How do I enter the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon?

Registration is open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry opens in March 2026 and stays open until the race fills. Check the official website for current availability, as the event can sell out during the year.

Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is a certified Boston qualifier. It's flat and point-to-point, which makes it one of the more straightforward courses to run a qualifying time on.

What is the course like elevation-wise?

The course is essentially flat, with a highest point of 25 feet and cumulative gain and loss that are negligible over 26.2 miles. There are no significant climbs or descents to plan around.

What is the weather typically like on race day?

December race-day temperatures average in the low 50s at the start and rise into the mid-60s by midday. Wind off the Gulf is a factor worth monitoring; check the forecast before finalizing your pacing plan.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon course is USATF certified, which means your finishing time is valid for Boston qualifying purposes.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have seen around 5,000 finishers, making it a mid-size race with enough energy on course without the congestion of the very largest marathons.

Sun, Dec 13 · 2026Pass Christian, MSSince 2016

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon runs point to point along the Gulf shoreline, keeping you close to sea level the entire way. It's a genuinely fast course for runners chasing a qualifier or a personal best.

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MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST · US

Mississippi Gulf Coast

SUN, DEC 13

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 2016

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon runs along the Gulf shoreline from start to finish, and the course is about as flat as a marathon gets. You stay close to sea level the whole way, which means no significant hills to manage and no quad-trashing descents to survive. The one thing to plan around is the coastal exposure. Wind can show up, especially in the back half, so check the forecast before you lock in a goal pace and think about where you line up in the field.

This is a straightforward race for runners who want a fair shot at a Boston qualifier or a PR. Open registration means you don't have to navigate a lottery or meet a time standard just to enter, but it does fill up during the year so don't sit on it once registration opens in the spring. It's held in December, which keeps the temperatures honest. If you're looking for a low-drama, well-organized course that gets out of your way and lets you run, this is a solid choice. Register early and trust your training.

Field size

~5k

5,000 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:31:21

Jacob Plocher

2023

Women

2:57:42

Stephanie McNabb

2023

The Course

65 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑65 ft

Total descent

↓65 ft

Net elevation

↑0 ft

Highest point

25 ft

Lowest point

4 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course sits almost entirely at sea level, with a highest point of just 25 feet and cumulative gain and loss that cancel each other out. That flat profile means no significant climbs to budget for and no late-race quad punishment from descents. Pacing is straightforward: what you put out in mile one is what the course asks of you in mile twenty-five. The coastal exposure can introduce wind as a variable, so check the forecast and position yourself accordingly in the pack. Surface and turns are manageable throughout. For runners targeting a qualifier or a PR, the elevation profile removes one obstacle; execution and conditions do the rest.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

51°F

High

64°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

December on the Mississippi Gulf Coast tends to be cool and mild by Gulf South standards. You're looking at a chilly start that you'll warm out of in the first few miles, and midday temperatures that stay comfortable enough to run fast if the conditions cooperate. Wind off the water is the real variable on this exposed course. It's not guaranteed, but it can make the back half feel harder than your splits suggest. Bring a throwaway layer for the corral and keep an eye on the forecast in the days before race day.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Events may sell out during the year; refer to the official website for current capacity and availability status.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

MSY

65 mi

from the start

≈ 103 min transferManageable drive

What to expect

Nearest major airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (about 90 minutes away). Base yourself in Biloxi near Keesler Federal Park for easy access to the finish line and shuttle services. The Beau Rivage Resort and other local hotels offer convenient locations for race weekend.

Frequently Asked

7 questions

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