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. Is there a time limit for the Half-Marathon? Whole?
  8. Is the event walker-friendly?
  9. What are your race drinks? Supplements?
  10. Will there be gear-check stations?
  11. Will there be on-line and mail-in registration?
  12. Will there be medals for every finisher?
  13. Is there a designated hotel with set rates and a block of rooms?
  14. Are there hotel shuttles to/from race?
  15. Will you have a pre-race dinner?
  16. Will there be a pre-race Expo? Do we have to pick up packets at the Expo? Is there race day pickup?
  17. Will there be music entertainment as part of the event?
  18. What’s the weather like in Jackson in January?
  19. How does the relay competition work?
  20. Is there an event for kids?
  21. Can I wear headphones, use a cell phone or push a stroller in the race?

1. When will the marathon take place?
The 2nd annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon will be on Saturday, January 3, 2009, in Jackson, Mississippi. Start time will be 7:00 a.m. The start and finish areas will be in the historic Fondren district.

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 is challenging! There are hills in the first half, with a flat, straight section between miles 13 and 18. Work some hills into your training; you'll be glad you did when you hit mile 25! 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 2:48:37 (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. The Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay will all use chip timing. The Kids' Marathon is a fun run and will use clock timing.

7. Is there a time limit for the Half-Marathon? Whole?
Yes; Half – 3.5 hours; Whole – 7 hours.

8. Is the event walker-friendly?
Yes, as long as you can complete the race under the time limits.

9. What are your race drinks? Supplements?
Gatorade Endurance; Hammer Gel

10. Will there be gear-check stations?
Yes.

11. Will there be on-line and mail-in registration?
Yes, depending on the race. We encourage online registration for the Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay through www.active.com, although we will accept hardcopy applications through December 13, 2008. Online registration will be open through midnight on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 (unless it fills up earlier-registration is limited). For the Kids' Marathon, there is only hardcopy registration.

12. 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.

13. Is there a designated hotel with set rates and a block of rooms?
We are working on special rates for runners and will have more information posted here soon. For information on hotels in the area, click here, or call the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-354-7695 or 601-960-1891.

14. Are there hotel shuttles to/from race?
TBD

15. Will you have a pre-race dinner?
We are working to determine the level of interest. If we do not, we will provide information about area restaurants.

16. Will there be a pre-race Expo? Do we have to pick up packets at the Expo? Is there race day pickup?
To ensure the best race experience for you, we encourage you to pick up your packet at the Expo on January 2, 2009.

17. 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 along the course. We'll also have music in the finish area, and be prepared for a great evening of blues on Saturday night!

18. 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.

19. 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). You can register online for the Relay event, or click here for the registration page where you can download a copy of the application.

20. 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 2, 2009 with the goal of completing 25.2 miles before official race day. On January 3, all participants in the Kids' Marathon will complete a hilly, one-mile course through the historic Fondren neighborhood before running through the official finish of the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon! Parents are welcome to run alongside their children and/or take photos at the finish line. There is no online registration for the Kids' Marathon; click here for the registration page where you can download a copy of the application.

21. 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."