The Margaritaville 5k’s top runners speak about their performance

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon offers a variety of events, beginning with the Margaritaville 5K. This scenic course spans just over three miles, starting in Ocean Springs, crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, and finishing at the Margaritaville Biloxi Resort.

WXXV 25’s Jordyn Lassiter had the chance to speak with the top competitors after they crossed the finish line, including one remarkable runner who is still in middle school. With a time under 22 minutes, Natalie Cardin was the first female to come across the finish line. 

Natalie says she felt great throughout the race and was driven by a strong desire to be the first to cross the finish line. With her talent and many years ahead, Jordyn asked if she planned to use this achievement as a springboard to pursue even bigger goals.

The first male finisher, Steven Marr, traveled to Biloxi from Michigan. He mentioned that winning wasn’t his primary focus; instead, he concentrated on enjoying the race and running at his own pace—a mindset developed from over 15 years of running since his high school days.

For young aspiring runners, his advice is to stay focused, and the results will follow.