Mississippi Blues Marathon Sets Its Mark to Go in the City With Soul
February 17, 2022
The Mississippi Blues Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is set according to a press conference held Wednesday at Visit Jackson’s Welcome Center in the heart of downtown.
This Saturday, February 19, 1,500 runners from every state, representing 6 countries (and the world) will run through the streets in the City With Soul for this annual event.
The event, sponsored in part by Visit Jackson, is known for live music before, after and throughout the course. The start time is 7 am, and the start line will be at the corner of George and Congress, a change slightly north from last year’s event.
Dr. Rickey Thigpen, Visit Jackson President and CEO, announced the strong presence of area law enforcement to include the Jackson Police Department, State Capitol Police, Jackson State University, and the Hinds County Sherriff's Office to ensure a safe event.
Additionally, Dr. Thigpen proudly shared the commitment from the Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning to provide 70 volunteers for the event.
A pre-race expo allows runners to pick up their packets Friday, February 18 at the Mississippi State Capitol, 400 High Street, from 11 am until 6 pm, as well as other race-day essentials, announced race owner and organizer Bill Burke who praised the collaborative efforts of the weekend.
"It takes corporate sponsorship, it takes first responders - the police and EMS agencies - city officials and the city, and the community," Burke said. "If you don’t have that, you don’t have Saturday. I’m honored and pleased to be a part of [The Mississippi Blues Marathon] here in Jackson.”
Aid stations will be roughly every two miles throughout the course offering Gatorade and energy gels. Signage has also been increased to aid runners in better identifying their routes.
“It's been an honor to be a part of the event that promotes mobility within the community,” said Ryal Siem, Plant Manager of Continental Tires. “I'm excited to announce that Continental will continue its run as a presenting sponsor of the Mississippi Blues Marathon for the next three years.”
After they cross the finish line, volunteers will greet runners with complimentary food and drink, including red beans and rice or jambalaya, fruit and a Budweiser beer, and live music will be playing.
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