A flat course. The second time you do the loop expect to be alone and needing to watch for road markings - there are lots of turns.

The pre-race dinner is a nice touch. I wish it had started before 6 p.m.

Everyone was very friendly.

When you overhear a spectator around mile 5 say, "They don't support the second half of the race that well," you don't know what to expect on the second half.
The first loop of the course was well supported and traffic control was excellent. The second loop, spectators disappeared (I don't need them to run, but it seemed like most everyone came out for the half). I'd say 75% of the volunteers seemed to be alert and did an outstanding job.

But there are two things I should not have to worry about when running a road marathon: 1) cars blowing their horns; 2) wondering if I'm gonna have to stop at the approaching intersection.

Well, I did have a horn blown at me near the football stadium (nowhere else to run except on the road), but I didn't have to stop at any intersection (the police didn't get out of his car, but just pulled his car into the middle of the road to stop traffic as I approached).

If I didn't have to worry about cars/traffic I would have given the course a five-star rating. Fans? I run small races and don't need them, but the ones who came out were gone by the time I went around the second time.

Race-day packet pick-up, bag drop, and parking were excellent. Post-race food/support were excellent - gotta try the gator!

This was #43 and my third in seven weeks. I was hoping for more of a level course; this one had a few more hills than I was expecting. Plenty of fluids. This is a good one to do. I like the smaller marathons

But the packet pickup was congested, and the marathon could be started earlier than the half. Part of the course is too narrow for all of the runners. It could be called the "Running with the Cars Marathon"; I never noticed a beach. This one is getting too big. Parking wasn't a problem because we got there early.

Time to rethink things. I'm sure my issues were ok when it was a smaller race.

This was a great, small marathon. The course was very flat, with frequent and well staffed aid stations. The weather was perfect. Law enforcement was at each intersection and did a great job managing traffic. A great marathon for people who don't need a lot of crowd support or company while running.

This was my first full marathon. Everyone that put on this marathon was extremely helpful and polite. The registration and packet pick up process was fast and well organized. The course shows a great view of Baton Rouge. You get to run by LSU'S Tiger Stadium, the LSU campus and around the LSU lAKES. Being my first marathon, I can't compare it to others, but the only disappointing aspect was the lack of spectators at the finish line for us slower runners - although race officials were still there ready to put the nice finishers medal around your neck. I do plan on running this race again next year, and thanks to Varsity Sports for answering all of my questions during training. Lots of good food and beer at finish line.

Wow, what a great time! This is a small-town event, so if you are looking for big crowds and an expo, go somewhere else. If you want to meet some nice people who know how to put on a race, please visit Baton Rouge.

This was the 20th state in my quest for all 50. The course is a two-looper with only one hill, so you should be capable of fast times, even if I am not. My thanks to Lee from Mississippi for running with me over the last 6 miles.

The post-race cookout has some pretty interesting southern food and lots of it, as well as plenty to wash it down with, including beer.

I stayed at the host hotel, which was fine, although you should try to get a room away from the highway noise. There was some confusion about late checkouts, though the race director had specifically arranged for them with the management.

All in all, I highly recommend this race.

BRBM was my 30th and one of my most memorable marathons. Temps (high 30s to start, low 50s at finish) coupled with an extremely flat course, routed through streets lined with huge Spanish oaks and around an interesting large lake, made it a day when it's just plain joyful to run. I liked running the course twice (a double loop) so that I knew exactly what to expect in the second half. Most races that are organized by running clubs are well done and this one is no exception to that rule!

The positives:
· Early 7 a.m. start and on-time
· Beautiful Brooks long-sleeved tech shirt with blank reverse
· Microfiber socks with running club's logo
· Brooks 50/50 running gloves
· PR, flat course with scenery; not boring at all
· Timing chips
· Great pre- and post-race food
· Handsome black tile age bracket awards

The negatives:
· Some uneven pavement (watch your step)
· A few sections of running with traffic (local drivers were courteous)
· Baton Rouge traffic is very congested (lots of folks displaced from Katrina seem to have settled here)

Still, and without a doubt, this marathon is a gem!

Wow! Of the 30-plus marathons I've done, this one is in the top three. And I'm not sure that it's not tied for #1 with 2 others... (it's like picking children...). They had a yummy pre-race meal of home-cooked Cajun food - complete with beer (for those of us who aren't out to set any course records). Slick pre-race registration, substantial schwag (long-sleeve tech shirt, tech chicken socks, and gloves all for $60???). The course has two loops, which usually isn't my favorite, but it is such a lovely combination of the LSU campus, stately Southern homes with arching old live oaks, and calming waterfront that I noticed new things on each lap. The second lap was lonely as expected, but the aid stations were still fully stocked with plentiful PowerAde and calories, even for those who are out at a more leisurely pace. There was even more local Cajun food at the end, and more beer. Thanks to Cecil for the great food, and the most memorable quote of the day, to some uppity geese: "I'll make some gumbo outta y'all!"

My only picayune suggestion to the race director - embrace the chicken!! I love the chicken logo, and was disappointed that it wasn't integrated into the medal and shirt design. :)

Ran this race because it was close to home and fit my schedule conveniently. I had a fantastic experience... carving over 14 minutes off of your PR will do that (now under 4:00).

However, I almost did not run this event, as the website seemed really unprofessional and the ridiculous chicken noises every time I visited the page made me cringe. Really gave the impression of a thrown-together club run.

But the reality was quite different. Very professionally organized. Online registration was very simple. Packet pickup was a breeze. Course was well marked. Post-race festivities were great: music, food, nearly immediate posting of results. Great shirt as well.

(I am a bit frustrated that those results haven't been posted anywhere on the internet yet.)

The size of the race kept the finish area from being overwhelming. My family also enjoyed the race, as they were able to easily see me at several points along the double loop course.

I would the describe the second half of each loop as having a little bit of "roll" to it. (More than I expected, but keep in mind we run railroad crossings for hill training where I live.)

Second loop sans half runners had the real potential to get lonely; however, I met Bob from Cincinnati and we paced each other most of the rest of the way. Thanks, Bob.

I plan to run the race again next year.

I traveled from Maryland to Louisiana for a late fall marathon and I wasn't disappointed. The course was flat with one small hill on an overpass. Registration was smooth and easy - and I even got a surprise pair of colorful chicken socks. The Friday night dinner was fantastic for out-of-towners. I traveled alone, but met lots of runners, many attempting the 50 marathons in 50 states challenge.

Weather was perfect - 50 at the start. Buses ran on time. The volunteers at the water stops were enthusiastic... especially the dozen bananas and the gorilla!

The two-loop course was lightly crowded on the first lap (with the 1/2 participants). The second lap required you to dig down a little deeper.

The post-race feast was the best I ever had. I really enjoyed the Cajun dishes!!

Very happy with the entire experience. Would highly recommend.