I started running in 2012. Literally a "Couch to 5K" experience that has miraculously continued to this day. In 2014, I ran the MS Blues Half. In 2015, I ran the full Blues Marathon on an unusually cold day for Mississippi in the 20s. Perfect first marathon. I again ran the full marathon in 2016, which started in a drizzle, soaked us in humidity, then ended in a downpour. Ugh.

The Mississippi weather might be unpredictable, but the volunteers, race organization and support will be nothing short of fantastic. The Blues is a great representation of Southern Hospitality, whether you're a hometown boy like me, or one of the travelers from the other 49 that enjoy it every year. All those involved make it feel like a special day.

2017 was set to be a banner year, celebrating 10 years (including the famous guitar race medal), but had to be cancelled due to a crippling ice storm that shut down central Mississippi that weekend. The Blues' race organization didn't leave us empty-handed, but made arrangements for registered runners to transfer to a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the approaching months, along with a discount for 2018.

Not to be missed.

Great time in the mud with friends! We had a blast in the hills and creek outside Jackson and Flora, MS. After a short trail run, we sunk into a creek bed of mud, climbed walls, climbed rope netting, crossed beams, slid into a muddy pool, crawled under barbed wire and jumped over fires. I was the old guy in the group, but I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more than the kids!

It's been a few years, but we hope WD comes back to Jackson soon...