2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon
The 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon will take place on February 21, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi, with the start and finish at the Jackson State University Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, located at 2531 North State Street. The event is set against the backdrop of a flat-to-rolling urban course that winds through the city streets. On this date, Jackson is expected to experience mild temperatures, with a high of around 55°F (13°C) and a low of 38°F (3°C), accompanied by partly cloudy skies. Participants can anticipate a well-organized road running event that celebrates the city's rich blues music heritage, with a variety of race distances, post-race amenities, and a unique finish line experience on the stadium's 50-yard line.
What is the schedule for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles): Starts at 7:30 AM CST, with a cutoff time of 2:30 PM
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles): Starts at 7:30 AM CST, with a cutoff time of 11:45 AM
- →Quarter Note 10K: Starts at 8:00 AM CST, with a cutoff time of 10:30 AM
- →5K: Starts at 8:00 AM CST, with a cutoff time of 10:00 AM
- →Marathon Relay: Starts at 7:30 AM CST (team format)
- →BB Kids Mini Marathon (Half Mile Fun Run): Starts at 10:00 AM CST for ages 12 and under
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →Quarter Note 10K
- →5K
- →Marathon Relay (team format)
- →BB Kids Mini Marathon (Half Mile Fun Run)
How much does registration cost for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
- →Marathon: $115
- →Half Marathon: $100
- →10K/5K: $50 each
- →Early bird pricing is valid through February 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
What is included in the registration for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
- →Marathon participants receive a long-sleeve quarter-zip shirt
- →Other race distances receive a technical tee
- →Finisher medals commemorate Mississippi's blues music heritage with a BB King Centennial Birthday Celebration design
- →Post-race celebration includes jambalaya, fruit, snacks, beverages, and complimentary cupcakes from Baker Maid Bakery
- →Bud Light beer is available for athletes 21+
- →On-course and finish-line photography is provided by Marathon Photos Live
Where is the start and finish location for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
The event starts and finishes at the Jackson State University Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, located at 2531 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216. All races start just outside the football field and conclude on the stadium's 50-yard line.
When is packet pickup for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
- →Friday, February 20, 2026: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM at Buffalo Peak Outfitters (Highland Village Shopping Center, Jackson)
- →Race Day (Saturday, February 21): 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM at the stadium
What are the age requirements for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
- →Minimum age of 12 years is required for all adult race distances
- →The BB Kids Mini Marathon is open to participants aged 12 and under
What awards or recognition are provided for participants?
- →Age-group awards ceremony follows the race
- →Finisher medals are provided to all participants, with a special design for the BB King Centennial Birthday Celebration
What is the course like for the 2026 Mississippi Blues Marathon?
The course is a certified road course through the streets of Jackson, with a point-to-point or loop configuration that begins and ends at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The route features a flat-to-rolling urban landscape, offering runners a unique experience through the city. Detailed elevation or neighborhood specifics are not provided.