Mississippi River Marathon/Half Marathon
Greenville, Mississippi
February 3, 2024.
Half Marathon #267 is in the books!!
This weekend was the date for the 12th Mississippi River Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k. This was Jennifer’s sixth year to participate in the half marathon. Which makes it the 6trh year for Bully and me, too!
The marathon and half marathon are point to point, starting at separate locations in Arkansas and finishing at the same location in downtown Greenville. Race directors and 50 States Half Marathon members, Jenn Conner and John Conner, work hard to make sure every detail is covered, from busses to take runners to the start, to the great finish line party.
Unfortunately, this year, I, the 0.0 Cowbell Guy, left Bully Bell at home. I was freaking out! Everyone was in a panic. What are going to do without the cowbell?? What if someone gets a fever? I didn’t have the prescription… no cowbell instead of more cowbell!! But, a trip to the Tractor Supply Store in Greenville yielded a substitute cowbell and I made it back to Mile 3. The day was saved!
The Half starts just across the Mississippi River on the Arkansas side… on the bridge itself. This actually makes this race a bit unique in that you can count it as either Arkansas or Mississippi if you are a Fifty Stater. The bridge is majestic and just over 1 1/2 miles.
Once across, you have 11 miles of flat running from the bridge to downtown Greenville. After running mostly on the highway for the first 7 miles, the course veers off for a three mile jaunt through a nice neighborhood. Then it’s back on the highway with the last few miles running down the older part of this Delta town to the finish.
The weather was overcast but still almost perfect, just cool enough and with a few sprinkles to keep everyone comfortable. However, crowd support, due to the light rain, was dampened. A popular “Rouge” Aid Station with more than just water and Gatorade, if you know what I mean, was absent this year!
It was grab and go food at the finish…a variety of food and drink including beer, pizza, Shipley donuts and Delta tamales from local eatery Doe’s Eat Place. The area is known for Delta Tamales, a variation of the Mexican Tamale with a definite southern twist and the race is known for always having them ready for the runners at the finish.
YUM!
To me, this race is one of the best in Mississippi. Surrounded by the birthplace of the Blues, the Mighty Mississippi, and the home of Jim Henson and his Muppets, it is worth the trip! Hope to see y’all there next year! And next time, I won’t forget Bully Bell. He wasn’t happy that he missed this trip!!
For now, enjoy the pictures of all our friends and their medals…
