10th Anniversary of the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Moves Athlete Village to Gulfport’s Centennial Plaza

August 13, 2025

5K Rebranded as Hippie Fish 5K; New Location Enhances Race Weekend Experience for Runners and Visitors

GULFPORT, MS (August 13, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – As the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary, organizers are making a major move to elevate the participant experience and expand community involvement. The event’s Athlete Village—the heartbeat of race weekend festivities—will now call Centennial Plaza in Gulfport, Mississippi, its new home.

The move brings more than just a new venue. The 5K will debut under a fresh new identity: the Hippie Fish 5K. Both the Hippie Fish 5K and the Chevron Kids Marathon will now start and finish on the scenic grounds of Centennial Plaza Resort, offering participants and spectators a stunning backdrop filled with coastal charm, history, and excitement. Sunday’s full and half marathon remain unchanged, both finishing in Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi.

“We are excited to involve the great city of Gulfport in the event weekend even more than before,” said Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon and FRESHJUNKIE Racing. “Visitors from across the country will now have more options for lodging and a wide selection of dining locations they’ve likely never visited in prior marathon weekends. This move will feature a picturesque course along the beach and back through quaint streets of Gulfport. It involves the entire coast over the entire weekend.”

Centennial Plaza, a 48-acre waterfront destination resort, offers a unique setting with on-site hotels, restaurants, green spaces, and views of the Gulf—all designed to elevate the athlete and spectator experience while making race weekend more walkable, welcoming, and family-friendly.

“The City of Gulfport is thrilled to welcome the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon to Centennial Plaza for this milestone 10th anniversary celebration. Centennial Plaza represents the crown jewel of our waterfront development, and there’s no better venue to showcase what makes Gulfport special. This partnership highlights the very best of our city—our beautiful waterfront, our vibrant community spirit, and our commitment to hosting world-class events,” said Mayor Hugh Keating.

“Having thousands of runners and their families experience our city’s coastal charm, historic neighborhoods, and exceptional hospitality right from the heart of Centennial Plaza will create lasting memories while providing a significant economic boost to our local businesses. We’re proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for the marathon and look forward to making this the best race experience yet for participants from across the nation.”

The 10th anniversary weekend promises a full slate of events for runners of all ages and abilities, including a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Hippie Fish 5K, and the Chevron Kids Marathon. With expanded amenities, a reimagined course experience, and the vibrant culture of Gulfport & Biloxi on full display, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon continues to grow as a premier destination race weekend for runners from around the country.

For more information and to register for the Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, visit www.MSgulfcoastmarathon.com.

Event Schedule:

Friday, December 12

11:00 am – 6:00 pm Athlete Village and Packet Pickup Centennial Plaza Resort

Saturday, December 13

8:00 am Hippie Fish 5K Centennial Plaza Resort

9:30 am Chevron Kids Marathon Centennial Plaza Resort

10:00 am – 5:00pm Athlete Village and Packet Pickup Centennial Plaza Resort

Sunday, December 14

7:00 am Keesler Federal MS Gulf Coast Henderson Point –

Marathon Pass Christian

7:00 am Keesler Federal MS Gulf Coast Mississippi Aquarium –

Half Marathon Gulfport

8:00 am – 1:00 pm F.E.B. & Fly Llama Finish Fest Keesler Federal Park

Biloxi

About Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon:

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is an annual event that showcases the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast while promoting health and fitness. Since 2016, the marathon has provided a platform for runners of all levels to challenge themselves and experience the unique charm of the region.

Contact:  

Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director | mike@freshjunkie.com | (504) 952-2899