Baton Rouge Beach Marathon

Food was amazing, atmosphere was awesome. The weather was awful but you can't control that!

Organized, fun theme, food, food and more food. Expo was small, but having Dick Beardsley speaker was a treat, plus they served dinner. First time I've cried at an expo. Course was fairly flat 2 loops with incredible water & wildlife views. White pelicans studded the water. The weather was awful with rain & wind. Colorful medal. Organized, with shuttles. I stayed at embassy suites, a very short walk to expo & shuttles, plus free airport shuttle & complementary happy hour & breakfast, 2pm checkout. In spite of weather, I really enjoyed this race. Food was great, socks adorable with chicken theme & free heavy throw away gloves which I couldn't part with. Shirt was basic, but nice name brand tech...just ill-fitted for me. Aid stations 1.5 miles or so, some with candy, but no gel. My only complaint was I ran 4:50 & the finish arch was gone. By 5 hours it was deserted and many were still on the course. Hats off to RD and Spectacular volunteers who endured the rain.

Everything had closed down for the 5:30 finisher. All but two of the aid stations in the second half were unmanned (BIG thank you for the two that stayed), and there was one sole tent at the finish with cold food (although it did have food). The entire ENTIRE course was lake, cypress and waterfowl. At first it was charming, then it felt like Groundhog Day- a real pretty Groundhog Day, but Groundhog Day. And it rained. Hard. For 15 miles. This would be a great race for some, but not me.