The Louisiana Marathon

Louisiana Marathon is a well organized event. This is a medium sized marathon with over a thousand full marathon runners and a couple thousand half marathon runners. The start line and finish line are at the same location in state capitol park. There are plenty of parking not far from the start/finish area. There was no clear start wave. With the full marathon and half marathon started together, it made the first mile running congested. The full marathon and the half marathon share the same route going through LSU tiger stadium and around University lake. The full marathon goes out to cover the other half at the east side of the city with majority of a back and forth route. A portion of the full marathon route was on a street with tree at the center of the route. The tree roots made the road surface very bumpy. We were very lucky to have a good weather for 2025 run. The temperature was about 40~50 degrees all day. The day before was a warm day with temperature 70 degrees around noon time. The day after was a cold day with temperature below freeze and snowy day after. There were good services before, during, and after the run. There were a few flavored free coffee in the morning before the run. There were plenty of aid stations along the way. The intervals were less than 2 miles apart. Quite a few of the aid stations had GU energy gels supply. The volunteers were very helpful. They did a great job in the cold windy weather, specially think about they constantly get their hand wet. I thank the lady at the gear check station who help me put up my hoody after I finished the run. There were variety of drink and food after the run. The capitol park has plenty space to allow the finishers with their friends and family member to sit around. There was a live musical at the finish area. We got our free photo a couple of days after. That's another plus. Many spectators cheer at the finish area. Along the way, there are many families sitting outside of their house cheering the runner in the windy chill cold weather. Baton Rouge is the state capitol of Louisiana. It is also a college town for LSU. It is not far from New Orleans. There are plenty to do there for anyone travel from outside of the area.

I'm on the quest for 50 states. Picked this one for my LA race and would not hesitate to do it again. It had the organization and feel of a larger race. Logistics were easy. Course was interesting and just enough turns to keep things fresh. Very flat with only 2 hills (up and down the overpass) to speak of. Great spectators and aid stations. A little kid gave me some mardi gras beads around mile 20 and it was a huge boost.

Gorgeous course, easy logistics, incredible crowd support which made it so fun, and outstanding post race party with plenty of food, drinks, and music. Great experience - highly recommend!