
Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K
Stennis Space Center Half Marathon offers a flat, fast, certified PR course on NASA grounds.
Race Date
Nov 28, 2026
Location
Stennis Space Center, MS
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Location
- Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,657
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Set within the secure perimeter of NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, this half marathon is a low-key gem for runners chasing a fast time. The course is flat, fast, and USATF certified—ideal for PRs and Boston qualifiers (the full marathon is a BQ event). With a median field of about 188 finishers and runners from 16 states, it's a small, intimate race where you'll share the pavement with a dedicated crew of repeat participants (27% return rate). The setting is surprisingly serene: paved roads wind through wooded areas where deer and other wildlife are common sights, and the typical November weather—upper 50s at the start—makes for comfortable racing.
The atmosphere is distinctly low-key, with no big crowds or live bands—just runners, volunteers, and the occasional NASA building. The Gulf Coast Running Club organizes the event with care, placing aid stations every two miles stocked with water, Gatorade, and bananas. After crossing the finish line, you'll get a long-sleeve tee and a finisher medal (though check the year—reviews note that leftover medals have been used). The post-race vibe is a simple picnic-area gathering with grass parking. It's not glitzy, but for those who value a no-frills, well-measured course over spectacle, this race delivers exactly what it promises: a flat, fast, and oddly picturesque tour of a rocket base.
Now in its ninth edition, the Stennis Space Center Half Marathon is a quiet favorite among 50-state hunters and PR-seekers. Reviews praise its small-field camaraderie and the novelty of running through an active space facility. If you're looking for a calm, efficient race with a dash of NASA history—and you don't mind a course that some call 'boring'—this is a solid choice for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway.
Race-provided description
Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K DATE: Thanksgiving Weekend Saturday, November 28, 2026 TIME: 8 a.m. start for all races THE COURSE – The Stennis Space Center offers runners a beautiful, picturesque 26.2 mile run around the perimeter of the Space Center. Run on paved roads, through the lovely wooded areas where wildlife sightings are frequent. The course is flat, fast, and PR friendly, with usual temperatures in the upper 50’s at the start and lower 70’s by the finish. Course services include Stennis Running Club aid stations approximately every 2 miles. (Kentwood Springs Water, Gatorade, bananas, and port-o-lets). Mile markers & directional signs plainly visible. Medical staff supplied by AMR. Communications at each aid station. This event is sanctioned by both Road Runners Club of America and U.S.A.T.F. All 3 courses are certified. Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. No walkers in the marathon, please. (7 hr time limit) (18 years of age min.) To view the Course Map click on the Race Course Map tab at the top of the page. The race will be chip timed by Pelican Timing Services! NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION Package pickup available on race day at the Cypress House near start line. SHIRTS – Colorful long sleeve tee shirts to all participants. REGISTRATION FEES: MARATHON (18 years of age min.) $50 Pre-entry thru. Nov. 22 $55 Late Nov. 23-27 (7 Hour Time Limit) HALF MARATHON $45 Pre-entry thru Nov. 22 $50 Late Nov. 23-27 5K RACE $30 Pre-entry thru Nov. 22 $35 Late Nov. 23-27 INFORMATION : Race Director (Leonard) (228) 380-7037 or Stennis Wellness Center (228) 688-3950 PRE-RACE PACKET PICK UP/REGISTRATION available from 12-6 p.m. Friday, November 27, at the Mississippi Welcome Center (Pearlington in Hancock County) located on the corner of I-10 & Hwy. 607. OVERALL AWARDS: Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K: Custom plaques: Overall, Master, Grand Master, & Senior Master winners (Male & Female) Half Marathon Race Walkers & 5K Race Walkers: The 1st (3) race walkers in the Half Marathon and 5K. (Male & Female) Wheelchair Marathon: Custom plaques to top three finishers.
*Handsome, custom designed medallion to all marathon and half marathon finishers.*
AGE GROUP AWARDS: – Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K will be awarded male & female three deep. Must be Over 18 for Marathon.
12 years & under 45-49 years 13-18 years 50-54 years 19-24 years 55-59 years 25-29 years 60-64 years 30-34 years 65-69 years 35-39 years 70 & Over years 40-44 years
AWARDS PRESENTATION immediately after each individual race: 5K at 8:45am, Half Marathon at 10:30am, Marathon at 1 p.m.
RACE RESULTS . Chip scoring by PELICAN TIMING SERVICES The Complete Race Results for all 3 races will be posted at these websites: pelicantimingservices.com gulfcoastrunningclub.org runsignup.com
Results by Text and/or Email Upon Finishing Your Race: You will also be able to receive your results by text and/or email message during the race. You will be able to set this up during online registration. POST RACE REFRESHMENT: All participants will be served delicious red beans and rice (Brooklyn's Flavor) with cold beer, soft drinks, sports drink and fruit. RACE RESULTS: The complete race results for all three races will be posted on our website within 24 hours. www.gulfcoastrunningclub.org SECURITY – Allow up to 15 minutes extra time entering Main security gate on race morning. You must have a Real ID or Passport & proof of auto insurance ready. All drivers and adult passengers must produce a Real ID on race morning. Please arrive early and expect possible delays for ID checks. EVERY ADULT must present acceptable ID to be allowed into the Stennis Space Center. Acceptable ID includes state issued Real ID driver’s license and identification cards, Federal employee badges, Passports, and Military ID Cards. Disclaimer The United States Government does not endorse any commercial product, process or activity through its agreements with non-government entities. The use of the name “Stennis Space Center” does not constitute nor imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government of any commercial product, process, activity or service. ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hampton Inn (Slidell) 985-726-9777 Days Inn (Slidell) 985-641-3450 La Quinta (Slidell) 985-643-9770 Best Western Slidell Inn 985-781-5655 Holiday Inn Hotel/Suites (Slidell) 985-639-0890 Comfort Inn (Slidell) 985-641-4147 Motel 6 (Slidell) 985-649-7925 Econolodge (Diamondhead) 228-586-0210 Hollywood Casino (Bay St. Louis) 228-467-9257 Days Inn (Gulfport Airport) 855-799-6859 Holiday Inn (Gulfport Airport) 228-679-1700 Country Inn & Suites (Slidell) 985-326-8888
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Building 2411, Stennis Space Center, MS, 39529
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.1%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MS22025MS · Stennis Space Center Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout719 years running
~188 finishers a year
shrinking
27% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 16 states
winner 1:11:49
typical high 0°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
0°
Afternoon (High)
0°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.0"
Precipitation
0 mph
Wind
0%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,657 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,657
Median time
2:08:27
Latest turnout
169
States
31
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K?
The Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K is held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K take place?
It takes place in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
What distances does the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,657 runners who have completed the Stennis Space Center Marathon | Half Marathon | 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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