Four stars 'cause of the flat course & traffic control not a 5 because of rough roads in 2nd 1/2...good organization, cool medals, small but good expo, Superdome accessibility great touch, and plenty of beer & food at post race. Oh yeah, we'll be back.

My first-time doing the half-marathon, and I was very pleased overall. It was far better in many ways than the Chicago Half last fall. Yes, the half-hour delay was a mystery, but I enjoyed the expo, good crowd support, pleasant volunteers, and I liked the shirt, too. Got my first medallion ever, which was a nice perk for those doing the half, as well as the full marathon.Why was there just one long line for refreshments afterwards? The course had a welcome variety of scenery, too. I'd do it again.

Gave the course 4 stars because it is flat and scenic, but the streets are rough esp. in the 2nd half.
Good organization, geat medals, delayed start but the announcer said that was because the police were still closing streets, no problem there (good traffic control) and as a race dir. myself, if the police say wait, you wait! Sad to say that media coverage was almost nil even though several newscasters said they ran the race (the half) and spectators were few and far between. That's okay, the aid stations were fun and had everything one could need, vaseline, water, fruits etc. plus it was in New Orleans...great post race too...The Superdome availability before and after was a nice touch. All in all, thanks, it was fun, and we'll (my wife & I) be back.

The Mardi Gras Marathon has a lot of positives--great host city, flat and interesting course, good weather, and enthusiastic crowds. The only negatives I saw were that the race started 20 minutes late, no real effort to stop walkers and slow runners from lining up in the front row, and only Pepsi and Beer to drink with the post-race food. There were a few bad spots in the roads, but overall I thought the concerns over the potholes and crowned roads were overblown.

The Mardi Gras Marathon has the potential of drawing more runners - but curiously doesn't. With a flat course (with the exception of the overpass at miles 5 & 8) and a great city to explore, I don't understand why there were only 1700 marathoners. I appreciate reading the comments from the 2002 Mardi Gras marathon - so I wasn't too surprised by the roads. If it was only potholes then it wouldn't be so bad, but when the whole street is torn up it really does a number on your feet (thankfully, only between miles 17 - 22). This is why I gave the course 3 stars. The spectators were great - much better than I had anticipated.

My recommendation is to memorize the water stations on the map at the expo so you can plan your gu/gel intake.

Three words for New Orleans: Pave Your Streets. My only view of New Orleans were the cracks and potholes. Friendly volunteers, so-so expo, no entertainment, good post-race refreshments. Was there a reason for starting 30 minutes late in 2003? Glad to have run the Mardi Gras but I doubt if I'll ever encounter worse roads. I don't think they've been resurfaced since the French occupied the territory. Thank goodness for two parks.

Ran in yr 2000 - -- 1st marathon. Weather was excellent. Course is flat except for around mile 6 and 8.
Water stops every mile. Really expected more entainment such as in the New Orleans Crescent City 10K.
Will do again. I broke 4 hours.

I have done several Mardi Gras Marathons, always in costume, and swore I would return every year....as a lover of cheetos I am thrilled that chee wees is a race sponsor... Kirk Eisert

I'm originally from New Orleans, so maybe I had higher expectations for a homecoming marathon. Simply visiting New Orleans was not enough to make this race an overall positive experience. The course consists, basically, of two out and backs. I think the course could benefit from a non-repetative course. Working in the lakefront and additional areas of uptown would be positive course changes. I was also shocked at the lack of publicity about the event. Family members had no idea that there was a marathon happening intown - zero news coverage beyond a small article on race day about road closures. Lame. On the course, I found water to be sparse given the temparature. Some of the water tables were poorly manned causing lines to form for a cup of water. Others have noted the pot hole situation. I was also annoyed that there was little crowd control in Audubon Park. Runners were forced to dodge roller bladers, dogs on leashes, and other park goers who had little idea that there was a race going on. Positives - New Orleans Police are masters of traffic control and the course is flat, flat, flat. Also, the Red Dress Water Stop is a classic. Anyway, I hate to bash the hometown race, but I am reluctant to recommend the race, unless you are looking for a good excuse to visit the city. But that's just my opinion.

This was my second marathon this year in my quest to run 12 marathons in 12 months. My comments are similar to other runners. My 2 biggest complaints are like the other runners': potholes on the back half of the race, and not finishing in the SuperDome. The potholes forced concentration (tough to do after 20 + miles) and could have easily injured somebody if stumbled upon.

Overall, I had a great experience. I love New Orleans--it's great fun to visit, and I was able to get very good deals on airfare and hotel. The expo for the marathon was decent, the course (aside from the potholes) was flat and fast. Crowd support was ok in downtown area, but sparse in the outlying areas. Post-race food was unique and pretty good, although the walk up and down the ramp was difficult.

A bonus: The Marine Corps. Marathon had a booth at the expo, and had a drawing for 250 guaranteed spots. My wife and I both got in, so that will be my October marathon. I was beginning to think I would never get into it, but I did!

I would rate this marathon as one notch below some of the other big-city marathons I have run (Chicago, Houston), but it's a race that holds its own in a great, fun town to visit. I would recommend it to anyone who lives in the SE United States, but hard to say whether I would spend a lot of money to travel to it.

Next up: Martian Marathon in March.