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☰
Tupelo Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Tupelo Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 2.5
Number of comments: 159 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
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R. R. from Memphis, Tennessee
(9/6/2009)
"Small Marathon- Lots of Awesome Attitude!" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead" is the motto of Tupelo's Marathon, and it sets the tone for this most unusual marathon event. From the moment you enter the website, you are greeted by pictures of flames and a skull and crossbones. They let you know that this will be a hot and humid race, and that it will not be pleasant for those unused to such conditions. The 5 a.m. start time will offer some protection, but the humidity is still high and the temperature rapidly increases after sunrise. If you train in such a hot and humid climate, this race is not particularly challenging. It has a few hills but they are not much to speak of. The course is on typical, Southern, rural, country roads, and it has a small Southern-town charm. The out-and-back nature of the race was not as bad as I feared it would be, since the race starts in the pre-dawn darkness and has a totally different character on the return leg in full sunlight. The volunteers were friendly and helpful, and they are happy to give you both Gatorade and water from their ample supplies at each station. The course was open to traffic, but there seemed to be more dogs than cars (at least early). As you might expect, fan support was very sparse. The few that were there were enthusiastic enough. The best part for me included the T-shirts and finisher's medals. There was obviously a lot of thought put into these as they are both some of the best found anywhere (including the drastically more expensive Rock and Roll Series Races that are known for such things). The skull and crossbones medal will be the envy of every 6th grade boy you know (and many adults). The 14.2-mile race that serves as this race's half-marathon equivalent takes the marathon finishers' medal and cuts it in half (which somehow makes it look even cooler!). The t-shirt is a cotton long-sleeve, which usually means that the race director ran out of money to buy "technical" shirts, but there is nothing cheap about these cotton beauties. They are "tie died," with the skull and crossbones theme, and are something I might actually wear to causal gatherings even if they weren't race related. If you are looking for a small marathon set in a small, Southern town - and with a lot of attitude and heart - then look no further than Tupelo! | |
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D. P. from Hernando, MS
(9/6/2009)
"Thoroughly enjoyed it." (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 It is unfair to rate this course on spectators. It is a small race in a small town. They do not advertise spectator support, and I wasn't expecting it. Pros: 1. I loved the start in the dark. It was like a training run. 2. This race is full of serious runners. Every conversation that I had was with someone who had raced numerous races. 3. The informal atmosphere was great. I arrived a few minutes before the start and still made the start. The post-race simply involved runners hanging out with other runners. I really have no negatives. The course is non-stop up and down. It is a challenge. I was disappointed with my time, but I wanted to run the first 20 strong, which I did. Then I fell apart. | |
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Lisa Schneiders from Fallston, Maryland
(9/12/2008)
"pleasantly surprised" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have to admit that I was nervous about running this marathon when I saw the number of runners would not exceed 500 total (250 marathoners) and read the comments about the heat and humidity. But I realized I couldn't finish worse than 250th place and that would be my best ever! This was my 7th marathon and the most enjoyable! I ran large races like Marine Corp and Disney, but this marathon brings you back to why we run in the first place. There were times on the course when the only other runner I saw was the guy 200 yards in front of me, but boy, how peaceful. The people who volunteer their time to prepare this race were outstanding and so friendly. The only spectators were the ones manning the water stops, and they were wonderful! You don't need thousands of cheering people along this course. Enjoy the view! There was plenty of water and Gatorade that was NOT watered down. The goody bag was top-notch, and the skull and the crossbones medal is the coolest ever! I also love the design of the half medal; don't change that! The 5 a.m. start was great. I didn't notice heat and humidity, but I just came from a Baltimore summer. The rolling hills were no problem. You will find port-o-pots in 3 locations along the out-and-back course, which, to my surprise, worked out well. No huge lines! The only part I didn't care for was the open-road course. A few cars and pick-up trucks passed me and other runners way too close - and much too fast! Perhaps it would help to have a few signs warning the drivers that there are runners on the course. I highly recommend this race. Thank you for a great time! | |
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R. W. from America
(9/10/2008)
"Great, small marathon" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 For the people who say there were no mile markers and could not see, maybe you need to understand that with age, your eyes are not as good, and you need to plan out accordingly. This is not a NASCAR race at night with 1000 high-powered lights every mile. Anyway, the mile markers had glow sticks that, from my understanding, everyone around me saw; and it was not that dark at all, with lots of residence lights on. For those who are looking for a PR: with the heat it, it will probably not happen. This is a good training marathon for races in the upcoming months or for 50-staters. The heat is part of what makes this marathon great. The aid stations were great and did not run low on supplies. My wife dragged me into going to Elvis' birthplace, which was okay, but I would not recommend it. The location of the marathon for the "small" town of Tupelo is great, with indoor bathrooms at the start/finish. This is not Disney, Chicago or Houston... do not expect it to be. Expect to run an out/back marathon in the heat over rolling hills, with 250 other marathoners and no one but a dog sitting at the front of a neighborhood at mile 7 and 19 (true story) to cheer you on. Then you will like this marathon. | |
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s. b. from Southern US
(9/6/2008)
"Great Experience" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall, this is a great experience. As noted, people are very friendly - packet pick-up the easiest ever. Course well marked. Two things I wish were organized a little better: We arrived early to the start, stayed in front of building with tons of runners, and moved en masse to the start. Because we had chips, I didn't worry about a fast start for the 14.2-mile run; in fact, we stayed toward back talking to walkers and other 14.2'ers. I was very surprised there was no timing mat at the start and no discernible start line to begin our own timing. If there were announcements, we sure couldn't hear them. Also, there were two sets of port-a-johns on the road - I assume they belonged to this race, but not near a water stop and no info in the race packet. In fact, I saw racers duck around back of the P-A-J's rather than in them. Other issues probably outside of race management control included the girl REPEATEDLY taking strobe flash pictures of her friends at 5 a.m. in the dark at the start area - do you not understand how you were blinding those of us nearby??? Also, lots of trash on the back country roads - and some of the runners added to it (I passed many empty GU packs on ground). C'mon guys, would it kill you to carry your empty packet to the next water stop? (...Which, come to think of it didn't have trash cans; but the volunteers did tell us just to toss the cups and they would gather them). A lot more vehicle traffic than you would think for that time of morning, including one exhaust-spitting truck that turned in front of us and multiple vehicles weaving in and out of runners at the early portion of the return. Otherwise, just as everyone has said, there was an awesome medal, a nice thumbs-up from the front-runners, great parking, a nice chance to drive the course if you arrive day before (map on website is sufficient and course is pretty straight-forward). Heat and humidity are the norm for the south, and the early start was a plus. Water stops were well stocked. | |
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Scott Walker from Auburn, Alabama
(9/4/2008)
"Great 14.2-Miler" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Last year I ran the full marathon and this year I only ran the 14.2-miler. Both times it was HOT and HUMID, but still, both were great experiences. I'm already planning to run again next year. The medal for the 14.2-miler was great - they took the skull and crossbones and cut in a little more than half, just like the 14.2-miler is a little more than half a marathon. Nice touch. Burgers and beer at the finish is always nice. Plus they have indoor bathrooms! Don't expect crowd support and photos along the way. You're out there on your own (except for aid stations support). Nice, rolling hills. Was dark at the start. Several people were startled by a cat walking down the middle of the road - difficult to see. Heard one lady scream. All that leads to the uniqueness of the race. | |
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C. A. from Dallas, TX
(9/4/2008)
"If you need Mississippi, it will work." (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 After finishing Humpy's Marathon (great race) a few weekends before, I was probably in for a disappointment. The website provided very limited information. No maps or directions to the packet pick-up or start/finish location. For those coming from out of town, I found it difficult to find location information. Also, there was no information in the packet about the start location. The website had indicated there would be aid stations about every 2 miles. The first aid station wasn't until mile 3. This could be dangerous, especially considering the humidity levels. While the runners in front may have seen the mile marker signs (those following the police car), those of us slower runners in the back couldn't see anything. It was pitch black and there were no light sticks illuminating mile markers or any signs. It truly is pitch black at 5 a.m. - you could hardly see the runner in front of you. I found it disconcerting and was worried about safety (can't see potholes, edge of road, roadkill, etc.). I agree the 5 a.m. start time might be necessary, but it should probably be recommended runners wear headlamps if they're not running behind the lead police car. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this race to my running friends. | |
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A. C. from southern states
(9/3/2008)
"Nice run with a few bumps in the road..." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As others have stated, this is a lovely course - albeit a tough run, given the high humidity (both before and after the sun comes out!), as expected. There are virtually no spectators, but the aid stations were consistent at every 2 miles and the folks who participated in the run very friendly, and thus functioned as athletes and spectators both! A definite lack of information about the start, which is a challenge if you aren't from the area. Those who look for the Tupelo Furniture Market realize it consists of several buildings and the it is a bit confusing - last thing you need with a 5 a.m. start time. Putting maps in the goody bags would help, or much clearer instructions online that warn of possible pitfalls (i.e., going to the wrong market building) in addition to details about how to arrive at the start. A very enjoyable experience overall and highly recommended! | |
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K. M. from Memphis, TN
(9/2/2008)
"A must-do!" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Make no mistake - Tupelo may be a small town, but there is nothing small about this marathon that promises that you will "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead." It is not for the faint of heart! 1. Be prepared, for it will be HOT. 2. Also be prepared, because it will be humid. 3. Wake up early enough actually to be alert, because the roads are open. 4. Bring a light source, for you are in the country and there are no street lights. 5. If you gather strength from the spectators on the sidelines cheering you on, then stay home, because there aren't any (except for the AMAZING volunteers at the aid stations!). 6. If you are energized by constantly passing and being passed by people along the route, hang it up. With a cap of 250 for the full, it can get pretty lonely if you run on your own! 7. Did I mention that it was HOT? 8. DO be prepared to be greeted by Southern hospitality every step of the way - from packet pickup, to your pre-race dinner, to the ALWAYS SMILING support crews at the aid stations, to the finish line folks who were as friendly and excited by the late finishers as they must have been to those who came in early. 9. You will have never tasted a better hamburger and beer than those awaiting you at the finish line! 10. The skull-and-crossbones medal says it all. I will definitely be back for this one in the future! | |
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P. R. from Atlanta, GA
(9/2/2008)
"Great Marathon!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Tupelo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Loved the 5 a.m. start. Nice to get 6 or 7 miles done before daylight. Great course support with water/Gatorade/GU. No spectators, but that was no problem. The best medal and shirt around. Fantastic to have grilled food and cold beer at the end. Also great: when we passed the winner, he told us that we looked great and were doing a great job! Made us feel like ROCK STARS! Nice job, Tupelo. A must-do, low-key race for Labor Day weekend. |
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