Guide to The Mississippi Blues Marathon

A New Home for 2026: Jackson State University

The 19th edition of the Mississippi Blues Marathon marks an exciting change: the race will start and finish at Jackson State University's Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 North State Street). Cross the line where legends are made, from the streets to the end zone at this iconic football complex. The start area is located just outside the football field while the finish line awaits you on the 50-yard line.

The weekend of events brings together family, fitness, and fun with the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K, and BB Kids Half Mile Fun Run.

Beyond the race itself, Jackson offers a slate of experiences participants will want to come early for – and stay long after the finish line has come down.

REGISTER

Packet Pick Up

This year's event will offer race packet pick-up on Friday, February 20, from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm at Buffalo Peak Outfitters in Highland Village (4500 I-55 North). There's limited race day packet pick-up (5:45-7:00 a.m.), so plan to be here on Friday.

Grab lunch at Highland Village

No matter your tastes, there are options: Tex-Mex at La Presa, Mediterranean-rich Aplos or classic steakhouse-vibed Char will satisfy your taste buds. There are even more spots to grab food there, too.

Explore Jackson

The City With Soul is brimming with cultural opportunities to help you better understand the music, history and culture of the area. Check out The Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art or, the International Museum of Muslim Cultures.

Shop and dine in Fondren, Downtown or Belhaven

Steps away from race grounds, the Fondren neighborhood provides chef-driven restaurants and boutique shopping.

Go for seafood at Saltine or barbecue at The Pig and Pint (not before stopping by Campbell's Bakery for your Mississippi iced tea cake).

Later, head for Belhaven Town Center in the Belhaven neighborhood where you'll find multiple food and drink options (Pulito Osteria, Elvie's and Good Bar JXN all spring to mind).

Downtown, grab a sandwich or burger at Steve’s Deli or check out the daily special at Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro at The Westin Jackson. A bit further north, find pastries, sandwiches and coffee at Urban Foxes.

Race Day – 7 am - Veterans Memorial Stadium

Race day begins early at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 North State Street). Late packet pick-up and registration is available from 5:45-7:00 am for all events. Arrive early for a quick warm-up and to settle into your surroundings. All races start and finish at the same location—beginning just outside the football field and finishing on the 50-yard line.

Aid stations are positioned roughly every two miles throughout the Boston-certified course, providing Gatorade and energy gels to keep you fueled.

Get ready for a rolling course with approximately 588 feet of cumulative elevation gain in the marathon.

On your mark, get set…

What Athletes Receive at the 2026 Event

Registered runners receive exceptional perks celebrating BB King's centennial birthday:

• Marathon runners: Long-sleeve quarter-zip shirts
• Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Marathon Relay runners: Long-sleeve technical t-shirts
• All finishers: Beautiful 4" BB King Centennial Birthday Celebration finisher medals
• Everyone: Commemorative Mississippi Blues - Visit Jackson tote bags
• Post-race food and drink: Complimentary jambalaya, fresh fruit, chips, snacks, bottled water, bottled Gatorade, canned soft drinks, and Bud Light beer for athletes over age 21 (provided by Southern Beverage)
• Special treat: Cupcakes for every official finisher

LOCALS: Cheer on the runners, thank those who make the race possible

Runners appreciate crowd support! Make posters and cheer, or simply take a spot along the route (noted below) to give participants a hearty welcome. Great spots include downtown and the Fondren District.

And, say thank you to first responders, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who makes the race possible.

Race Routes

Post-Race

Hang out with family and friends at the 2026 post event party from the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for great music and fun times at the MS Blues Marathon 19th edition celebration

Lunch anyone?

Some runners take it easy post-race while others are insatiable and looking for their “reward” meal. We have ideas!

Rowan's at Belhaven Town Center (two miles from the finish line) offers pub fare and a great selection of beers. In that same complex, there's pizza from Poppy Pies, wings and fries at Wing Mouth and ice cream at MayDay. If you want something equally as indulgent, check out Fertile Ground Beer Co. for beer and live music.

Walk it off

If you are looking for a slower-paced afternoon and some post-race recovery, head for Highland Village. Called “iconic… where timeless meets of-the-moment in an atmosphere steeped in culture and southern charm,” the center is home to local, regional and national boutiques. The state’s only Whole Foods is here as well as lululemon athletic. It’s quite the culinary destination, too, if you’re still hungry!

Dinner Time

Cap off your day with drinks and bites at Little Effie at The District at Eastover, or dinner at The Iron Horse Grill downtown or BRAVO! at Highland Village.

Nightcap, Mississippi Music style

There’s always music in Jackson, especially on this weekend. Check back for listings.

Sticking around for Sunday?

Brunch is a sport in and of itself in Jackson!