I drove from WV to MS!
This was a long 2 day trip since I only wanted to drive 6-7 hours a day. I'm extremely fortunate that my car didn't have an issues!
This was also the first time I slept in my car overnight, which was a scary experience at first. I'm glad I did it and now it seems less scary
This race had various distances which included a 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon
There was an early start marathon at 4:30 for people that would take longer than 6 hours to complete
The marathoners started at 6:30, half marathoners started at 7:30, 10K runners started at 7:45, 5K runners started at 8:00
I wish there were more spectators and crowd support. At least there were tons of volunteers to make the course doable!
In places where there were no volunteers, there were signs and ribbons to direct the runners on where to go
The finish area was at a bar and it was an after party!
The runners would get their medal, pizza, cookies, water, and alcohol!
The alcohol provided was a bloody Mary and beer, so I was VERY happy!
The expo was at the fitness center, and they had a lot to offer, even though it was small!
They offered wine, beer, and margaritas to us! As for swag, we received a shirt, lotion, sunglasses, and a stress ball (so not much to offer).
Additionally, since I traveled from West Virginia, I was somewhat treated as a celebrity! The volunteers were happy that they got someone who was out-of-state to come!
I ran this marathon since I saw an advertisement on Facebook in the summer of 2023. I heard good things about the inaugural half-marathon earlier that year, and that they would offer a marathon route in 2024
These races supported the only children's hospital in Mississippi, so it felt like a good cause.
Around mile 24-25, there were pictures of the patients (who are children) and some more spectators. I received a green wristband from one of the children, which felt like a wonderful gift!
Lastly, I was surprised that I placed in my age and sex group. The age groupings were for 5 years (ex. 20-24, 25-29, 60-64). A couple minutes after I crossed the finish line, they presented the awards and I was shocked to hear my name!
The only major negative issue with this marathon was that there were zero road closures
There were plenty of police officers to control traffic, but there were plenty of times when I was running with traffic at my back, so I felt unsafe
Additionally, there were no timing mats or photographers, so I don't know what my official split times are unfortunately.
I would love to see this marathon grow since it has tons of potential!
Race Website: Run the Rainbow