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Kim Maddox trained over a year to compete in the 2017 Blues Marathon held in Jackson. The 10th Annual Mississippi Blues Marathon was scheduled for January 7, 2017 in downtown Jackson. Due to icy conditions and low temperatures, the race was cancelled.
Kim was devastated! She and several co-workers had trained hard for this race…and now zap…gone!
Kim knew she had to complete those 26.1 miles one way or another. With the encouragement of her husband Lee, Kim decided to have her own “Blues Marathon.” With a lot of help from her friends, Kim began the task of putting together the project. The date was set for Saturday, January 21st. The race would begin and end at First Baptist Church Magee parking lot. The Magee Police were on board for following the runners. As the day approached, storms were forecast…Kim just kept on working toward her goal. Following a night of heavy rains, Kim woke up to a soon to be sunny day for the run.
Lee asked me if I would “host” a water station in front of my house. Basically, that just meant provide a parking spot for Lee’s vehicle which contained water and other needed supplies.
I got the call about 10 that Kim and gang would be passing my home shortly. (about the half-way mark) Of course, I go with a camera…and live stream the event. The group was gone within a few seconds. Later that day, maybe about 1:30, Kim’s group was on the final two miles and would be passing my home shortly…out comes the camera and “we’re live!” The group had supporters cheering her on as they pushed to complete the marathon. Kim and gang made it…they arrived at First Baptist Church…and I could hear the cheers at my house.
Friend Matthew Hickman stated that Magee should make this an annual event. Well, I’m just saying, I’m not running in a marathon…but I will have a water station…and ride along in the golf cart!
Congratulations to Kim and her friends for never giving up. She is ready to go again!
A special thanks to the Magee Police Department in keeping the runners safe!
(I asked Kim if I could “copy” the info she had shared…she said yes…so hear goes)
Tomorrow is OUR BIG DAY!!! Whoop whoop!! MARATHON DAY!! This is something I have trained for, all year! This run is going to be special in so many ways… Amy Lea Earnest will be running with me. We ran our first entire 5k, 10k, and half marathon. No stopping these chicks! Angela Guice Hammack is also running with us! She has motivated and encouraged us through each and every race, biggest cheerleader!! Lee Maddox has helped get this day together to make it extra special. Love him! Jennifer Holly and Gena Blakeney will be our running encouragers!!! And I am beyond blessed to have my amazing friends and family who will be there to encourage us and hand out water!!! Did I mention the after race party?!?! Everyone is invited!! I am not sure my first marathon could be any more special! WOW!!! BE THERE AT 6:30AM, AT FBC PARKING LOT, TOMORROW FOR PRAYER BY SHIRLEY MADDOX AND STAR SPANGLED BANNER!! Run starts at 7am!!!!
PSA ANNOUNCEMENT: Mushy post
Best day ever!!! I am so overwhelmed by the outpour of love and encouragement. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who helped make this goal a reality. After training for a year, and having the Blues Marathon cancelled, my heart was devastated. But you know what? Everyone stepped up to the plate to help. I could not have had a better race. My awesome friends handed out water every few miles. Yes, they would yell, hold up signs, hand out water, and then hop back into the car to get to the next spot. The funniest thing, the group kept growing at every spot!! Also, sweet Shirley Gibson Maddox who led the prayer and anthem before the race. A HUGE THANK YOU to the Magee Police Dept!!! OMG, 6 hrs and 22min of escorting, wow!!! Yay Calvert Sims!!! You are beyond appreciated for keeping us safe, and supporting us during our run. Yay, Mageenews.com!!! Thank you for the awesome encouragement!!! And we cannot forget Becky Cater Adams, and her awesome signs!!! Loved them! Again, I feel beyond blessed by a town that has taken me in as their own. Thank you all!!! You are all loved beyond words!!!
Pictured: Angela Hammack, Amy Earnest, Jennifer Holly, Kim Maddox, and Kristy Maddox
