Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When will the marathon take place?
  2. Who will benefit from the Mississippi Blues Marathon?
  3. Is it a challenging course?
  4. Will prize money be available to the winners?
  5. Will this be a certified course?
  6. Will the race have chip timing?
  7. Will there be on-line and mail-in registration?
  8. Will there be medals for every finisher?
  9. Is there a designated hotel with set rates and a block of rooms?
  10. Will there be a pre-race Expo?
  11. Will there be music entertainment as part of the event?
  12. What’s the weather like in Jackson in January?
  13. How does the relay competition work?
  14. Is there an event for kids?
  15. Can I wear headphones, use a cell phone or push a stroller in the race?

 

1. When will the marathon take place?
The inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon is scheduled for January 5, 2008 in Jackson, Mississippi. Start time will be 7:00 a.m. The start and finish areas will be in the historic Fondren district (www.fondren.org).

Both the marathon and half-marathon will be open to walkers and disabled competitors as well.

2. Who will benefit from the Mississippi Blues Marathon?
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Mississippi Blues Commission . Additionally, the race will focus positive attention on the state and its rich blues heritage. The positive economic impact of this event will be realized from restaurants and hotels patronized by competitors and visitors.

3. Is it a challenging course?
The course will be fairly challenging. There are hills in the first half, with a flat, straight section between miles 13 and 18. Click here to see a course map and elevation chart.

4. Will prize money be available to the winners?
We are offering a total purse of $30,000 in prize money. Top male and female finishers will receive $4,000 each, and we are offering an additional $1,000 to the top male and female runners who break the current Mississippi Marathon records of 2:23:44 (male) and 3:04:02 (female). Prize money will also be awarded to the top finishers from the Jackson metropolitan area, comprised of Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties.

5. Will this be a certified course?
Yes! The courses for the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon have both been certified with USA Track and Field. Marathon certification is MS07002MS.
Half-marathon certification is MS07003MS.

6. Will the race have chip timing?
Yes.

7. Will there be on-line and mail-in registration?
Yes. We will accept hardcopy applications through December 14, 2007. We encourage online registration through active.com, and will be accepting online registrations through midnight on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

8. Will there be medals for every finisher?
Yes. In addition to medals for all finishers of the half and full marathon, age-group awards will be three deep in the standard five-year age categories.

9. Is there a designated hotel with set rates and a block of rooms?
Yes, we have a block of rooms at the Cabot Lodge – Millsaps. The hotel is within walking distance of the start/finish of all races. When placing reservations, tell them you are in town for the Inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon and you will receive a reduced rate of $75.00 per night.

Hotel Information:
(601) 948-8650
2374 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
The hotel is located at the intersection of State Street and Woodrow Wilson.
http://www.cabotlodgemillsaps.com/

This location is approximately 25 minutes from Jackson International Airport.

For information on other hotels in the area, click here.

10. Will there be a pre-race Expo?
Yes. The Expo will take place on Friday, January 4 at the Cabot Lodge Millsaps. Sam Thompson, the first person to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, will be our featured speaker (and he’ll also be running the race on Saturday!). Luis Bruno, Executive Chef of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion and the subject of a feature article in the February issue of Runner’s World, will do a cooking demonstration and share his story of how running changed his life. Click here to get some of his recipes to try out yourself! And, we’ll have live blues music for your entertainment as you check out vendors from across the country! For more information, go to the “Expo Information” link.

11. Will there be music entertainment as part of the event?
Yes, most definitely! While showing off the hospitality of our state, we want to entertain those from near and far with a great mix of authentic Blues music and showcase our rich history, heritage and culture of this genre. We will have musical entertainment before, during and after the event. During the race, bands will be stationed every five miles starting around mile marker # 5. We’ll also have music in the finish area, and be prepared for a great evening of blues on Saturday night!

12. What’s the weather like in Jackson in January?
The average high temperature in Jackson in January is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

13. How does the relay competition work?
We are offering a relay for corporate and open relay teams. Teams are limited to five competitors. The first four competitors will complete five miles, and pass their chip off at the 5, 10, 15 and 20 mile marks. The final competitor will complete a 10K (the final 6.2 miles of the course). There is no online registration for the relay event; click here for the registration page where you can download a copy of the application.

14. Is there an event for kids?
Yes! The Kids' Marathon is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 13. Interested participants are encouraged to track their mileage leading up to January 5, 2008 with the goal of completing 25.2 miles before official race day. On January 5, all participants in the Kids' Marathon will complete a one-mile course through the historic Fondren neighborhood before running through the official finish of the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon! There is no online registration for the Kids' Marathon; click here for the registration page where you can download a copy of the application.

15. Can I wear headphones, use a cell phone or push a stroller in the race?
No. The safety of all participants is a primary concern, and headphones, cell phones and strollers can cause problems along the course. Additionally, since we are now certified by USATF, we must follow their regulations regarding headphones, specifically Rule 144.3(b), which states that “The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV’s, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted.”