Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
This marathon was well organized. The crowd was surprisingly large and it was great to go out with a mass crowd that included the half marathoners. The trip through the LSU campus was a treat and then we went through multiple beautiful neighborhoods. The course took place in one area of the city, but the course was done well. The crowd support really added to the overall positive feel of the race. This race delivered on the need for an LA marathon.
Bonus- The downtown area of Baton Rouge was beautiful and full of life.
Overpass located at Mile 1 and mile 25 (prepare mentally) it's a very small bridge. There are a couple streets with rough surfaces. Be mindful and it will be no problem.
Arrive early to settle in. The porta potty lines were very long and there were people still there as the race started. Prepare accordingly.
Parking beforehand, a breeze. Course was scenic, fast and pancake flat. Weather, perfect. Crowds, terrific. Food afterwards, delicious. My second time doing it and signing up for another. Next time, BQ!
Only complaint, didn't receive email reminders that the fateful day was approaching.
If you've done your training, you should expect to run a personal best.
If you arrive one hour before the start, you'll easily find parking within 10 to 15 minutes stroll of starting line.
Very nice organization and lots of aid stations. Pretty good crowd support, too, for a smaller race. Official aid stations were smaller, but well staffed and provisioned, and in the second half (after the split) there were lots of unofficial stations staffed by kids with orange slices and smiles.
The bridge hill at the beginning and the end is pretty much the only hill. There are a couple other 1% slopes here and there, but really this is a flat race. Mostly partially shaded, too. Weather was perfect in 2023.
The Hampton Inn is within a couple of blocks of the start which is nice if its colder before the sun comes up. There are quite a few good restaurants in walking distance downtown.
If you want a marathon with plenty of fun, a beautiful course, tons of course support, and the best ever post race party you HAVE to run this race!
It's a flat course that winds through beautiful neighborhoods of Baton Rouge. Lots of families are out with some of the best signs, food, and beverages I've ever seen. Every intersection is policed and every mile is clearly marked with a 7 foot sign.
We stayed at the Holiday inn Express Downtown which was perfect walking distance to the expo and the start.
Finish festival is 2nd to none. Course is flat and fast. Easy to BQ
Soak it in. The course us beautiful around LSU Lakes and campus, enjoy the atmosphere
Parking is easy. Park on 5th street, start and finish line is around the corner in 4th. Stay at Holiday Inn downtown and you can walk UK expo and start/finish
Fast, flat course. Best post race food ever.
The course is flat, fast, and fantastic. Running through LSU, around the lake, and through the neighborhoods kept it from being monotonous. The spectators are wonderful. The finish festival is second to none. Great music, fantastic Louisiana food, beer, and great swag for award winners. The expo had many good vendors and high quality race merchandise.
Very convenient to stay in downtown hotels, many of which are walking distance to both the expo and the start/finish.
The race was really well organized and the course was a real pleasure. Support along the course was fantastic - especially for a smaller race. The post race parties (both Saturday and Sunday) are fantastic with a great selection of local food, beer and entertainment.
There is a 5k race on Saturday which I ran as a shakeout for Sunday's marathon. The 5k is really well done and completing the races on both days gets you additional swag.
I was able to find a hotel within about six blocks for the start/finish area which worked out pretty well.
Great organization, well placed fuel/water/bathroom stops, best finish line festival + food of any race I've ever been at.
Very flat course, good shade through the first 15 miles then in the sun off and on through 18-22
Pros: Great organization. Voluntary corrals. LOTs of bathrooms. Flat and fast. Great t-shirt/medal. Beautiful course.
Cons: Only that it was warm. Baton Rouge has a nice little gem of a run. I'm surprised it isn't growing in popularity.
More times than not I run a BQ time. This race was no exception. 325 ft. of gain. Start off easy and enjoy!
Watermark was nice. 5 blocks from the start - easy walk. Go to the Federal Building after the run. You can see the finish line and all the events from the 27th. Floor.
Well administered, best manned aid stations, excellent after party, nice weather, good location. Was a little disappointed in the expo but other than that this is an excellent race.
A nice mid-sized (900 full, 1800 half) race. In only its second year it is well organized. Abundant water stops and on course port-a-potties. First half is very nice running thru LSU campus, some pretty parks and often running along water. The second half is more boring. A long out and back and run through repetitive neighborhoods. Some very bad roads the first 2 miles or so (I saw 3 folks fall) but after that fine.
It is a very flat course. A few overpasses mainly in the early miles (although one at mile 25) but otherwise flat. In 2013 we had great weather. 40ish at the 7:00 start and 50's at 11:00. Lots of water stops (all had poweraid) and lots of gel handouts too. For a race in its second year the fan turnout was impressive.
I stayed at a motel 6 about 10 minutes from the start line. I arrived about an hour early and easily found parking. Also even 20 minutes before the start I was able to quickly use the port-a-potty.