Miami, Houston, Jackson or Mobile?

[emuni04]

So, I was planning on running the RNR half marathon in St Pete with my brother (he lives in Tampa). But I just got word this AM that they are canceling this year's race (luckily I had not signed up yet).

I could just do NOLA RNR again, but I've done it three times and would like to try out a different race. Specifically, I am looking at the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Miami Marathon. 

My brother works in collegiate athletics and really can't commit to any races at this point due to scheduling. If he thinks he has time to train for Miami, then I will probably do that one. If not, I am leaning towards Houston just because it's a short drive.

Any experience with either of these? 

ETA: Anyone with experience running Jackson, MS' Mississippi Blues or Mobile's First Light Marathon? 

[finallykrisb]

Houston is a lotto, but you can still get in with a charity entry if you're willing to pay $$.

[texassmith]

I don't have any personal experience yet, but I'm running Houston in January. finallykrisb did it last year and may have some input. It seems to be a very well organized race.

[finallykrisb]

As for the race, very well organized and a great course. They are changing it up a bit this year though. The weather was ridiculous last year, 40's and blowing rain, but it's better than heat.

The other plus is Houston H&Fers will be out full force cheering!

[emuni04]

Thanks. If I do Houston, I am saving $$ on the flight, so I'd be willing to pay extra for the charity entry. I'm leaning towards that one, although selfishly I'd like to go back to Miami Hello, Cuban food!

[emuni04]

Update to the OP above. Anyone with experience running Jackson's Mississippi Blues or Mobile's First Light halfs?

[suzyp]

I ran Houston three years ago (when it was warm and humid!) Well run race - they are changing the route a little this year so you don't have to run over the annoying viaduct.

[emuni04]

Well, my brother is going to do Miami, so Miami it is After hearing all these great things about Houston, I may enter the lotto to run it in 2015!

[mrsjthompson]

I don't have experience running First Light, but I'm in Mobile and my sister ran the half. The beginning/end of the course is flat, but the middle is fairly hilly (for around here). You're in NOLA, right? The flat part is like running the RNR NOLA. The bulk of the route is through suburban sprawl. My sis wasn't impressed with the medal, and the weather here in January can be pretty unpredictable. When she ran it two years ago it was like 40 degrees and rainy for most of it. But I guess its supposed to be a pretty fast course.

I have heard wonderful things about the Mississippi Blues marathon but I don't know anybody personally who's run it.

[katinthehat]

The Jackson race is a lot hillier than you'd expect for Mississippi. The course isn't super pretty (parts of it are gorgeous though), but it is a well run race and well put on.

I haven't run it but was registered for it one year and it's my hometown

[emuni04]

Sept 4, 2013 12:22:34 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

The Jackson race is a lot hillier than you'd expect for Mississippi. The course isn't super pretty (parts of it are gorgeous though), but it is a well run race and well put on.

I haven't run it but was registered for it one year and it's my hometown

We always drive through Jackson when we make the trek home (Iowa for me, Illinois for my H) via car and I always want to take a mini-trip there. I'm reminded of it every time we drive past If we ever do actually take a weekend trip there, I may have to ask you for suggestions!

[emuni04]

Sept 4, 2013 10:36:22 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

I don't have experience running First Light, but I'm in Mobile and my sister ran the half. The beginning/end of the course is flat, but the middle is fairly hilly (for around here). You're in NOLA, right? The flat part is like running the RNR NOLA. The bulk of the route is through suburban sprawl. My sis wasn't impressed with the medal, and the weather here in January can be pretty unpredictable. When she ran it two years ago it was like 40 degrees and rainy for most of it. But I guess its supposed to be a pretty fast course.

I have heard wonderful things about the Mississippi Blues marathon but I don't know anybody personally who's run it.

Thanks for commenting on both of these! I am going to do Miami since my brother is going to be able to go, but I may have to keep these in mind since they are drive-able. 

I hear you on the weather. RNR NOLA is the same freaking way. One year, I remember it being freezing at the start and the next year being grossed out by how humid it was by mile 5. You just never know!

[katinthehat]

Sept 4, 2013 14:14:39 GMT -5 emuni04 said:

Sept 4, 2013 12:22:34 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

The Jackson race is a lot hillier than you'd expect for Mississippi. The course isn't super pretty (parts of it are gorgeous though), but it is a well run race and well put on.

I haven't run it but was registered for it one year and it's my hometown

We always drive through Jackson when we make the trek home (Iowa for me, Illinois for my H) via car and I always want to take a mini-trip there. I'm reminded of it every time we drive past If we ever do actually take a weekend trip there, I may have to ask you for suggestions!

There's a fantastic race there on Thanksgiving morning where the overall winners get deep fried turkeys to take home for dinner!

I love going home and running, especially now because I appreciate it so much more.  It has amazing cycling as well if you ride!