This was probably my first half marathon that started my racing renaissance. I grew up running cross country, the 1600 and 3200 in track. I exited Army basic training clocking a 5:25 min mile for my final PT Test. I ran daily in undergrad for mental therapy and competed in a few sprint tri's. However, no one introduced me to the world of competitive road or trail racing until very late in life. But the great thing about running is that its never too late to start over. That is what I did at the tender age of 35 finding my passion for grinding out miles on the road and a new passion for the trails. I am making up for all the missed time though.

ENOUGH ABOUT ME GET TO THE RACE REVIEW!!!

This was an awesome first half marathon. The race is point to point, which I really like. It just seems to make the race go faster. The race offers a 5K on Saturday and either a Full or Half on Sunday. I ran the 5K and Half option (I will review the 5K in a separate review). The race takes place in December so it can be either really cold (as it was in 2016) or warmer.

PRE-RACE. The race directors are really organized and good at putting on a large race. They are also the crew behind the Louisiana Marathon weekend (Side Note: you can get an extra swag by completing the Coast to Bayou Challenge for any distance). The expo was held at the convention center in Biloxi, Mississippi. The expo was fairly extensive and had lots of great vendors giving free stuff away and also offering items for sale at a discount. I really enjoyed walking through the expo. There was plenty of parking at the expo and it was easy to find and navigate. Packet pick-up was well organized and fast.

THE HALF: I stayed at an AIRBNB in Bay St. Louis and my girlfriend dropped me at the starting line and drove to the finish line to wait for me. Therefore, getting to the start line was easy and painless. For those without a crew, the race offered parking at the convention center with busing to the staring lines as well and busing back to the parking lot post-race. Again I appeared to be an easy painless process for those using this option. I didn't hear anyone complain about it. As I stated the race is a point to point. The half started in Gulf Port and ended in Biloxi. It follows scenic Highway 90 so you have coastal views the entire run. The road is well maintained and flat so it is perfect for anyone wanted to PR. Because the course is open on the coast side (i.e. no building cover) there was a head wind. It was fairly cold this race weekend, however, that never really bothers me. The starting line was stocked with portable toilets. There was hype music and someone on the microphone providing updates and getting people hyped for the race. The race course is wide and after the initial start it was easy to find separation from the crowd. They also provided pacers for reference point. The course had ample aid stations and portable toilets along the course. Again the course is flat and straight until the last few miles. At about mile 11 you turn off HWY 90 into downtown Biloxi for a little loop into the finish line. The race ended in the minor league baseball stadium. I thought this was an excellent finish. You entered the stadium at left field warning track and run around the outfield to right field where the finish line was located. You collected your medal and walked right into the after party located on the baseball field.

AFTER PARTY: This was an excellent after party. First it free food and beer to participants and guests could purchase tickets. They had a great selection of craft beer with some options coming from the gulf coast area. Several local restaurants were preparing southern classics like jambalaya and shrimp etouffee. Additionally there was bananas, oranges and other post-race staples. The food and drink tent was well stocked and they did not run out while I was there. Additionally there was a stage with several local bands booked to play. The music was great. You literally just stretched out on the outfield, listened to live music, ate good food and drank great craft beer.

SWAG: The t-shirt was a very nice quality, very soft. However, I found the design and color to lack any imagination. So it was a bit boring and not something I wore daily other than around the house. The medal was very nice. It was large and very colorful. It was also location specific in the shape of a crab. The medal was designed to also function as a bottle opener. If you completed the two course challenge that weekend you also received a large, very sturdy plasic crawfish trey with the race logo on it.

OVERALL: This is a fun race. These race directors run a tight ship and put on a well organized event. The after party location and amenities were probably the best I've experienced at any race. The course had great coastal views to make the run pleasant and fast. This one is worth running and I would combine it with the Louisiana race to complete the challenge if you can swing it.

Race Time: 1:56:42
Race Pace: 8:54 min./mi.

CHEERS!