This is a great first half marathon or for anyone looking to set a new PR! The course is super flat, it is well supported, and of course, the views of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River cannot be beat! The weather was being difficult this year, but it did stop shortly before the start time and stayed overcast, so that was a big improvement.
What I love about this race is, well, literally everything! It has a generous four hour time limit, and is very encouraging to walkers as well as runners, so for me it was great not to have the pressure of trying to beat the street sweeper! (My average time for a half marathon is around three hours). The swag can't be beat...full bottle of wine along with a ton of beauty products full size samples!
Kathrine Switzer was there, both at the expo doing book signings (or just saying hello); and was even giving hugs/high fives at mile four on the course!
Getting over the border was really simple, just be sure to have a passport or passport card (birth certificates are not longer enough)!
I"m excited to run it again next year :)

This was my first trip to MS; and I was not disappointed! Being a December race, the weather is much more accommodating to runners than a summer race would be. The weather on race day was overcast and in the 50's, so perfect running weather! The course is super flat, with just the slightest incline at the end as you are coming off the highway exit ramp and going over a bridge. The view of the Gulf and the beach kept me company the entire course; as well as the beautiful lighthouses dotting the highway! There were aid stations just about every mile, and the volunteers were friendly and had enough supplies. This race has a stadium finish, (one of the college stadiums), and the after party was full of great food, music and fun!

I ran the 5k and the half, and got some extra swag for doing so :)

I stayed at the Home2Suites by Hilton Gulfport I-10, and cannot recommend this place enough. They are located just a couple miles from the park where the 5K started, and were an easy Uber drive to the half start line.

One of my favorite race experiences to date, check them out!