The course layout is great. I love the rolling hills. The problems are at the bridge at about mile 20. This should be cut down to one lane. Cars can't see oncoming traffic because of the grade. I came really close to getting hit. The other problem is the last turn to the straightaway. Since it is a double-loop, you have faster marathoners trying to make it through a small obstructed sidewalk filled with half-marathon walkers. NOT FUN. Other than these two areas, this was a good course.

As far as organization, it couldn't get any better. The packet pick-up and mini-expo were well organized, and the food was a nice treat. The post-race FESTIVAL was unreal. With the tech-shirts, socks, gloves, and all of the food, food, and more food, I don't see how they made any money.

Spectators get only three stars because of two of the water stations. The first was a small version of the Wellesley Girls at Boston, and the other was a group dressed up like cowboys with a big sign saying, "Save a horse; run a marathon." People in Baton Rouge are very lucky to have such a great running club.

Just completed the 2010 edition. This was my first BRBM. I am glad I drove 10 hours each way and across 5 states to get here. I take it the event has grown and undoubtedly will continue to draw more people, but organizers have kept pace. Registration and package pickup were easy. Course was well marked and volunteers and police to direct us were present where needed. It was an open course and you do have to pay attention for cars. Few supporters/spectators on the course, especially for the second loop of the marathon. Only suggestion is more porta-potties - especially at the start! Great job, Crazy Chickens!

It's good to do 2 laps of the same 1/2 marathon because it enables you to know what's ahead. However, on the second lap a lot of the fans were gone because the majority of runners are there for the 1/2. Some of the water stations were even abandoned towards the finish line and this was just 4 hours after the race started. Highly disorganized. A beautiful course around the lakes (if you're okay with running the same course twice).

I am a marathon runner. Being a father of 4 and grandfather of 1 takes a lot of my time. Marathons are my time (3 to 4 hours), and all my time to be alone. Until I met Carla. Carla has been going to races with me for two years. In a dream, I saw The Baton Rouge Marathon as a new start in life. Everything was perfect. The pre-meal fellowship, team work of the crew and, of course, my 3:24 of nothing but fun running. Thank you, Baton Rouge Beach Marathon, for a wonderful race and a wonderful time. The marathon that will make you say, "I do!!!"

This was my second time running the BRBM (half). It seemed that there were fewer volunteers on the route and absolutely very few spectators (snow). The curves present a great challenge. The after party was improved in 2009. I would suggest that the organizers plan for at least a 3-5% overage in the swag planning for last-minute registers. The website is not fun; it's immature. Baton Rouge is becoming quite the little running city. Take this run more serious and it could become a premier race. Overall, I would recommend that you run it.

Weather conditions were outstanding for a marathon. The course was relatively flat. The only area of concern is that the right turn after the bridge needs one more sentry for traffic control. Pre- and post-race festivities were outstanding (free); awards took place very quickly; and music was relaxing and refreshing as we ate and waited for awards. Race Director Chris Watson and his volunteers did an outstanding job with the race.

The organization was top-notch to match the beautiful setting. The aid stations were very well stocked and supported.

First of all, who would have thought we'd be treated to snow the night before the race in Baton Rouge, of all places? An interesting, special event for sure.... :o)

I found the BRB Marathon to be everything that it had been advertised to be.
* Relatively small (under 1,000 total participants)
* Very hospitable (great food and attitudes)
* Predominantly flat, double-loop course (neither boring nor difficult)
* Great swag for the entry fee (tech shirt, gloves, and socks)

The only possible item that could be improved upon is to keep working to better manage vehicle traffic on the course.

Overall, I highly recommend this race to anyone searching for a small, laid back, PR-conducive and super hospitable event!

This was a fantastic race. If you like small marathons, you are going to like this one. The course is awesome and very flat. The food at the packet pick-up was great, but even better at the post-race party. The catfish and alligator were great. We also received a tech shirt, gloves, and socks at the expo. If you need a lot of fan support, don't expect much; but the ones that were out there were very supportive. If you are trying to do the 50 states, then don't let this one pass you by for Louisiana.

I agree with all of the other comments. It is well organized, with lots of energy from the local club, great food at packet pick-up and after the race. Smaller event that makes all runners feel important.

Two negatives: (1) One aid station was abandoned on the second loop. There was lots of PowerAde left, but it was self-serve. Not a very big deal. (2) It is not a closed course, and at times, there is a lot of traffic on the course. You have to be very aware, or you could be in big trouble. It's not any worse than what most have to deal with on training runs, but during a race, I tend not to think about traffic.