17th Annual Mississippi Blues Marathon draws big crowd

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – People from around the United States gathered in downtown Jackson for the 17th annual Mississippi Blues Marathon.

Some walked while others ran while listening to live authentic blues music from six bands throughout the course.

“This is actually my third time running this particular race, but I’ve been running ever since middle school. I normally placed in my age category and I’m hoping to do the same thing today,” says Alicia, a third-time Mississippi Blues Marathon runner.

The race wasn’t just for the experience. There was a little something for everyone.

The races included a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or the full marathon.

Friends Lanie Schulz and Nancy Sanders say running in the Mississippi Blues Marathon has been on their minds for a while.

“Well we’ve been talking about it for years and every time it comes around it’s something we think we might want to do and we never did and one day, 4th of July actually like we’re doing it. We’re signing up…we’re going to figure it out,” says Shulz.

Those who didn’t run could be found throughout the streets of Jackson cheering on family and friends.

“I’m here to support my husband. He likes to run the 10k every year, and he likes for me to be with them to support them during pictures, take pictures, and get ready for the marathon.”

Serena Alhalteh comes every year to support her husband but this year it was a family affair

“That’s my daughter. This is my husband. And this is our daughter, Natalia.”

She says the atmosphere keeps her coming back year after year.

“It’s full of life. I like the music. I like the way they started. make everybody feel included. Everyone’s so sweet. I love it. Yeah. And they make everyone feel like family,” says the mother-daughter duo.

The Mississippi Blues Marathon has been an official Boston Qualifier each year.

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