Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Reveals Details of Event

Humana has announced today that it will be a presenting partner of the 2019 Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, Dec. 13-15, 2019.

The Coastal Running Fest includes a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and kids marathon (a 1.2 mile fun run).

“We’re excited to partner with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon this December in Biloxi,” said Humana Gulf States Medicare President Matt Berger. “Humana is committed to improving the health and well-being of our members on the Gulf Coast and across Mississippi, and this wonderful community event offers Gulf Coast seniors and their families a great way to get active and engaged in their health and fitness.”

Adding to the excitement, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon has joined the second edition of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings.

Launching in Sept. 2018, the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings aims to raise awareness of the sport of marathon running by highlighting the achievements of age-group marathon runners, that otherwise might go unnoticed.The 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will mark the end of the qualification period for the second edition of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The World Championships will take place in the spring of 2021 with the venue to be announced next year.

Participants in an AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Ranking qualifying race will earn points according to their age, time and gender, aligned with the following age groups for men and women: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.

Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of Abbott World Marathon Majors said: “We are very excited about the response to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings from marathons around the world. More than 125,000 runners aged 40+ participate in AbbottWMM races each year and this new system will allow even more runners to become a part of the AbbottWMM family. Our system gives runners a chance to run all over the world and all across the calendar on a truly global stage. We want to give them a chance to gain recognition like never before.

“We are proud to be working with all our partners to take age group marathon running to the next level and showcase the achievements of these everyday champions.”

“The addition of Humana with the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Series makes a major statement for the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Craig Sweeney, Strategic Partnership Director of the Louisiana Marathon.  “The Coast has seen a renaissance ever since Hurricane Katrina changed the landscape and these two huge additions to the marathon further show that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the place to be!”

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST MARATHON:  Founded in 2015, The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, a Coastal Running Fest, will be held December 7-9, 2018, to celebrate the local flare and beauty of running along the scenic beaches spanning Pass Christian to Biloxi. Races include a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles), and kids marathon race program (a 1.2 mile fun run). The weekend kicks off Friday, December 13th, at 11 am until 7 pm, with packet pick up Runner Village at MGM Park. On Saturday, December 14th, the 5K, the Chevron Kids Marathon and Kids 5K starts off at 8 am, followed by a post-race party at Point Cadet, and the packet pick up reopens from 11 am until 5 pm. Back for 2019, the Harrah’s Gulf Coast Beer Mile at The Blind Tiger happens on Saturday, December 14th, at 3 pm. On Sunday morning, December 15th, the marathon starts in Pass Christian and half marathon starts in Gulfport at 7 am. The Coors Light Finish Festival at MGM Park, a post-race party offering local seafood, Mississippi style barbeque and the sounds of country, rock and blues, begins when runners cross the finish line as early as 8:15 am and jams until 2 pm. For more information, and to register, visit www.msgulfcoastmarathon.com.