Frequently Asked Questions

We're busy working on the 2011 Marathon and will be updating these FAQs continuously.

1. 1. When will the marathon take place?
2. 2. Who will benefit from the Mississippi Blues Marathon?
3. 3. Is it a challenging course?
4. 4. Will prize money be available to the winners?
5. 5. Is this a certified course?
6. 6. Will the race have chip timing?
7. 7. Is there a time limit for the Half-Marathon? Full?
8. 8. Is the event walker-friendly?
9. 9. How many aid stations will there be on the course? What race drinks and supplements will be provided?
10. 10. Will there be gear-check stations?
11. 11. Will there be on-line and mail-in registration?
12. 12. Will there be medals for every finisher?
13. 13. Is there a designated hotel with set rates and a block of rooms?
14. 14. Are there hotel shuttles to/from race?
15. 15. Will you have a pre-race dinner?
16. 16. Will there be a pre-race Expo? Do we have to pick up packets at the Expo? Is there race day pickup?
17. 17. Can I pick up a friend's or family member's packet if they cannot make it to the Expo?
18. 18. Will there be music entertainment as part of the event?
19. 19. What's the weather like in Jackson in January?
20. 20. How does the relay competition work?
21. 21. Is there an event for kids?
22. 22. Can I wear headphones, use a cell phone or push a stroller in the race?

1. When will the marathon take place?
The 4th annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon will be on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Jackson, Mississippi. Start time will be 7:00 a.m.

Both the marathon and half-marathon will be open to walkers and disabled competitors as well. There is a separate wheelchair category for both the marathon and the half-marathon.

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! It includes hilly areas and straight flat sections, so be ready!

4. Will prize money be available to the winners?
In 2010, a press release was issued with details of the $30,000 purse. Read the press release.

5. Is this a certified course?
It has been for the past few years. We don't have the 2011 certifcation numbers right now.

6. Will the race have chip timing?
Yes. The Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay will all use chip timing. Relay runners will share one chip. The Kids' Marathon is a fun run and will use clock timing. What is chip timing? Runners, at the Expo registration, are given an electronic "chip" to wear on their shoes or around their ankles. This chip times when each person crosses the start line, any interim checkpoints on the course, and again at the finish line. This way, race times are very accurate for each runner and are immediately available to race organizers.

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. How many aid stations will there be on the course? What race drinks and supplements will be provided?
In 2010, there were a total of 17 aid stations along the course. The race drink on the course was Gatorade Endurance. Hammer Gel was provided on the course at miles 8, 15 and 20.

10. Will there be gear-check stations?
Yes. There will be someplace close to the starting line where runners can stash their gear to pick up at the finish.

11. Is there on-line registration?
Yes. Online registration is available for all races (marathon, half-marathon, relay and Kids' Marathon) and we encourage you to register online and tell all your friends to register early. You can request a hard copy application, if necessary.

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?
Check on our Preferred Hotels and Area Accommodations pages for hotel information. Please let your hotel know you are attending the Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half-Marathon, and request late check-out.

14. Are there hotel shuttles to/from race?
It is up to each hotel to determine if they will provide shuttle service to and from the race and the airport. We encourage you to call your hotel and ask if they are providing any shuttle service for race participants.

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?
Our pre-race Expo will feature vendors from around the country and a chance to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones! All race participants MUST pick up their packets at the Expo. There will be no late or race day packet pick-up.

Please be sure to bring a photo ID for packet pick-up!

For Expo details, see the Expo page.

17. Can I pick up a friend's or family member's packet if they cannot make it to the Expo?
Yes, but only if you have a copy of their registration confirmation or another form of proof (photo ID, signed note, etc.) that you were asked to pick up more than one packet. If you do not have a copy of their confirmation or another legitimate form of proof, you will not be allowed to pick up more than one packet.

18. 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. Check out our 2010 Music Schedule and you'll see that's a reason to be here no matter what else is going on.

19. What’s the weather like in Jackson in January?
Well, in 2010, we were part of the national cold snap. Here's the forecast on weather.com.

20. 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 timing 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). Read more about this fun way to compete on our Relay page. You can register online for the Relay event, and there's a paper registration form you can download from that page.

21. Is there an event for kids?
Yes! The Kids' Marathon (a 1-mile fun run) is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 13. It uses the same start/finish line as the marathon, so family can get photos of their children going through the official finish line. Parents can register their children online through the Runner's Registration link above. Registration for the Kids' Marathon is only $15.

22. Can I wear headphones, use a cell phone or push a stroller in the race?
The safety of all participants is a primary concern, and headphones, cell phones, iPods and strollers can cause problems along the course - so we request that you refrain from using them during the race.