This is a great way to tour the highlights of New Orleans. The course is pancake flat and, assuming the weather cooperates, lightning fast. There were very few spectators along much of the course the year that I ran it, but I don't need people screaming at me to get me moving. The year I ran, the race had awesome finishers medals with a hand-made mardi gras mask on them & cool plaques for awards (I won my age group!), also with masks on them. The post-race party is also a nice treat for tired runners. I definitely recommend this course for anyone looking for a fast marathon in the south.

Once again the NOTC & race director Bill Burke presented another flawless, fabulous Mardi Gras Marathon. Mother nature cooperated with a great marathon kind of day... it was a no excuse day. You were either trained & ready or not, there was nothing else you could point to as a problem. Flat, lightning fast, no wind, and a SUPERB POLICE force with tremendous traffic control. The finish in the Superdome is impressive but scheduled to change in 2002. As is the date - mid Feb. because of the actual Mardi Gras coming earlier in Feb. next year. Plan now to come off a fall marathon & maintain some distance training to enjoy one of the best events ever. You GOTTA LOVE N'AWLINS. Watch for my article & story of this years Mardi Gras Marathon in an upcoming issue of Running Times Magazine.

This is a must repeat marathon!!! What a great experience. The course is flat with well-manned stations, but in some areas, the stations are a little too far apart. I had a fast time while still stopping to take numerous pictures. The people are friendly in this marathon. Finishing in the SUPERDOME with showers available is great too. A great medal on a beaded necklace. No medal for the half-marathoners.

I enjoyed every part of the race. The houses were beautiful. The beads around my neck made me feel festive. I think l love New Orleans, and I will be back. The superdome was impressive. I could have sworn everyone I met was happy. The food was delicious, except for the fact that I had no need for it. I couldn't wait in line for the massage, oh well maybe next year as they always say when you miss something that great. Thanks for making the race an enjoyable one.

The course winds past the Mississippi River and by a canal, through City and Audubon Parks, next to the French Quarter and Garden Districts, and finishes inside the Superdome! Flat and fast, and no real wind problems. Rest stops are well stocked and lots of fun - manned by aliens, red-dressed hairy women, and masqueraders!! The crowd is thin in spots and at times you have to cheer THEM on to get them to cheer you on. But I guess the Bourbon Street revelers are sleeping off their late night follies when the marathon gun fires. Get to New Orleans a couple of days early! Plenty of 5 star restaurants to carbo-load before the run (loved Commander's Palace and the AAA recommended Cafe du Monde's beignets). After the run, all the free beer and jambalaya you could want in the Superdome. The NOTC treats everybody like their neighbor - even will give you the beads off their necks!! Ya' gotta do this one!!

I'll just say that getting to run into the Superdome really did the trick for me. The course is flat, fast, and interesting. Any race that takes you through the fascinating old neighborhoods of New Orleans is going to be a treat. The spectators bring a distinct Mardi Gras flavor to the course, and that keeps you pumping mile after mile. There is a relatively boring stretch as you leave the French Quarter, but once you return to the city, it stays fun until the end. I plan to run this one again someday.

I have both run and volunteered in this marathon. I ran the race in '99 under the old course, but looking at the course changes in 2000 (starting and ending at the Superdome), it's an improvement. The course is FLAT and gives a good tour of the city. Don't expect too many spectators, but the ones who do watch will likely be tossing beads to the runners. There is a costume/spirit competition between the water stations, so don't be surprised if a guy in a red dress comes up offering a dance and a beer midway through the race.

If you don't have fun here you need a personality transplant. Great flat course, nice parks, finish in the super dome, water stops with cross dressers! It's got it all. Want to run even splits? THIS IS THE COURSE! Want to have a great post race party? HEY-YOU'RE IN NEW ORLEANS!THE WHOLE PLACE IS A PARTY! (just watch your wallet & leave your morals & inhibitions @ home).