This was an amazing first time race. None of the horror stories of running out of this or that or whatever. There were a few glitches I hope are corrected. First, there was no readily available paper map. The race guide was available as pdf but even then, the full course was hard to discern because the map was broken into segments. Second, due to the map issue, it wasn't clear where water or Gu would be. I realize gels are a luxury but... Finally, the finish was sorta confusing. I knew the area and right where to go afterward but the easiest way to get to the finish food and beer was to cut across the course, which could be problematic. But all in all, a great race. Spectators were thin in places but the ones who were there were extremely supportive. I've never seen so many random folks offering water on the side of a course. I hope this turns into a great race and great alternative to Houston for those looking for a January marathon in the Mid South.

Absolutely loved this event and hope to make it back every year! Only negatives I can think of were the 4:00 and 4:30 pacers went out way too fast and if you were running sub 4:30, you got stopped by the train. The food, beer, and music at the finish were awesome! The pictures were posted the next day and you get a free finishers certificate. The Indigo and Hilton Hotels are both walking distance to the expo and start. Just wished they provided a later check out and breakfast.

From my perspective, everything with exception to finish line food, went off without a hitch. Of special note: Reasonably priced pasta dinner ($12), Jeff Galloway as speaker at dinner (I'm a fan), free breakfast buffet (nice for stayovers), EXCELLENT course protection by police), nice tech shirt, plenty of excellent local brew, NO FOOD at finish line if you were a 5 hour+ marathoner (What was the point of the food bracelet?)

For a first-time marathon, the Louisiana marathon was astonishingly well-organized and successful. I would have given 5 stars throughout except that the course had a slight issue: because marathoners left and re-joined the half-marathoners several times, marathoners running 7:10 or under ran straight into a wall of 10:00 pace halfers. This caused a great deal of dodging and slowing and was very frustrating. Other than that, though, the course was pretty and mostly flat; the support was superb and well-stocked (water and powerade at all the plentiful stations and two gels on the full course) and the logistics were a breeze. Props to the organizers for ample port-a-potties at the start, beginning on time, and having a first-rate after party. There was excellent live music and a whole host of food and local beers. Best of all - the awards were art prints and fleece jackets! Major awesomeness! I love getting useful awards! Thanks for putting on a great first-time event...I will be back.

Since I am from LA, it was a no-brainer to sign up for the inaugural running of this marathon. The organization was flawless from start to finish. The route was great, with some of the best landmarks that Baton Rouge has to offer (i.e. Tiger Stadium, LSU Lakes, State Capital/Downtown area, beautiful homes, etc...). The course was well marked and all aid stations were well stocked with water and powerade. Gels and clif shot blocks were given out later in the race. The finish area was well organized. The food area was great. Various types of hot food, 8 different types of beer on tap, and live bands, all enjoyed in the park next to the State Capital Building. Perfect weather for the race.

The crowd along the course was a little sparse at times. There were designated cheer zones that had a lot of spectators.

My one complaint, and it is a minor one, is the frequency that the half and full marathoners merged to run together. At least 4 times during the race, the half and full merged, causing the full participants to adjust their stride on the open road to a much more conservative pace due to the excess people that suddenly entered the running lanes.

All in all, the marathon was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone that has not run it before.

Thoroughly enjoyed this race; very scenic flat course with minimal traffic; great volunteers and spectators; very well organized especially for a first race. Super nice race shirt and cool medal too!
A big sign on the gear check trailer and more food in the finishers corral would make this a perfect event!

My first inaugural! These folks did a fantastic job. There were plenty of water/Powerade stops, the course was shady in many places and lovely (so many pretty homes in BR), and in 26.2 miles, I only saw one unguarded intersection. I had some fabulous gumbo after the race, and the band was pretty cool. I liked the location of the start/finish also.

The local residents were very friendly and came out to cheer. Several decided to play some music, which I thought was sweet.

I ran into an unusual problem. Most restaurants and businesses in BR are closed on Sundays, especially in the business district. That lack of planning on my part (usually I look for a hotel with breakfast) meant I was running my race on a McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait. That did not feel good.

Awesome race. Very well organized. The energy level from the spectators was high, mainly because there were a lot of LSU students volunteering and cheering along the way.

One critique is there was not enough food at the end. But because this was the first race it is hard to gauge how much pizza, etc will be needed.

Overall loved it and will run it again next year.

Awesome event! Stayed at the Belle and took their shuttle to the start. Flawless. We were a little late and couldn't find the bag drop off. Gave it to a volunteer and it was taken care of by super high school national guard boys. Pretty neighborhoods and a nice tour of the campus. Almost missed a turn that wasn't staffed with a volunteer and noticed several other runners did miss it. We are 4:30 runners and got stopped by a train. Nobody at our pace seemed to mind much. Super party although there was only one food station left. Bring some cash and take a bike taxi ride back to the hotel. That was icing on the cake!