Runners take over the Coast this weekend

December 7, 2023

Visitors from across the country and around the world bring economic impact to Coastal Mississippi

BILOXI, MS. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Thousands of runners will converge on Coastal Mississippi this weekend to participate in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon and Coastal Running Fest. The event, now in its 8th year, continues to grow, drawing participants from 46 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.

“There is no better place to close out the year than on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cool temps, endless miles of beach, and Christmas decorations are the perfect setting to welcome visitors,” said Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director for FRESHJUNKIE Racing.

“We are excited to make such a profound economic sports tourism impact with over 70% of the runners coming from outside the area. Couple this with great local participation in the Margaritaville 5K and Chevron Kids Marathon to make the Coast a great place to live and work,” Wattigny added.

Founded in 2015, the Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 10, showcases Mississippi’s local culture with a scenic point-to-point course from Pass Christian to Biloxi. The USATF Certified Boston Qualifier route offers unobstructed beach views and takes participants past some of the coast’s most historic and beautiful homes. The flat, fast, and scenic route culminates with a grand slam stadium finish at MGM Park.

Runners can choose to participate in a Half Marathon on Sunday or the Margaritaville 5K race on Saturday, Dec. 9. Participants completing both events receive a Double Down award for their tenacity. Parents can introduce their kids to running with the 1-mile Chevron Mississippi Gulf Coast Kids Marathon.

The F.E.B. Distributing Finish Festival, celebrating the runners following Sunday’s Marathon and Half Marathon, will feature gumbo, Mississippi BBQ, beer, and great music.

Sponsors include: Coastal Mississippi Tourism, Visit Mississippi, Chevron, Keesler Federal Credit Union, Beau Rivage, Margaritaville Resort – Biloxi, Ingalls, Powerade, Magnolia Wealth Strategies, F.E.B. Distributing, Fly Llama Brewing, Capitol City Produce, Rouses Markets, Half Shell Oyster House, and Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists.

To register for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon or for more information, please visit www.msgulfcoastmarathon.com. Runners can also take advantage of a special bundle price by registering for both the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon and the Louisiana Marathon in January.

Event Details:

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Start: Henderson Point, Pass Christian, MS
Finish: MGM Park, Biloxi, MS

Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Start: Jones Park, Gulfport, MS
Finish: MGM Park, Biloxi, MS

Margaritaville Mississippi Gulf Coast 5K
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
8:00 a.m.
Margaritaville Resort, Biloxi, MS

Chevron Mississippi Gulf Coast Kids Marathon – 1 Mile
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
9:30 a.m.
Margaritaville Resort, Biloxi, MS

ABOUT FRESHJUNKIE RACING:

FRESHJUNKIE Racing is an event production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Producing events since 2010, FJR manages, markets, and produces 20 events annually across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri. Creating memorable experiences for 50,000 participants annually, the events produce over $15 Million in economic impact in the communities and $2.7 Million in charitable impact.

For more info visit: https://freshjunkieracing.com/ .

Contact: Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director | mike@freshjunkie.com | (504) 952-2899