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Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Reviews
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
4.7 Stars from
3 Runners
Watch out for the climb at the end!
By Brandon Goldsmith about 2020
Review
This was my first ever marathon, so I don't have anything to compare to; however, this was generally a very good experience. The course is very flat for 24 miles, but then there is a longish climb up to the interstate and another couple of longish hills. My plan of running an easy pace and then pushing hard the last five miles got blown up by those climbs. The organization was excellent, and the start and finish were very well managed. Plenty of "portaloos", and liquid refreshment (water and gatorade) along the way. If you're running with an Apple Watch, you'll soon find out how inaccurate the Apple GPS is, so be ready for that.
Race Tips
Be prepared for the rise up to the Interstate. It's brutal after 24 miles. Personally, I wish I'd pushed harder on the 24 miles of more-or-less dead flat road to give me a cushion at the end. Knowing what was coming would also have helped.
They provide an equipment check service, so you don't have to throw your warm clothes away (unlike Disney). I didn't use it, but if I had know how good it was, I would have done.
4 /
5 Stars
2020 race was fantastic
By KC about 2020
Review
2020 race was fantastic, the runners and organizers were so thrilled to be able to present a live race. The weather was perfect, low 60s the whole time. The course is point to point, FLAT. Shuttle buses take you to start line and let you sit on the bus, which was really handy because even though it was 57 degrees, it was pretty chilly especially for over an hour. I loved the scenic beachside road we were on the whole race, lots of million-dollar beachfront properties to gawk at. There were lots of volunteers and plenty of water and Powerade stations. No food so I carried some since I need it. Maybe that was just for 2020. 50 state marathoner here, it was a great way to get my Mississippi race done, highly recommended.
Race Tips
Super flat the whole race, just a short (but steep) on-ramp at mile 24. Wind could definitely be an issue if it was strong. The whole marathon you're running eastward so if you have unfavorable wind, you've got to deal with it the entire race. We got lucky in 2020, it was a headwind but only about 5-7 mph.
If you're flying, Mobile AL airport is less than an hour away. Lots of inexpensive hotel options, I stayed at Star Inn for $60. But there are fancy casinos like the Beau Rivage or Hard Rock, many others, with nice hotels attached. Take advantage of great restaurants and the beautiful sandy beaches.
5 /
5 Stars
Great race on a beautiful, fast course
By SJ about 2018
Review
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an outstanding small marathon. The course follows the Beach Road from Pass Christian to Biloxi, a beautiful and historic stretch of coast. I never tired of the Gulf views and breezes. Organization is outstanding. Transportation to the start was efficient and easy. Runners were allowed to stay on the buses at the start to stay warm - This is the only point-to-point race I've run where they didn't just drop you in the middle of nowhere to shiver or get drenched in the rain or whatever. The water stops were every 1.5 mile and had plenty of water and Gatorade. I finished right in the middle of the pack, and I never encountered congestion. We stayed at the Beau Rivage, which was very easy and convenient for the expo, shuttle buses, and finish. The finish line festival is probably the best I've ever encountered in 100+ marathons and half marathons. Lots of excellent food and drink, including jambalaya, gumbo, craft beer, and coffee. Not many spectators but that wasn't a problem for me.
Race Tips
I cannot emphasize enough how FLAT this course is. I've run the famously flat Chicago and Fargo Marathons, and honestly MGC is even flatter. It's very easy to run consistent splits if you are trained and don't go out too fast. Just settle into your goal pace and put it on cruise control. Except for the incline near the end of the race where you are diverted onto the highway entrance ramp, you will be using the same muscles over and over. It is a bit of a wake-up when you suddenly have to climb at Mile 24 or so, so if you are going for a BQ be prepared to cough up 15-30 seconds in that stretch.
I would stay at the Beau Rivage or the Doubletree. We found lots of fantastic restaurants in Biloxi and some cool historic and cultural sites. Allow some time to explore the charming towns of the Gulf Coast.
Watch out for the climb at the end!