National marathon champ to be featured guest at Gulf Coast Marathon

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - This year's Gulf Coast Marathon will feature one of the most well-known runners in the country.

Des Linden, the winner of the 2018 winner of the Boston Marathon, will join officials in December for the big race. The California native became the first American in 33 years to win the women’s category. She also competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, representing the United States in the marathon for both games. Linden now lives in Michigan.

She will travel to South Mississippi on the second weekend of December for the multi-race event. This is the third year for the Gulf Coast Marathon, which takes runners along the coastline from Pass Christian to Biloxi.

The two-day event kicks off Saturday, Dec. 8 at Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi with opening ceremonies and a 5K. Also happening that day are a kids' run and Harrah's beer mile.

The marathon and a half-marathon will take place the next day. The weekend caps off with a fun festival for participants.

Linden will congratulate finishers of the half marathon and marathon Sunday. Boston Marathon qualifiers will have a special opportunity to meet her post-race at MGM Park.

For more details about the Gulf Coast Marathon, including the link to sign up for the race, click HERE.