The Fondren 12 hour urban ultra is an ultra distance running event that tests your endurance. Whether you're here to reach a certain mileage goal or to crush an existing one, this one is the one for you.
I found this running event on runningintheusa website when I needed to run a marathon or beyond in all 50 states in Mississippi for the second time around. It was good for me because it had all the right pieces for me. A generous time to reach the marathon distance or beyond within 12 hours, a scenic course, and a the venue within driving distance from the airport. I registered for the event on ultrasignup.com a few months before the event date. Registration is usually done online and we use credit cards for online payments. Fast forward to race weekend. I arrived at the race venue about an hour or so before the start. I needed to ask where the packet pick up line was and headed there to pick up my race materials. It was nice that they heard I traveled from Hawaii to be at this race. Most were amazed. The race start was at 7am. The venue was at the local Fondren church at 3327 Old Canton Road in Jackson, Mississippi. The loop was thru the neighboring area and measured 3.1 miles or essentially a 5 km loop. The trick is to go as much as you want within 12 hours. Go as fast or slow as you want and nobody will notice, unless you are the personnel who keeps the timing equipment in check. The course itself was very nice and the neighborhood was good and scenic. Definitely was cool to see this area of Jackson. I even asked a participant who lived in the area about average home prices here too. Just in case.
The overall experience here at the 2025 Fondren 12 hour urban ultra event was very fun and nice. There was a few hills along the course, as well as a very noticeable uphill at the end of the loop. After the 2nd loop, I started to dread that uphill portion but it is what it is. This race is a small ultra distance that usually draws most people from in Jackson. Mississippi and the surrounding communities. Then there's me and a handful of outside Mississippi who wants to participate. The weather was crisp for a mid Spring time event and to kick off an end of winter event. Runners everywhere are genuinely kind and friendly. The course was well marked and there was one water station along the course. Since the loop was only 3.1 miles long, there's usually one station for aid in the middle of the loop. This year's race (2025) was mildly warmer than usual, but I toughed it out and managed to hit my goal with a bit of time left before the end of the event. I managed to make new friends out there too. It was nice to get the "you came from Hawaii to do this race?" I'm a 50 stater from Hawaii, after all. If you want to dip your feet into distance running or an endurance event that gives you a generous amount of time, consider Fondren Urban ultra here in Jackson, MS.
The Fondren urban ultra is a distance endurance event that is 12 hours in duration. The course itself weaves in nearby residential areas and total distance is a 5 km. They have official chip timing, so you know how far you've gone and how much more you need to go before the event is over. As far as parking goes, I lucked out by staying nearby at a Hilton hotel a block or so away, so I was within walking distance to and from the event. There's always street parking in nearby and maybe check with the event organizers on where to park on race morning. If possible, get dropped off by family or friends. Or if not, stay nearby and walk on over. There's always uber and lyft to get you here to the race venue if possible. For the most part though, this race was a great way to see Mississippi, even though it was in a residential neighborhood. The course was scenic and very nice. It was very expensive from what I was told. The event was fun and energetic. I would come back here again, if future travels permit me to do so. If you're interested in your first marathon or ultra and need extra time, consider this race for Mississippi. And if you're running the 50 states, consider this one anyway for Mississippi.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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