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Marathon Details - Louisiana Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > LA > Baton Rouge > Louisiana Marathon

Louisiana Marathon

Louisiana Marathon & Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5K

Baton Rouge, LA USA

January 19, 2025

http://www.thelouisianamarathon.com

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Race Details

SUMMARY. BEST RUNNING FESTIVAL ON THE BAYOU. Join runners from 50 states and over 30 countries as they return for our annual running festival to race our fast, flat road courses, lined with cheering fans and great music under canopies of Live Oak, Sleepy Magnolia, and Bald Cypress. Celebrate your finish with live performances from local jazz-funk-zydeco bands and select tastes from dozens of famous Louisiana dishes and few craft beers from Abita.

Start downtown at the State Capitol, head towards City Park and the University Lakes, then continues through beautiful garden district and head back to finish downtown.

Louisiana Marathon is a must-run event that offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, excellent organization, and warm Southern hospitality. Whether you are aiming for a fast time or simply looking to enjoy a well-supported race, this marathon is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It offers a scenic and mostly flat course that runs through downtown Baton Rouge, the LSU campus, and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The marathon is ideal for both first-time participants and seasoned marathoners looking to achieve personal bests or Boston Marathon qualifying times.

One of the standout features of this marathon is its top-notch organization. From easy logistics for packet pickup to clear race instructions and ample support along the course, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure a smooth experience for runners. The course is well-marked with frequent aid stations stocked with water, sports drinks, and energy gels, providing runners with the necessary sustenance to keep going.

Spectators play a significant role in enhancing the race atmosphere, with enthusiastic locals lining the streets, offering encouragement, and even providing treats like Mardi Gras beads and refreshments. This support helps to create a motivating and festive environment, making the race enjoyable from start to finish.

Runners are greeted at the finish line with cheers and a well-organized post-race party featuring delicious local cuisine, drinks, and live music, adding to the celebratory mood. Each finisher receives a quality medal and race shirt, serving as memorable keepsakes of their achievement.

Contact Information

Name:	Catharine McKay
Address:	Louisiana Marathon LLC 721 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number:	(888) 786-2001
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (83)

Course 4.6

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.2

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Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

E. S. from Dallas, Texas (4/30/2024) "PR'd here, fantastic race, would do it again" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm on the quest for 50 states. Picked this one for my LA race and would not hesitate to do it again. It had the organization and feel of a larger race. Logistics were easy. Course was interesting and just enough turns to keep things fresh. Very flat with only 2 hills (up and down the overpass) to speak of. Great spectators and aid stations. A little kid gave me some mardi gras beads around mile 20 and it was a huge boost.
J. S. from Minnesota, USA (1/30/2024) "A favorite!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Gorgeous course, easy logistics, incredible crowd support which made it so fun, and outstanding post race party with plenty of food, drinks, and music. Great experience - highly recommend!
R. H. from Milwaukee (1/18/2024) "A solid race!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a solid race overall. The course was pretty flat until the onramp at mile 25. The organization of the event and the amount of aid stations were excellent. There were a lot of spectators as well. This race would rank in the top 10 of the marathons I've completed. This was marathon #23 and state #22 for me.
G. H. from IL (1/23/2023) "A great race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run marathons all over the country, and I found this one to be pretty great. The course was mostly flat, the organization was perfect, the weather was good, the water stations were frequent with helpful volunteers, and the swag was nice. There's not much more you could ask for. If I had to be picky and find some areas for improvement, I would suggest filling out the expo space with some more vendors, and I would point out there's a pretty tough bridge to climb around mile 25 which is always a bad spot for a tough hill. But neither of those two items are a big deal at all. If you're doing 50 states, make this your Louisiana Marathon.
S. C. from Oregon (1/9/2022) "Fantastic!!!" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 These folks NAILED IT.!!!
R. H. from Houston (3/11/2021) "An in-person marathon during COVID" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Note that this race was run during the COVID pandemic. A HUGE hats-off to the organizers and city for allowing us to run...thank you!!! I'll keep my comments to the areas that aren't COVID-related, because hopefully by next year the race can be back to normal. The course is great. It starts and finishes at the capitol complex in downtown Baton Rouge. It's a beautiful area with plenty of green space to relax on after the race. The first part of the course runs through the LSU campus and University Lake, which are both really scenic and enjoyable to run by. After that it was mainly residential, but through some very nice and pretty neighborhoods. Plenty of water tables and plenty of port-o-cans. Organization is top notch. Corrals at the start were well run, and the execution on race day went without flaws. Also, the race provides free race photos! Spectators were few and far between, but with COVID that wasn't a big surprise. The ones that did make it out were very enthusiastic. Overall I think the Louisiana Marathon should be on everybody's list...you will not be disappointed you came. It's a great race, great course, a fun city to spend a long weekend in, and they really take good care of you.
S. K. from New York (1/22/2020) "Friendly, Fast, and Fun" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 By way of context, LSU beat Clemson to win the national championship earlier in the week and held a parade on their campus the Saturday of marathon weekend. So I laughed out loud when a spectator held a sign: If marathons were easy they'd be called Clemson. The course and organization is spectacular. There are not many spectators, especially as you run through LSU. The ones who were out were amongst the friendliest I've encountered in my marathons. They have turned the event into a reason to have a party. And they want you to partake. When I expressed an interest in the Jell-O shots at mile 16, a spectator ran alongside of me with one in each hand for the taking. While I did not partake, plenty of runners did. I only wish there were more such residents closer to the finish line. Not to despair, there is plenty at the finish line with which to celebrate.
T. S. from Indianapolis (2/4/2019) "Perfect for the fast ... or sleaux" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Want a PR and/or BQ? This is the place for you! If you're like me and well past that speedy stuff in your running life, then this is also the place for you! Other than two hills for bridges, it's flat as can be and in 2019, cool temps made for quick times. A nice tour of the city, featuring downtown (with a finish at the incredible state capitol), lakes, LSU campus and some gorgeous neighborhoods. The course featured more water/gatorade stops than any marathon I can remember. Many of them offered energy gels and all had porta potties. And that doesn't count neighborhood spectators, where you could find any matter of fruit, cookies, king cake, gumbo and a variety of alcohol samplings. I think my total came to three beers, two mimosas and one incredibly strong sangria. Needless to say, I wasn't in that PR/BQ grouping. Organization was superb with frequent communication, including the unforeseen cancelation of some Saturday events due to a lightning storm. The post-race gathering was one of the best with samplings of local Cajun cuisine and brews, as well as a stage featuring some outstanding local musicians. So yes, I recommend this race. After 42 marathons, I'd put it in my top five.
D. J. from Mead, Colorado (1/14/2018) "Very well organized race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is flat, the race is very well organized, and the water/power aid stops were plentiful. I just wish it wouldn't have been so damn cold at the beginning - but I'll take it over excessive heat any day. This was a great experience for my 50th marathon!
C. W. from Texas (1/17/2017) "Best marathon experience yet. Fast & Friendly" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Someone is doing it right. It was hotter than donut grease this year and my time was awful but still walked away with such a good marathon experience. They had ice every mile after the half split which I'm sure was no easy feat. I've been to marathon's were there are a lot of people watching, but the people come out and are other level supportive. Calling your name, cheering the whole time. I probably passed 50 spreads on tables with various runner support goodies just from the neighbors. Course is so fast. Super pretty surroundings. Food is ridiculous. You get a band for 6 items. I don't understand how you could eat 6 items. Its legit things. Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish mac and cheese. Best race shirt I've ever gotten for any race. Fairly tall and every race shirt is basically unwearable. This one is nice and fits great. Expo was smaller than expected for race this size. Gear you can by from the race organizers are nice. The city seems to make a big deal out of this. We stayed in downtown Hilton and walked easy to start. Just super friendly. Above and beyond. Can't say enough about the feel; the organizers attention to detail; the neighborhood support; free photos!; flat course; free post run massage/stretch; awesome post-race festivities/awards. I subconsciously will feel about a race in line with my performance; My performance was awful and still had such a great experience. Kudos to this race director and the volunteers, and community for getting this thing so top notch in such a short period of time.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]



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E. S. from Dallas, Texas (4/30/2024) "PR'd here, fantastic race, would do it again" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm on the quest for 50 states. Picked this one for my LA race and would not hesitate to do it again. It had the organization and feel of a larger race. Logistics were easy. Course was interesting and just enough turns to keep things fresh. Very flat with only 2 hills (up and down the overpass) to speak of. Great spectators and aid stations. A little kid gave me some mardi gras beads around mile 20 and it was a huge boost.
J. S. from Minnesota, USA (1/30/2024) "A favorite!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Gorgeous course, easy logistics, incredible crowd support which made it so fun, and outstanding post race party with plenty of food, drinks, and music. Great experience - highly recommend!
R. H. from Milwaukee (1/18/2024) "A solid race!" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a solid race overall. The course was pretty flat until the onramp at mile 25. The organization of the event and the amount of aid stations were excellent. There were a lot of spectators as well. This race would rank in the top 10 of the marathons I've completed. This was marathon #23 and state #22 for me.
G. H. from IL (1/23/2023) "A great race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run marathons all over the country, and I found this one to be pretty great. The course was mostly flat, the organization was perfect, the weather was good, the water stations were frequent with helpful volunteers, and the swag was nice. There's not much more you could ask for. If I had to be picky and find some areas for improvement, I would suggest filling out the expo space with some more vendors, and I would point out there's a pretty tough bridge to climb around mile 25 which is always a bad spot for a tough hill. But neither of those two items are a big deal at all. If you're doing 50 states, make this your Louisiana Marathon.
S. C. from Oregon (1/9/2022) "Fantastic!!!" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 These folks NAILED IT.!!!
R. H. from Houston (3/11/2021) "An in-person marathon during COVID" (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Note that this race was run during the COVID pandemic. A HUGE hats-off to the organizers and city for allowing us to run...thank you!!! I'll keep my comments to the areas that aren't COVID-related, because hopefully by next year the race can be back to normal. The course is great. It starts and finishes at the capitol complex in downtown Baton Rouge. It's a beautiful area with plenty of green space to relax on after the race. The first part of the course runs through the LSU campus and University Lake, which are both really scenic and enjoyable to run by. After that it was mainly residential, but through some very nice and pretty neighborhoods. Plenty of water tables and plenty of port-o-cans. Organization is top notch. Corrals at the start were well run, and the execution on race day went without flaws. Also, the race provides free race photos! Spectators were few and far between, but with COVID that wasn't a big surprise. The ones that did make it out were very enthusiastic. Overall I think the Louisiana Marathon should be on everybody's list...you will not be disappointed you came. It's a great race, great course, a fun city to spend a long weekend in, and they really take good care of you.
S. K. from New York (1/22/2020) "Friendly, Fast, and Fun" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 By way of context, LSU beat Clemson to win the national championship earlier in the week and held a parade on their campus the Saturday of marathon weekend. So I laughed out loud when a spectator held a sign: If marathons were easy they'd be called Clemson. The course and organization is spectacular. There are not many spectators, especially as you run through LSU. The ones who were out were amongst the friendliest I've encountered in my marathons. They have turned the event into a reason to have a party. And they want you to partake. When I expressed an interest in the Jell-O shots at mile 16, a spectator ran alongside of me with one in each hand for the taking. While I did not partake, plenty of runners did. I only wish there were more such residents closer to the finish line. Not to despair, there is plenty at the finish line with which to celebrate.
T. S. from Indianapolis (2/4/2019) "Perfect for the fast ... or sleaux" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Want a PR and/or BQ? This is the place for you! If you're like me and well past that speedy stuff in your running life, then this is also the place for you! Other than two hills for bridges, it's flat as can be and in 2019, cool temps made for quick times. A nice tour of the city, featuring downtown (with a finish at the incredible state capitol), lakes, LSU campus and some gorgeous neighborhoods. The course featured more water/gatorade stops than any marathon I can remember. Many of them offered energy gels and all had porta potties. And that doesn't count neighborhood spectators, where you could find any matter of fruit, cookies, king cake, gumbo and a variety of alcohol samplings. I think my total came to three beers, two mimosas and one incredibly strong sangria. Needless to say, I wasn't in that PR/BQ grouping. Organization was superb with frequent communication, including the unforeseen cancelation of some Saturday events due to a lightning storm. The post-race gathering was one of the best with samplings of local Cajun cuisine and brews, as well as a stage featuring some outstanding local musicians. So yes, I recommend this race. After 42 marathons, I'd put it in my top five.
D. J. from Mead, Colorado (1/14/2018) "Very well organized race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is flat, the race is very well organized, and the water/power aid stops were plentiful. I just wish it wouldn't have been so damn cold at the beginning - but I'll take it over excessive heat any day. This was a great experience for my 50th marathon!
C. W. from Texas (1/17/2017) "Best marathon experience yet. Fast & Friendly" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Louisiana Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Someone is doing it right. It was hotter than donut grease this year and my time was awful but still walked away with such a good marathon experience. They had ice every mile after the half split which I'm sure was no easy feat. I've been to marathon's were there are a lot of people watching, but the people come out and are other level supportive. Calling your name, cheering the whole time. I probably passed 50 spreads on tables with various runner support goodies just from the neighbors. Course is so fast. Super pretty surroundings. Food is ridiculous. You get a band for 6 items. I don't understand how you could eat 6 items. Its legit things. Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish mac and cheese. Best race shirt I've ever gotten for any race. Fairly tall and every race shirt is basically unwearable. This one is nice and fits great. Expo was smaller than expected for race this size. Gear you can by from the race organizers are nice. The city seems to make a big deal out of this. We stayed in downtown Hilton and walked easy to start. Just super friendly. Above and beyond. Can't say enough about the feel; the organizers attention to detail; the neighborhood support; free photos!; flat course; free post run massage/stretch; awesome post-race festivities/awards. I subconsciously will feel about a race in line with my performance; My performance was awful and still had such a great experience. Kudos to this race director and the volunteers, and community for getting this thing so top notch in such a short period of time.

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Marathon Details - Louisiana Marathon