Tupelo Marathon

Registration is open to all runners on a first-come, first-served basis. The marathon is capped at 150 entries and the 14.2-mile race at 300, so sign up early once registration opens. There is no lottery or qualifying standard required to enter.

Yes, it is a Boston qualifier. Roughly 15 percent of finishers have hit BQ standards in recent years, which reflects the challenge the September heat and rolling terrain present on race day.

The time limit is 6 hours.

The course is nearly net-flat, but it is not flat to run. The out-and-back route covers about 857 feet of cumulative gain through rolling terrain, with no single dramatic climb. Because you retrace the same course, every hill you face on the way out comes back again on the return.

Early September in Tupelo is hot and humid. Average highs are in the upper 80s and even the morning low is in the mid-60s, so there is little relief from the heat. Plan your pacing and hydration strategy around warm conditions rather than assuming a cool morning start.

The Tupelo Marathon is a small race. Recent finisher counts have been under 100, and the marathon is capped at 150 entries total. If you prefer a low-key atmosphere over a large-city race crowd, this fits.

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) is about 8 miles from the start and is the most convenient option. Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about 93 miles away, roughly a 1.5-hour drive, and offers significantly more flight options.