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Louisiana Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Louisiana Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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J. M. from MS
(1/15/2017)
"Best non-major marathon I've run" (about: 2017)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Just got home. Super weekend. Very flat course (98% flat but not totally flat). Beautiful course (campus, lake, nice neighborhoods, downtown). For a medium sized race, the course support was very good. One of the best post-race parties ever. Things to fix next year....we came the the quarter marathon on Saturday to watch a family member. We all showed up hungry intending to buy an armband. If are not selling armbands on Saturday, be clear about that in the book. Also, access to the start corral was not ideal. There was no where to enter but the very back, so the fast runners had to wade through several thousand runners to get up toward the front. A few gates along the side would be appreciated. Finally....the water stops were frequent and appreciated, but about half were a bit unorganized. Most of the volunteers had both water and sports drink and you had to guess which hand. The first two or three stops had it right....water for the first two tables, powerade after that. But some of them did not get the memo. That is just constructive feedback and very minor improvements for next year to what is already my favorite race. I will be back next year | |
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H. M. from NW Arkansas
(2/27/2016)
"Great race with a flat, scenic course" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was amazing. The comments about the course are spot on - fairly scenic, very flat (except that one overpass at mile 1.5 & 24.5), and great crowd support. Course gives you the highlights of LSU and some beautiful old neighborhoods. The neighborhood sections had the potential to be really boring, but crowd support made all the difference. It especially commendable since it was only 38 at race start, yet tons of people came out to cheer. I stayed at the Crowne Plaza (one of the host hotels) and took advantage of the shuttle bus to/from the start. It worked out great and made for one less thing to have to worry about. Pre-race communication was excellent with regular status e-mails. Give some serious thought to splurging on the VIP package - separate bag drop, VIP recovery area with 3-4 massage therapists, free champagne & amazing food. Plus you still have your six stamps for the regular food vendors! Entertainment at the Finish Festival was superb. | |
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c. w. from PA
(1/24/2016)
"Nice race with an awesome finish line" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Based on comments on the conditions of the roads in New Orleans, I decided to pass on the Rock and Roll marathon and go with the Louisiana Marathon. The expo was the average size for a mid-size race. Plenty of free parking at the nearby casino and an information desk with lots of helpful information about the area. I was able to park for free within a half mile of the start. The 1st half of the course spends a lot of time around LSU. It would have been nice if the mascot could make an appearance. The roads need some work and I saw a runner go down around mile 4 due to a pothole. There was very good support from the neighborhoods. The best part was the large selection of food and drink and after the race. There was a tent dedicated to vegan vendors. It would have been nice if you could get a shower at a local facility but not all races have this arrangement. I wouldn't come back specifically for this race but I would run again if I am in the area at race time. | |
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D. P. from VA
(1/20/2016)
"Add to your must run list!" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Everything you've read about how good this marathon was is true. As an out of towner, I felt welcomed the moment I approached the Convention Center for packet pick up. Such a good small town feel to the area and event. Packet pick up was smooth. Race day weather was near perfect. I arrived at the back of the corral about 15 minutes before start, and was able to easily walk up to the 4:15 pacer before the crowd compressed toward the start/finish line. Great course, especially in and around LSU as well as the old neighborhoods. Small, but enthusiastic crowds. It's like the neighbors just needed a reason to get together on their lawns and have a party, and you are that reason. Official water stops seemed like they were nearly every mile in some stretches, with lots of unofficial water stops too. Thank you for the beer around Mile 23 ;-) The post race festival was the best I've ever experienced. Great vendors providing so much great food. Oh, and can't finish my comments without mentioning the Elvis sighting just after Mile 10, with Cadillac! So many good memories. | |
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R. B. from Pittsburgh, PA
(1/19/2016)
"You Will Like This Race" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Louisiana Marathon was a really nice race from start to finish. We had a great time at the expo. Parking was free in the parking garage attached to the convention center. Organizers placed the packets, shirts and bibs right at the entrance and separate from the vendors. I thought this was a nice touch and made things go smoothly. Tons of vendors and quality merchandise were available for purchase. Race morning was as effortless as I've experienced. Parking was again free and only a short walk from the start/finish line. So many port-a-potties available, there were no lines. No corrals, I do advise getting to the start early so you get line up at your preferred position. Course was flat and fast as advertise. Only hills were the bridge we went over at around 1.5 and then again around 24.5. The bridge was steep, but very short. Running through LSU Campus was gorgeous and the trip around the lakes were scenic. First half of the course was much more scenic than the second (as is often the case in marathons). Split from the half was early at around mile 10.5. From there the course went through neighborhoods. Nice finish as you make the final turn around 25.5 and run toward the capitol building for the last 3/4 miles or so. As much food and drink on the course as anyone could ask for. Fans were sparse, but some of the most enthusiastic spectators I have seen on a marathon route. The post race party was the best I have ever attended. Tons of delicious Cajun food options, beverages and live music. Medal and race shirt are solid. This race is a great choice to race Louisiana. | |
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M. B. from Tampa, Florida
(1/19/2016)
"Overall great race - with a few tweaks really grew" (about: 2016)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I really enjoyed this race. The course was very nice, particularly the first half that was in and around LSU and a small lake. The second half was mostly through neighborhoods but they were nice with shade trees, etc. It was quite flat, the only real elevation of any kind being an overpass at the beginning and the end. There was plenty of water on the course. I would have liked a Gu stop before halfway but since they provided a detailed course map ahead of time that wasn't a big deal - I just brought an extra one with me. My biggest criticism was the portajohns. The half marathon and full marathon run together until about mile 11 and while the two races were together the lines at the portajohns were way too long. They had them spaced out pretty well but there just weren't enough. It's a shame to miss a PR because of time spent waiting in a partajohn line, And on the marathon only section they ran out of TP in a few. Spectators were pretty sparse but traffic control was great and all other aspects of the organization were really good. Fabulous finish festival, and lots for kids to do. The only other suggestion I would have would be to add an information station at the Expo (which was also good). Overall, I would recommend this race. | |
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N. K. from Ephrata, PA
(1/19/2016)
"One of my favorites." (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was blown away by this marathon. The organization was top notch the entire way through. The app was great, as it provided everything I needed to know and allowed my wife to track my progress. The course was beautiful, the water stops were plentiful, and the people in BR were so friendly. I can't tell you how many people were handing out king cake, champagne, etc... The medal was well done. The expo had so many vendors and goodies that it might be the best one I've ever attended. The food was incredible. The vendors provided great food, and the idea to give each runner a bracelet for six items was really smart. The only area for improvement is the start. It was pretty hard for people to get to the front if they were running for time. Also, the course was fairly crowded until the 10 mile mark when the half split off. Because of the number of runners, I would highly recommend a staggered start. You would really only need 3 or 4 different corrals to make it a little less crowded on the course. | |
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N. K. from Michigan, USA
(1/18/2016)
"Loved this marathon!" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I had a great experience in Baton Rouge, and thought the marathon was top-notch. There was a lot of communication before race weekend, there were hotels close to the start/finish line, and I thought the course was beautiful. I loved running through the LSU campus, gorgeous neighborhoods, and with friendly people on their lawns cheering us on. The crowds weren't large, but very friendly and happy to see us. Some of the college boys dressed up in costumes and climbed on their roofs which was hilarious. There were so many aid stations! The support on the course was terrific. I really loved the race t-shirt, too...made of bamboo fibers, soft and NO advertising on the back! The Finish Festival was fabulous...jambalaya, gumbo, good local beer, etc etc. The course is flat, but still interesting. I would highly recommend this race, and had a wonderful time. I have very few negative comments at all...but the starting corrals (or lack thereof) were a mess. Luckily everyone managed to find a spot, but it was pretty disorganized. My only other complaint was with the Hilton where I stayed. My room looked out onto a bar which played LOUD music well past midnight, so not much sleep for me. My suggestion: if you plan on staying downtown near the start line (which is very convenient), be sure to ask for a quiet room when you check in. I know some rooms looked out on the river, which would have been much better for the night before the race. All in all, a great time and a terrific marathon! Highly recommend! | |
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B. B. from Pittsburgh,Pa.
(1/18/2016)
"Excellent" (about: 2016)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A nearly flawless race. A good size expo with very nice race merchandise. Bib and shirt were at the start of the expo, so it wasn't necessary to wander the expo looking for them. Free parking both for the expo and race day. We were able to park a few hundred yards from the start/finish area. Lots of porta potties pre-race, I was able to use one just minutes before the race without waiting. Very nice flat course, especially through the first half. Highlights included going through the LSU campus and a long loop around a lake. Picturesque finish heading toward the capitol building. Many official water stops and more unofficial water stops than I have ever seen, thanks to all of the kind neighbors who supported the runners. The best post race celebration I have ever seen with beer, local cuisine, and no lines! Outstanding live music as well. Very nice cotton-like shirt, and a solid medal. My only complaint is that some of the water stations were congested as they were placed on narrow parts of the course. There were probably more stations than were needed, but maybe not on a warmer day. If you are visiting Baton Rouge, be sure to check out Tin Roof Brewing Co., they make an excellent IPA. Great race! | |
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K. C. from Baton Rouge, LA
(1/18/2016)
"A wonderful flat, and beautiful course" (about: 2016)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Louisiana Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon and was such a well organized event! The expo was easy to get your bib and tee shirt at along with many wonderful local vendors. The event is the same weekend as the Houston Marathon which could be the reason for the lack of national vendors (Brooks, Mizuno, etc..) The course is fantastic! Couldn't have asked for a better day with the start in the mid-30's and high in the low 50's. You start at the capitol, Run next to LSU Tiger Stadium and around LSU lakes, and finish back at the capitol. When you get to the longer miles in the marathon you go into residential communities which do an amazing job of supporting you when you get into miles 16-24 of the race. With the event being young (5 years) it doesn't have the crowds a Twin Cities or Dam to Dam might have. Overall a wonderful event for anyone who has ran a few marathons or runs them 3-4 times a year! And of course cant miss the post race food! |
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