Baton Rouge Beach Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

A great marathon for those who don't need a lot of spectator support. It's a fast, flat, beautiful 13.1 mile course that is run twice for marathoners, with virtually no spectators, save for the water-stop volunteers. And on the second loop, even most of the water stop volunteers had gone home (but there was plenty of plastic cups waiting for thirsty runners on the tables.) Even still, the race has a special charm, and it's a lovely course.

Best pre-race and post race food and beverage ever!! Great organization. Nice to see a marathon put on by runners for runners. Outstanding!!

158 marathon finishers and Bart Yasso comes to speak, runs the race and stays to congratulate the finishers till the very bitter end. What? Seriously WHAT? What else could I say? Food was good. People were exceptional. Great shirt and medal. Whatever. PAY ATTENTION. This is a marathon put on by marathoners for marathoners. I'm really, really sad that I didn't wait to make this my 50th marathon. Seriously a good marathon.

I did this marathon in 2015. The course is just about as flat as can be, with the exception of a bridge going over the railroad tracks. It is a loop course. If you are doing the half marathon, you do one loop around University Lake. If you are like me and are doing the full marathon, you do two loops. All the water stops are manned the fist time around the loop. On the second loop, they may be manned, or they may have cups sitting out for you to grab. There were not many spectators on the course at all. I wish the community would get behind this race. The organization for the marathon is great. Getting your packet was easy. Bart Yasso spoke at the pre-race supper. They provided transportation from the hotel to the course, and back again. The food provided afterwards was excellent: fish, chicken, jalapeno poppers, gumbo, alligator, and more. (Somewhere there were pralines, but I did not find out about them until afterwards.) There is plenty of water, poweraide, cokes, and beer for both the pre-race supper and afterwards.

I picked this race because of the time of year, was in a state I hadn't run in, and the comments on here were all pretty positive. I will say I will agree with most everyone on here - this was a fantastic race and I'm glad I did it. Weather - Obviously, you can't control the weather, but on this day it was near perfect. Started out in the low 40s and was near 50 when we finished. A little warmer at the end than I would want, but again can't control it. Course - One of the nicer courses I've run on. I know some people don't like the double loop, but if you don't mind it then this course is really great. You run through the LSU campus, through some really pretty neighborhoods that are shaded by big, live oak trees, and around a lake. I would consider it to be pretty flat, I can only remember 2 or 3 'hills' throughout the whole course. Spectators - Minimal at best. This isn't a negative comment, just a fact. This is a small race so there were few spectators out (other than at the aid stations), especially on the second loop. Swag - Smaller medal than most races, but still very nice. The shirt was a nice tech shirt. The additional running socks were a nice touch. Post-Race - Small, fun after-party with Louisiana style food-jambalaya, sausage, alligator, fried chicken, french fries. It was unique, but delicious. There are few marathons that I've done and would go back to run again, but I'm pretty sure I would go back and run this one. If the weather cooperates, I definitely think this is a great PR race.

I didn't know much about this race , but I entered it because I needed Louisiana and it fit my schedule. The website wasn't too impressive so I really wasn't expecting much. How wrong I was! This race was very well done. It was well organized, friendly, and the food...oh, the food. Jambalaya, fish, alligator sauce piquant....and beer! Almost as good as the food was being able to meet and talk to the people who were cooking it. It was very evident that were proud of their craft and very eager to share it....even with a Yankee like me. The course was not bad, but not terribly exciting either. Mostly flat with a few very minor rolling hills. All in all, I highly recommend this race. Kudos to the organizers for putting on a great event.

I chose the Baton Rouge Beach Marathon as it fit well into my schedule and is only a 4 hour drive from Houston. Overall it's a decent race. Let's start with the good. The race director is clearly well connected in the running community. He drew some big name speakers (Katherine Siwtzer) that some major marathons would be jealous to get. This race definitely appeals to the marathon maniac and 50 stater crowd, as I saw large representation from those groups as well. Good expo for a small race. Most races this size don't even bother with an expo, the fact that this one has one was pretty neat. Race is very well organized. Quick and easy packet pick-up at the host hotel. Shuttle service to the start-line from the hotel was quick and efficient. As I got out of the lobby one bus pulled away and another was there 5 mins later. Plenty of porta pottys at the start area, short line. Finish was nice, tons of food (good fresh cooked food)! Course is average, nothing special. It runs through LSU campus and some nice residential neighboorhoods. One dig is that it is an open course, so there is active traffic. While they do have crossing guards at most major intersections, there are some times where you are dealing with live traffic. Fortunately, most of the course is on quiet back streets, so it is not a major issue. It is fairly flat as advertised, only a few minor inclines to deal with. Some water stops were sparse on staffing, some good. Spectators were almost non-existent. Other good stuff - nice shirt, actually a branded (New Balance) tech tee which is rare in a small race. Medal is OK. Good swag bag with a nice pair of custom socks. Weather - I don't gripe about weather, because you can't control it, so I'm writing this as a caution to people who travel to the south for winter races. This year was warm and muggy (66 at the start). Last year was cold (30s). This is gulf coast weather, you need to be preparred for it...it can vary dramitically during the winter months. This year's weather had a clear impact on finishing times. Last comment is more in general around these small races. All three of my marathons this winter have been at small races (which include half marathons). The half has become so popular that what you are quickly seeing is these races have become half marathons with some people choosing a full option. This race had over 500 half finishers and only about 150 full finishers...do with this comment what you want, this is just a general observation on the state of our sport.

I ran BRB Marathon to knock Louisiana off my list of states in quest of 50. As a slower runner, (5 hour average) I am always worried about getting lost towards end of course. I contacted RD before registering about my concern. He was very friendly and assured me I would not get lost. I am thankful that I did not, but on the many turns, a few people did make a wrong turn around mile 24. Their 26.2 was closer to 29. The pouring rain and many leaves covering arrows made it somewhat hard to see. The open course was ok for most of the course except the black Corvette with 'GIT' plates who almost took out a few runners. Expo was amazing! Great speakers and nonstop food. Friendly city from car rentals at airport to hotel desk staff. I would recommend this race to friends for a half marathon for sure. If doing the full, be prepared to spend much time alone on course and studying the arrows. Spectator support is non existent. But the course takes you through awesome homes which makes it fun. Thanks for a fun day!

Hospitality done right! Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Had a great time at the expo, free food was a plus, for my entry got a shirt (which they are sending me a smaller size, I ordered too big), gloves, socks and beer coozi (Awesome!). Pre-race had lots of portapotties with quick lines. Race course was good. Sparse with spectators, it was cold, but volunteers were great. I would do this again and hope for slightly warmer weather to better enjoy all the post race fun! Thanks to Craig and all the volunteers for a great race.

Organization was top-knotch. Small expo with big name speaker and FOOD: Jambalaya, Gumbo, Pizza and Beer to name a few! Good food was repeated at the finish as well! The course is predominantly around a lake and the LSU campus. It's where locals run. The course is pleasant, but a little boring and lonely on the second loop. Very little crowd support, likely because it was cold this year. The first few kilometers were a little too crowded, but thinned out nicely by about 5k. Hillier than expected (some modest inclines; I was expecting none) but a very flat and fast course. The Medal could use some work, but all in all, a very nice experience.

A race that is super friendly. Great food at packet pickup and after the run. One of the most friendly race staff and race director. Accommodating to even slower runners with an early start if needed. I always look forward to a new pair of running chicken socks! There is never a large number of spectators, but that is fine. Beautiful course although there are a few dangerous places - the course is open to traffic - but volunteers or police are on hand. Be sure to check the weather reports as you never know what to expect this time of year! All in all a great event.

39 degrees, so no one overheated. Race was extremely well organized, plenty of water and power aid at every water stop. Food both for the post-race and post-packet pickup was better than expected.

Absolutely stellar organization, volunteers and police support. The double loop course is always a bit tough, but most of the course is beautiful. I could have doe without the overpass: a bit treacherous as road is not closed. As most folks do the half, the second loop is a bit lonesome, but water stops are frequent. The prerace dinner is included and is great. The postrace food is spectacular (and plentiful).

I thought this was a very well ran race. Packet pickup and swag bags were great. Meals were great. Spectators were great for a small race. The course was very scenic, and not very hilly. However, the distance was in question by my GPS. My GPS had 26.3 miles at 100 yds past the 25 mile mark on the course. I talked to 4 other runners who had roughly the same GPS readings. I was told that this was do to zig zagging across the roads going through the neighborhood areas. I understand that there will be some variation on the mileage but 1.2 miles is alot of extra lol. However other than this Baton Rouge area was nice and race is very well organized.

This is a great small marathon. I course was beautiful, flat and shaded. The organization was great and the volunteers were friendly. They also had the BEST post race food I've ever had. I'd recommend this marathon for anyone that wants a stress free race day. The only downside is after the first loop, most runners finish the half. I found my self looking for the arrows on the road to make sure I was going the right direction. Thankfully the course was very well marked and the traffic control was great. Overall, one of the nicest races I've run.

This was my 4th marathon 1st BRBM... I thought the course was very scenic. A little more hilly than expected but not bad at all just not as super flat as I expected... Weether was perfect to start but got hot at the end for me. My biggest complaint was the difference in the race distance and my GPS. I was pacing myself using map my run app and was staying on my pace so I thought. I noticed that the mileage started growing a greater distance between My GPS and the marked distance on the course. My GPS had me at 26.3 miles 100 yards past the 25 mile sign on the course. I talked to 4 other runners that had similar reading. I was told it was due to the zig zagging thru the neighborhood. I understand this but 1.2 miles of zig zag is alot to explain. But other than that I thought race was nice.

The dilemma is: how do I honestly tell how tremendous this run was without bashing open the floodgates and swelling the number of runners for next year? The BRBM 2012 was crazy fun, high energy, beautiful track and gracious residents. Even the pelicans flying overhead kept us company! The volunteers were so supportive and the food (naturally, it's Louisiana!) sublime. The catfish was outrageous. The organizers have this race and all aspects of it down pat. I can't wait for 2013.

This was my 7th marathon (and 7th state). Overall, I would definitely recommend this race for 50 Staters who need LA. Positives: *Super organization. Buses were frequent and convenient from the host hotel to/from the start/finish line *Expo. The race director's family made Gumbo & Jumbalaya for everyone to enjoy for dinner at the expo. There was also free beer/soft drinks available both at the expo & post-race party, which included more home-made food. *Pretty course that ran along numerous lakes near LSUs campus. Traffic was well organized that I never felt like I was going to be hit by a car. *Volunteers were really friendly and supportive throughout the race Cons: *Supporters are scarce. Most people in Baton Rouge didn't even seem to know there was going to be a marathon and the lack of spectators was discouraging *Weather. Tough to complain about something uncontrollable but 71 degrees for 26.2 miles isn't fun...

Great flat course, beautiful views of the LSU campus and lakes. Smaller race that offers a fantastic first half or full marathon experience.

This is an excellent race with a flat and scenic course (around the LSU lakes) and one of the best post race meals ever (jambalaya, fried fish, alligator, French fries, beer). I'll be back next year!

The organizers do an amazing job with this marathon: registration, pick up, shuttle buses, and after party are all a breeze. I have run I think 9 marathons, and this race was by far the best as far as organization and FUN goes! The swag is amazing (duffle bag, socks, gloves, tech T, samples), the food is fantastic and varied (and free dinner the night before - who knew races even offered such a thing?!), the course is beautiful, the volunteers are friendly - I am so impressed. This is the ONLY race I've run with adequate port-a-potties, and the logistics of shuttles to the start was handles far better than at large RnR races. The awards ceremony is held close to the finish, so those of us traveling (flying or, like me, driving home in time for the game, hehe!) could get moving quickly. Altogether brilliant. You can't go wrong with this gem. I'm adding it to my yearly rotation for sure!

I loved the atmosphere of the event surrounding the running chicken theme including the prominent running chicken on the medal. I did not mind the 2 loop course because most of it was scenic enough to see twice. Essentially flat except for one brief hill around mile 10 but you make up for it on the downhill side. Both the steep up and down seemed to only last about a 1/4 of a mile. Other than that most the course seemed flat with mild inclines and declines in places. I got a PR and finally did a sub-4 hour. The weather was fantastic for Dec. Varied between 63 and 73 during the race (I think). No abandoned water stops this year as I've seen in previous year posts. I heard from others about the dancing chicken but I missed him for some reason. My favorite moment was near the finish line when my daughter yelled 'Run you crazy chicken!' as I passed her and also saw I was about to PR on the clock. My family had fun, I had a blast. I definitely recommend this one. Excellent swag. Marathon medal is slightly bigger than the half medal.

Can not say enough wonderful things about this race. This was the smallest race I have ever ran, BUT it has been by far one of the BEST! LOVED this race. The packet pick-up was very easy and quick. LOVED all the swag we received: NICE duffle bag, socks, gloves, tech shirt. Plus, FREE food, sodas, water, beer at the EXPO! Probably some of the friendliest folks at a race! The race was a loop course which can be tough mentally. You do have to watch the arrows spray painted on the road to know which way to go because once the halfers finish, the runners are far and few. HOWEVER, in the second half is when I was really able to meet other runners and LOVED it! Met so many Marathon Maniacs and 50 staters! Great folks who were all really supportive and cheered one another on. Can not say enough about the Finish line area! FOOD, FOOD, FOOD and I was near the end of the race! Free food, sodas, water, powerade, beer. UNREAL! Never knew I liked Diet Coke so much until after this race! I have always been served water or sports drinks post races and let me tell ya, after running 26.2 miles, that's the last thing I want to drink! THANK YOU FOR THE FANTASTIC POST RACE FOOD AND DRINK! This was my 10th marathon, qualified me for Maniacs, and after I finish the 50 states... I WILL RETURN TO THIS RACE! Just hope it is still small by that time. :) Thanks, Baton Rouge for a wonderful event!

This is a no stress small marathon that is great if you're looking for some relief from the mega marathons. The Marriott host hotel was great and very accommodating. Great job on their part. The packet pick-up was a little disorganized. The food was late so we ended up eating at a restaurant. The shirt size I ordered wasn't there either. I was at the packet pickup when it opened so it's not like others got there before me. They just hadn't ordered or received them. We did receive a small gym bag with throw away gloves and socks with our packet. The race is a double loop so you pass the start/finish once and you see it from the other side of the lake twice before actually finishing. Course is not flat but not difficult. Traffic control was good at major intersections but non-existant at secondary ones and we encountered some grouchy drivers. On the second loop you're forced at one point to hop on a narrow sidewalk and climb a steep overpass making it virtually impossible to pass because there's traffic. Water stops were well stocked and manned except on the second loop when they're abandoned and become self serving which is OK. There aren't that many marathoners doing this race. Spectator rating is low because few people come out of their homes on race day. The race runs partly on the LSU campus and it was a ghost town during the race. I guess everybody had left town to go to the game in Georgia. The race hits all the needed marks just some small technical gaffs that would be easily corrected. Excellent transportation to and from the race as parking is very limited. Would definitely recommend if you want to avoid New Orleans and get this race in for your 50 states.

Ran NYCM 4 weeks before and was looking for a bit different experience and sure got it in Baton Rouge. It was a no-hassle, friendly and intimate race. Very popular amoungst the 50 staters and Maniacs. Packet Pickup is right in the lobby of the host hotel which took less than a minute. Got great swag of an awesome travel/duffel bag, short sleeve tech shirt, gloves and a pair of running socks with the chickens on them!!! The feed (free) at packet pickup was delicious jambalaya and pizza. Your choice of water, beer or soda. Delicious!!! The race consists of 2 13.1 mile loops around the LSU campus and lake. It's not as boring as it sounds and many parts were actually quite enjoyable. Some of the pavement is in disrepair so it's critical that you watch your footing. After the first loop, I was worried that I might get lost on the course but the excellent markings as well as perfectly positioned police and volunteer traffic directors made it really easy to make your way around the course. A lot of the course is pretty hard pavement (asphalt with crushed rocks) in many places. This is definitely not a race for someone who has to run with an iPod as you really need to be very aware at all times, especially during the second loop as many parts of the course are not closed to traffic and you will be running on shoulders or making turns onto traffic. The course itself is fast with only one hill that I noticed. After reading previous years reviews, I was nervous about water stations being abandoned during the second loop. That never happened. All the water stops had wonderful volunteers giving out either water or Powerade. One stop also had the dancing chicken! The water station people were the best spectators! Finishing the race was a thrill but the post race feed was even better!!! They were cooking huge vats of jambalaya, alligator tail as well as other Southern specialties. Coolers full of soda, beer, water, powerade. With a free prerace and postrace meal, low registration fee and the great swag, how the heck do they turn a profit? Race was well organized. Very friendly locals. No hassle and easly logistics with a shuttle bus taking you to and from the host hotel to the start/finish. Not a race for people looking for bands, spectator support, etc. True runners' race put on by runners. Definitely 2 thumbs up to the race director, volunteers and locals!!! The only suggestions I have for the RD 1) Have bigger cups at the water stations. Some of the stations used very small cups (like dixie cups) 2) Perhaps a few more porta potties at the start

A nice course with a variety of scenery: lakes, LSU campus, residential neighborhoods, plenty of shade. Volunteers at aid stations were GREAT; different 'themes' and cheered us on! Post-race was good; but give us the water/PowerAde as we finish (I had to go look for it). Lots of great food: jambalaya, beer, etc. Nice setting on the lake/beach to relax after the race. Great 'goody bag' with more than just a tech shirt; also a BR Beach Marathon duffel bag, gloves, BRBM socks. All the race people were friendly and helpful. A great small race.

BRBM hooked me with the humor on the website. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality/quantity of race organization & schwag. Overall the race was well-communicated & managed (a more detailed course map on website would help with course preview drive); expectations set, were met. Many extras made it personable, unique & nice; regional food (more dishes for vegetarians, please) at packet pick-up & post race was plentiful and at which participants felt in no rush: strangers/folks sat & socialized, ICE COLD soda/beer at the Finish Line on a warm day was GREAT!!, Nice/funny medal, good shirt, tote bag, gloves (not needed) and great running socks. BRBM is a good value, friendly, easy-going, manageable, flat race along pleasant neighborhoods & waterways. Highly recommended.

I LOVED this race from beginning to end! Popular among 50 Staters and Marathon Maniacs, with good reason!! Easy packet pickup, great tech shirt and socks, and yummy pasta feed gave everyone a chance to catch up at the end of the year, and make plans for 2011. The RD was extremely accommodating of those with flight constraints, and allowed an early start. Pretty flat, two-loop course, wound through the LSU campus, along the lake, and through some pretty neighborhoods. Streets were well policed, and with the exception of one water stop on the second loop (completely deserted), the volunteers were incredible!! I can't say enough about the food at the finish - jambalaya, alligator, chicken, soda, BBQ - you name it, they had it!!! A great bang for your buck, easily spectated for your non-running friends, and really cool finisher medal. Make this your LA marathon destination - you can always visit The Big Easy post-race!!

This race was far better than I expected. Craig and Crew did a great job keeping this race optimal. BR Police were wonderful with traffic (minimal on the course) One water stop was empty at about mile 20. But let me tell you: the food and fluids at race-end were unequalled in any of my previous 20 marathons! I actually liked the double loop. I knew what to expect for the last half of my marathon. I'm trying not to repeat states yet, but if I were going to repeat Louisiana, this race would be it!

I chose to run this race because it fit the calendar en route to doing all 50 states. I have to say, though, that of all the races I've done over the years, this one stands out as one of the best. The registration area was well organized and efficient. Good assortment of race amenities like socks, gloves and tech shirt. The pre-race meal was really a nice thing for the racers, especially the Jambalaya! The course itself was situated on and near the LSU campus. It's a beautiful campus to run through. Yeah, it's a two-loop course, but it's still scenic and far from mundane. The finish area was not typical. Like I've read in many other reviews, there were tons of coolers with a wide variety of pop, beer and water. The post-race food was incredible. There were lots of choices, including some alligator dish. If I had four thumbs, I'd give the race four thumbs up. I would highly recommend the race for the 50-stater crowd for sure. The finisher's medals were colorful and of good weight. The age group awards were unique and topped off an outstanding race.

What a fabulous marathon! The expo was quite a surprise: great food and drinks as well as various products. The race was well organized. The course was well supported, with good traffic control. The food post-race was incredible. I have never seen so much food - and such a variety - at the end of a race! Also, endless coolers of various beverages - all icy cold! That was appreciated because the weather was so warm. The race director was the best! I LOVED the green tech shirt and the medal. I would do this one again! Thanks to Craig and all of the volunteers!

This was my 20th marathon. I've run all over the country, on all kinds of courses. They have a great course here, the organization is pretty good (up to a point), and the traffic control was great. However, this race really caters to the halfers. It's a two-loop course, and everyone starts together. But during the second loop of the marathon more than one water station had packed up and left before I got there. One (17 mile) was gone before the 3-hour mark. The course is not flat but there are not really any major hills. There were several residents out at the side of the road cheering for the runners during my first loop, and some even stayed out through the time it took me to get through the second loop. The shuttle to and from the hotel really was welcome, since there is very little parking at the start/finish area.

This was my 3rd marathon, and my first one in LA. I thought packet pickup was a bit crowded, but I got my packet fairly easily. Loved the socks, although the shirt was a little bright. The starting point was easy to get to... my boyfriend parked on a side street and it was easy to walk to the start. This was my first time doing a double-loop course and I thought I would get discouraged passing the finish line and watching all the halfers get to stop, but it wasn't too bad. There are NOT a lot of fans on the course, which is disappointing considering how much of the race is ran through neighborhoods. There were even fewer fans for the marathoners on their 2nd loop. The Houston Marathon is almost all throughout neighborhoods and the people of Houston treat the marathon like a huge block party. Those at the water stations were enthusiastic though, and I especially liked the LSU Cowgirl water stop... they stuck it out to the end and were so funny! As for the weather, which nobody has control over, it was a little warmer than I like: 50s at the start and 70s at the finish (at least when I finished). I only saw one water station abandoned, and that was around mile 20. Luckily my boyfriend was riding his bike throughout the course and was able to give me some water. Overall, the course is nice with lakes and beautiful homes. It was well marked and I never felt lik I would lose my way even though I was pretty much alone during the 2nd half. The BR Sheriff's Dept. and all other volunteers did a great job stopping traffic. The medals were great, and there was still a bunch of food and drinks at the finish when I got in at 4:33.

Flat, lots of shade, and a two-loop course through the campus of LSU and surrounding neighborhoods. Previous comments were right on - watch for cars, but the police did a pretty good job with traffic control. BIG PROPS to the RD for allowing an early start for those with flights to catch and those who are slower walkers/runners. Great swag - cool shirt, really cool medal, gloves, socks, and a koozie. Nice pre-race meal, and really great buffet post-race - you have to try the alligator stew!! This is a small race, really well done, that won't be small for long!! WAY TO GO, YOU CRAZY CHICKENS!!