Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon and Half Marathon are point-to-point races, which means the start and finish lines are at different locations. The following plan is designed to make getting to and from the race venues as easy as possible for our participants. Please understand this is a compilation of efforts made by several city agencies, event production teams and venue operators.  We are doing our best to plan for and execute a safe shuttle experience for the 2020 event taking all COVID considerations into account.

SUNDAY MORNING SHUTTLE DEPOT MAP

BEFORE THE RACE

Shuttles are for runners only and provided for the marathon and the half marathon races on Sunday. They are NOT being provided for the 5K and Kids Marathon on Saturday. The morning shuttles will NOT be returning to the Morning Shuttle Depot or to the Finish Line.  Runners will only be allowed to board shuttles that correspond with their bib so please be prepared to show your race bib to staff.  Half Marathon runners will not be allowed to board Full Marathon shuttles and vice versa.

SHUTTLE LOCATION - PICKUP RACE MORNING

MGM Park Baseball Field
105 Caillavet St, Biloxi, MS 39530

SHUTTLE LOCATIONS - DROP OFF RACE MORNING

Half Marathon Start Line– Near Jones Park
805 20th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

For the 2020 Half Marathon, shuttles will drop runners off in Jones Park, which is south of Hwy 90.  Runner start corrals, port-a-lets and announcements will all be staged in the grass areas and parking lots of Jones Park.  Shuttles will not be waiting with runners this year.  Runners must exit the shuttles upon arrival at Jones Park.  Please wear warm clothing and have your gear check bag ready with your bib tag to deposit right before you start the race.

Marathon Start Line – Near Henderson Point
26251 West Beach Blvd., Pass Christian, MS 39571

For the 2020 Full Marathon the shuttle location will remain the same.  This year runners will start the race in the East bound lane of traffic and continue on Hwy 90 through Pass Christian.

THERE ARE NO POST-RACE SHUTTLES FOR 2020.

SHUTTLE TIMES & SCHEDULES

• Morning Shuttle Depot Opens: 4:30am (CST) for loading
• First Shuttles Depart 4:45am (CST) for the
  • 24-mile ride that takes 40-45 minutes to the Marathon Start Line
  • 10-mile ride that takes 15-20 minutes to the Half Marathon Start Line
• Final Shuttles Depart for the Marathon Start Line: 5:45am (CST) – NO EXCEPTIONS
• Final Shuttles Depart for the Half Marathon Start Line: 6:10am (CST) – NO EXCEPTIONS

SHUTTLE PREMIUMS & AMENITIES

• Staff and volunteers directing traffic, parking and shuttle loading at the Morning Shuttle Depot location
• Portable restrooms at Morning Depot and both Start Lines
• Announcers and music at both Start Lines, as well as areas to stretch and relax
• Water and Powerade at both Start Lines (these will be self-served with coolers and disposable cups provided)
• Gear Check at both Start Lines to transport your gear to the Finish Line

GEAR CHECK RULES

Attached to your race bib is a Gear Check tag. Please bring a closeable bag with your Gear Check tag attached to speed the process along. Any items left on buses or at the start line not in a gear check bag will be donated to charity. We are not responsible for lost or stolen goods — so do not pack valuables.

CONSIDERATIONS

MARATHON – There is NO PARKING available at the Marathon Start Line. Please use the shuttles for the Marathon or have someone drop you off. Do not attempt to park near the area. 

HALF – There is ample parking available at the Half Marathon Start Line both at the CTA Parking Garage and in downtown Gulfport. There is NO PARKING in Jones Park. If you choose to drive yourself to the Half Marathon Start Line or to have someone drop you off, then please refer to the maps and traffic flow diagrams to make arrangements. DO NOT STOP ON HWY 90 FOR DROP OFF.

Remember there are NO RETURN SHUTTLES after the race to either start line. Hwy 90 will be open to vehicle traffic until closer to the race start times. STAY OUT OF THE ROAD. Listen to the announcers and follow his/her directions. Once the roads are closed to traffic and the start corrals are loaded, runners will be allowed into Hwy 90. All runners should plan to be onsite and ready by 6:30am. We need to get you moved into the road, make final announcements, play our National Anthem, and get you on your way at 7:00am SHARP.

PRO TIPS

• Don’t cut it close - an extra 30 minutes of sleep isn’t going to improve your day, and it could ruin it if you’re late or run into any unforeseen obstacles. Get to the Morning Shuttle Depot or Start Lines early.
• Riding the shuttle will be very similar to current air travel. Masks are required to cover the nose and mouth AT ALL TIMES while on the shuttle. 
• The earliest shuttles have the lightest passenger load. If you want to ensure the maximal social distance, arrive early and ride the first shuttles of the day.
• Carpool - pile into as few cars as possible - grab a running buddy and ride together.
• If you drove to the start of the Half Marathon, leave your morning car where you park it until after the race is over (2:00pm). Use another vehicle to get back to the original car once the roads are open.
• Driving back to the Half Marathon Start Line to retrieve your car prior to 2:00pm along Hwy 90 will cause stress.
• Wear warm clothes until the last minute. Gear Check will be close to the Full Marathon & Half Marathon Start Lines. Due to the staggered, socially distanced start, you may start your race after 7:00am. Stay bundled up until just before your corral is called to the Start.
• Stay the extra night and enjoy your accomplishment Sunday at a casino resort.