what I needed when I approached with a mouth full of GU and not talking. He stated it correctly and handed me water. Course was flat, along mostly closed paved roads, sometimes surrounded by woods. From a distance, I saw baby deer crossing the road. As I came closer, mom came out of woods, stood in the road and watched me. She was standing right next to the 20-mile-marker sign. A perfect "Kodak" moment and I had left the camera in the car thinking this was a military base and there'd be nothing of interest to photograph.... Baby deer then came back out of woods and scampered across the road back to opposite side. Mom then left her post on the road and I continued on. Later, a volunteer drove by and asked if I am Mama Jean, saying he'd been sent to check on me. I was fine and I knew that was a good sign, accounting for participants. Shortly thereafter, I missed a directional arrow and put in about an extra quarter mile. A man in a red truck who was picking up signs, etc. then saw me and got me back on course. I had done that earlier also. So the little black arrows on orange cones just didn't work for me. Need much bigger signs. As usual, no food at the end, but not a problem. Director apologized and offered drinks and bananas, which were fine. What I was really interested in was the age group award. Having one of those keeps me from having to repeat that state once I get my 50 done, as that's my new goal. A special thanks to the lady in the gray Magnum who also checked on me, and to my 50-state buddies Cheryl and Vicky from FL, who waited over half hour for me to finish. Turns out we were all second place in our respective age groups and that's how the volunteer knew my marathon name. Yes, I'd highly recommend this to anyone who likes flat courses and don't need crowd support, but can enjoy variety of scenery and occasional skeet shooting sounds. I'd also highly recommend improving the directional arrows by making them larger and higher. Chalk markings on the road would help also. RD is to be commended for getting report online so quickly. I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks to all involved. Obviously, a well organized group does this race.

This is a great little race. The course is flat and rural. It is a tough mental race because there are no spectators but that's OK. It is well organized and EVERYONE is friendly. No big egos at this one. After you finish the race you are treated to some homemade jambalaya that is awesome!!! I recommend this one to those looking for a pleasant surprise of a small race or if you're trying to qualify for Boston.

Very well organized race. Small but full of energy. Volunteers were very supportive and friendly. More than adequate refreshments at each aid station. Nice rural setting (I almost got run over by deer). Absolutely no complaints.

I have no basis of comparison but would like to say that I am proud to have completed this as my first marathon. Double loop course with plenty of aid stations, port-a-johns, drinks and snacks. However, this event would have been nothing without the always superb Southern hospitality by the organizers, support personnel, and fans (few but a welcome sight each turn and station) Truly a unique experience and I look forward to running with this club in the future. I was told that the Jambalaya didn't last for the late finishers which is a disappointment but that could be easily fixed. Thanks to the runners that motivated me along the way and special thanks to Kim, Ashley, Lindsey, Genny and Joe... My faithful family. See ya next year.