Decided on a whim to do the MidSouth Marathon in order to qualify for Marathon Maniacs. Had done two other marathons in previous 9 weeks so my overall sense of "being tired" probably contributes to my less than wonderful opinion of this run.

Registration was cheap and easy the morning of. The race started at the local high school - awesome because parking was right there and the school was open to stay warm and have access to bathrooms. The race also ended on the track and the post-race was in the cafeteria so that was all good.

The route was a few miles through town then a very long 9-10miles out on a two lane country road. The day was dreary and cold so perhaps the scenery WAS nice, just not that day. There was very little traffic but no closed roads. Aid stations were numerous but mostly just drinks. There were a couple of churches that had fruit and hard candy and a few places with music blaring. Those were welcome! The volunteers were extremely friendly and cheerful.

The finish line on the track was cool and all the cookies at the finish line were awesome!! The emcee announced people as they entered the field and made their way onto the track. Inside they served chicken, pizza, BBQ, etc with drinks. Post-race awards were scattered and not all the times/people were accounted for. We did get some nice pint glasses with the MSM logo stickers on them.

The running club did a decent job running the race - they were very informal and having fun. It was very much a small town race. I noticed when leaving that the back-of-packers (6hr+) were still being announced and people were cheering them in. That was nice.

Probably won't go back but glad I knocked it out and earned my spot as MM11943!!