If you’re planning to run a marathon in Louisiana, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated the best by those who have run them.
The Louisiana Marathon – Baton Rouge
A super popular event that sells out early because it’s more than just another addition to the winter running calendar. The Louisiana Marathon bills itself as “a running festival with lagniappe”. Lagniappe is a Louisiana French word meaning “something extra”, and the Lousiana Marathon has it. Click here to read more about the Louisiana Marathon.
The Course
This is a fast, flat, runner-friendly course that takes you on a tour through the lakes, river, university campus, and neighborhoods of the Louisiana capital. Runners enjoy music along the way. This is a USATF-certified course.
Image Source: Louisiana Marathon
Reviews
“I am still riding high from the amazing weekend. I had a great time at the 5k race, expo and finisher celebration. The course was pleasantly flat, beautiful and well supported by official aid stations as well as the amazing and quirky folks of BR.” – LWR, Facebook Review
“It was an awesome experience! The crowd support was the best of any marathon or half marathon I have ever run. Many homeowners set up their own little aid stations separate from the official ones on the course, offering us bananas, pancakes, beer, water, you name it. Even their kids got in on the fun, cheering enthusiastically even for us mid-packers, when they had to have been out there cheering for awhile already. And I loved having Marathon Maniac pacers! It was so nice being able to pick a goal time and then just focus on running, instead of worrying about the pace on my Garmin or whether I might miss a turn on the course. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and with their help and encouragement I PR’ed over 30 minutes from my previous marathon time! Great race that I wholeheartedly recommend.” – S.P., Facebook Review
Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans – New Orleans
New Orleans is a party town. Every event (even funerals) becomes a celebration of epic proportions, and the Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon is no exception. This is a marathon done up Big Easy Style. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
The race begins in the Central Business District, before moving through the oak-lined beauty of Uptown. The course then returns through the CBD before passing through Mid-City on the way to the Lakefront. The race finishes in beautiful City Park for a party like only New Orleans can do it. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Image Source: Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans
Reviews
“I truly enjoyed this half marathon as my first. I loved the flat course since it was my first go at 13.1! The first part of the race in the out and back was rough mentally, but I loved all the bands and cheer teams along the way! Lots of refreshment stands along the way….” – Kayla, Facebook Review
“Overall, a very fun and entertaining race. The bands, spectator viewing, water stations, and energy pack station were are well placed and helped to keep runners motivated and replenished. The route was mapped out well. Barricades and police details were well placed..” -Lance, Facebook Review
Zydeco Marathon – Lafayette
A race in the heart of Acadiana, Louisiana’s famed Cajun Country, the Zydeco marathon is a celebration of the unique culture that the State of Louisiana has to offer. Not to mention beer, Cajun food, and Zydeco music. Click here to learn more.
The Course
There is a total elevation gain of 451 ft. according to Zydeco’s course details page. Formerly a double loop layout, now runners will start and finish on Jefferson St. and run the course outlined in orange below:
Image Source: Zydeco Marathon
Reviews
“I loved the Zydeco Marathon. The website, race guide, and Facebook page were all informative. The expo and packet pickup were better than some older, larger marathons I’ve done. … The race was done very well. Course was marked and had lots of marshals, plus a good police presence. Some of the roads were a little rough though. Each mile was clearly marked. Plentiful water stations with enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. I’m pretty certain that the after party/festival had the best food offerings of any race I’ve ever done. … Long story short – I loved the event and will put it on my list of highly recommended marathons” – R.N., Marathonguide.com Review
“Very well organized race. The packet pickup was easy as was getting to the start of the race. Enjoyed the flat single loop course. There were plenty of aid stations with very enthusiastic volunteers and port-o-lets at every station. The post race food was very good, especially enjoyed the boudin. I will definitely run this one again and would recommend it to anyone.” – M.V., Marathonguide.com Review
Dirty South Marathon – West Monroe
The Dirty South Marathon takes place in the heart of the Dirty South, so you know they know how to party. The race has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so you can feel great about running for a worthy cause.
The Course
The marathon organizer describes it best: “The Dirty South Marathon course features a fast, flat, runner-friendly path through the lakes, along the river, around downtown, on the university campus and in historic neighborhoods.”
Reviews
“Good … marathon that will get better.” – K.B., Marathonguide.com Review
“Fun race with great support.” – S.G., Marathonguide.com Review
Baton Rouge Beach Marathon – Baton Rouge
If you’re looking for a great small-town marathon with a tradition of star power, look no further than the Baton Rouge Beach Marathon. The event is put on by a local running club, and the small-town feel keeps folks coming back year after year. For running nerds, Bart Yasso usually makes a speaking appearance at this one, so don’t miss the chance to see one of the leading figures in the running community.
The Course
Ask any number of people and they’ll tell you this is a flat course, which means yet another Louisiana marathon offering a good shot at a PR. The course is a double loop around University Lake, and includes portions of the Louisiana State University campus.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Reviews
“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.” – Matt F., Marathonguide.com Review
“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.” – G.H., Marathonguide.com Review