JACKSON, Miss.--The winner of the Miss. Blues Marathon this year was from Eugene, Ore. That's just one example of hundreds attracted to the Magnolia State for one of its premiere running events.

News Mississippi's Camie Crowe was on hand Saturday when Craig Leon crossed the finish line in two hours, sixteen minutes. A marathon is over 26 miles.

"This is what I call my big Billy Madison check," he said, pointing to the giant winner's check for $5,000. Leon is a professional runner and competes in events all over the U.S.

"The community support here is great," he said.

Organizers said this year's event was sold out. It attracted 3,000 runners. There was a half-marathon in addition to the whole. The medal was a guitar and pick.

Another man from Florida also spoke with us as he completed the race.

"It was great," he said. "We don't have hills like this in Florida. Actually we do. They're called bridges."

The marathon is in the Capital City each year. It celebrates fitness, runners and Mississippi's musical heritage.