Page 130 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coastal running fest
MISSISSIPPI Gulf Coast Marathon
DECEMBER 9 - 11, 2016
story by Kelsey Sunderman
FIRST
Excitement is building for the inaugural Mississippi
Gulf Coast Marathon, which will be held December 9-11. “We’re tracking to have over 3,000 participants, closer to 4,000 if things continue to pick up” said Danny Bourgeois, marketing director for the marathon. “Most out-of-town runners will register last minute, and we’re still getting travel runner registrations in. We are proud to be hosting runners from 27 states thus far. We hope to get all 50!”
This “Coastal Running Fest,” as it is being called, is
a weekend-long event celebrating the Coast and its scenic views all the way from Pass Christian to Biloxi. Runners are able to register for the marathon with a variety of distance options. This multi-race format allows participants to choose the race that best fits their needs and ability. Races include a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and kids marathon race program (1.2 mile fun run).
The idea for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon was
developed by a Coast local, Pat Fellow, who now serves as the event director. As one of the founders of the Louisiana Marathon, Fellow has had a great deal of experience with operating marathon events. From training and competing to speaking and managing the races, he’s done it all.
The marathon will bring visitors to the area during what is usually a slow time of year for the Coast and is expected to have a positive economic impact. “According to a study commissioned by Kent State University and backed by economic impact models, the Louisiana Marathon Running Festival, has generated more than $17 million from
runners outside of the city,” said Bourgeois.
The race weekend begins with a health and fitness expo at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi on December 9 at 11 a.m. December 10 will feature a 5K race beginning at 8 a.m., with the Kids Marathon to follow at 9:30 a.m. A post-race party will follow the 5K and Kids races and the expo will reopen from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
130 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2016
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