Cycling & running events in Hattiesburg, 2026

Hattiesburg Training Notes

Running: Longleaf Trace is the easy call for Hattiesburg runners, because the 44-mile paved rail-trail runs from Prentiss to Hattiesburg through wetlands, small lakes, and pine forests. Pine Belt Pacers keep the local run-club rhythm on the Trace. USM loop gives campus miles when you want something short and familiar. The Trace gives you 53 km with 38 m of gain. You can run 46 km with 104 m of gain when you want a longer effort. Hattiesburg Marathon is the anchor event in early March, with Gobbler 5K, Medal Madness, and Jingle All the Way filling the calendar.

Cycling: Longleaf Trace carries the riding scene too, and locals use it for Z2, intervals, and easy social spins. Hub City Velo brings riders, racers, and commuters together, with regular training rides, recreational rides, and club races during cycling season. Jed’s Perfect Endurance Bikes has hosted group rides on the trail, with upwards of 60 people sometimes showing up. 0 mi. Candle Street, Rifle Range Road, FS369/369E, Forest road, and Surfboard Cemetary to Redhill keep gravel days honest. The route covers 82 km with 41 m of gain.

Season: Early March is the sweet spot, because Hattiesburg Marathon lands there and the weather usually lets runners and riders hold pace without wrestling summer air. Locals still train through hot, humid summers, but the smart days start early, stay shaded where the Trace rolls through pine forests, and keep more work in Z2. The Longleaf Trace feels good in summer because the route stays simple and social. Short, mild winters change the mood more than the plan. Runners keep using USM loop, University Heights, and the Trace. Riders keep base miles alive, and snowfall is extremely rare.