2,400 runners cross the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon finish line

The Gulf Coast Marathon events invited runners with all levels of experience to cross our coastlines.

The full marathon runners started at Henderson Point in Pass Christian, and those running a half marathon— 13.1 miles— began the journey at Jones Park.

After 26.2 miles, Jake Braam’s victory could practically be heard all the way back at Henderson Point.

“It feels really good. Just awesome to represent the home state, Minnesota, and come down, get some southern hospitality, and come out with a win... my first win ever,” Braam said.

Braam completed the race in around 2 hours and 38 minutes.

But, before the finish line, Mother Nature tested the runners with wind and rain.

“It was pretty windy out there, so just kind of fighting through,” Braam explains. “It actually got windier as the race went on, so it got tough in those last miles where you’re just kind of suffering and you got to put your head down and just get after it.”

Behind Braam was Katherine Phillips, the overall champion in the race’s female category.

“I think we have everything today. It was chilly at the beginning, we had rain, we had a little bit of sun and I think a headwind the whole time,” Phillips said. “But we had some awesome pacers and everybody was so nice so it was a great group to be with.”

Phillips crossed the finish line at 3 hours and 12 minutes. She says her experience as a collegiate athlete and love of running is what brought her from Milton, Florida to participate in this race.

“Super excited and blessed. This is actually my first marathon I’ve ever ran, so I was super excited to be out there today,” Phillips said.

Her husband and son were among the spectators cheering her on throughout the long journey.

FreshJunkie Racing and Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon marketing director Mike Wattigny says 2,400 runners made for a record-breaking turnout.

“What we’ve seen in the last couple of months is a significant uptick in our registration which is great to see,” Wattigny said. “This year the full marathon, the 5K and the beer mile all sold out. Next year is the 10th anniversary of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, so we’re anticipating a bigger crowd than ever.”

The half-marathon winner was Jacob Plocher from Gautier, and the overall female champion was Maya Espinosa from Baker, Florida.

posted Monday December 16th
by Destiny Polster