Experience the unique charm of the Deep South. Louisiana, a 42.195km flat journey
The Louisiana Marathon is famed as a fast, flat course that attracts runners seeking a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifying time (BQ). Held every year in mid-January, it is a scenic 42.195km journey through the capital city of Baton Rouge, past the Mississippi River, historic neighborhoods, the LSU campus, and beautiful University Lakes.
The course is remarkably flat with minimal elevation change, making it a highly desirable race for optimizing performance. While the cheers may be less massive than in the largest cities, the warmth and enthusiastic support from the local community, often featuring Southern music and cuisine, provide a uniquely energizing and unforgettable experience.
The Louisiana Marathon: A 42.195km journey through the heart of the Deep South
The Louisiana Marathon is a fantastic opportunity to start the year strong on a fast course. Run alongside dedicated athletes from around the world through the charming streets of Baton Rouge, and let the culture and community support carry you to your goal time, whether it’s a new PR or a BQ.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The race begins in Downtown Baton Rouge, near the Mississippi River. Runners line up in the crisp January morning air, ready to tackle one of the fastest marathon courses in the country. The start is smooth and leads quickly into the city’s historic districts.
Sights along the way
The Louisiana Marathon course is celebrated for its flat terrain, efficiency, and cultural highlights.
・0-13 miles: The first half of the race is primarily flat and fast, running through the revitalized Downtown area and into charming historic neighborhoods. This section is perfect for finding your rhythm and banking time for a fast finish. The course is known for the strong community presence, where residents fill the streets with Southern hospitality and live music.
・14-23 miles: Runners venture through the heart of the city’s academic and scenic areas. This stretch takes you through the beautiful University Lakes, where the flat, tree-lined path offers a picturesque run, and past the iconic campus of Louisiana State University (LSU). Running through these areas, particularly past the historic Tiger Stadium, provides a motivating change of scenery.
・23 miles to the finish: The final miles return runners toward the State Capitol building and the finish line in the Downtown area. The course remains flat here, demanding a final sustained push rather than navigating challenging hills. Utilizing the flat surface for a strong finish is key.
Finish point
Finish near the Louisiana State Capitol in Downtown Baton Rouge! The culmination of a 42.195km effort on a BQ-friendly course, celebrated with local food, beer, and the warm welcome of the Louisiana community.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference: The course is known for being extremely flat. The total elevation gain is only about 373 feet (approx. 113m), with the same amount of cumulative elevation descent. The highest and lowest points are very close, eliminating major climbs and descents that challenge most urban marathons. This profile is ideal for achieving fast times.
・Weather: Held in mid-January, the climate in Baton Rouge often provides ideal “cool running weather.” Average temperatures typically range from 41°F to 52°F (5°C to 11°C) at race time, often cool at the start but warming slightly, making it favorable for performance.
Participants’ comments
・ “This is the perfect race to achieve a BQ. The course is genuinely fast and flat.”
・ “The local support and Southern hospitality were incredible. Felt like a true community event.”
・ “Running through the LSU campus and the lakes was beautiful and motivating.”
・ “I set a personal best by over five minutes, thanks to the course profile and the weather.”
・ “Great organization and a wonderful post-race party with amazing local food.”
・ “It’s the best flat marathon I’ve ever run. Highly recommend for serious runners.”
・ “The atmosphere was focused yet friendly. Definitely felt the support of Louisiana.”
Strategy
The key to conquering The Louisiana Marathon is to embrace the course’s flatness. Maintain an even, strong pace throughout the first half, using the cool January air to your advantage. Unlike courses with significant hills, the challenge here is mental—staying focused on pace through the scenic lakes and campus areas. Save enough energy for the final few miles downtown, utilizing the lack of major late-race hills to unleash a sustained, strong finish and secure that personal best or BQ.
The Louisiana Marathon is your 42.195km opportunity to set a new standard. Run a fast course supported by the friendly community of Baton Rouge, and achieve your goals in the beautiful setting of the Deep South.
2025 Louisiana Marathon Summary
・Date and time: January 18, 2026
・Number of finishers:-
・Average time: 4:12:15
MEN
1: Jacob Plocher: 2:28:49
2: Kenneth Menard: 2:33:14
3: Maxwell Rankin: 2:35:43
4: Blaine Sullivan: 2:35:51
5: Chad Terry: 2:36:10
6: Matthew Black: 2:36:37
7: John Hitter: 2:39:08
8: Joseph Bustrak: 2:40:01
9: Joshua Kazanovicz: 2:41:19
10: Tyler Lundquist: 2:43:15
WOMEN
1: Rhianwedd Price-Weimer: 2:51:27
2: Hannah Michael: 2:53:19
3: Jenna Walker: 3:03:19
4: Caroline Crisp: 3:04:24
5: Zoe Brown: 3:05:27
6: Rachel Gerlach: 3:06:55
7: Stephanie VandenBerg: 3:07:17
8: Andrea Zmaj: 3:08:12
9: Monica Prebeck: 3:08:36
10: Susanna Billings: 3:08:36
2027 Louisiana Marathon
To all runners seeking rhythm and flavor: this 42.195km race is a celebration of the human spirit. Join runners from across the nation in Baton Rouge to chase your personal best and experience the hospitality of the South.
・Location: Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge
・Date and time: January 17, 2027
・Start time: 7:00am
Baton Rouge: A capital city rich in history and culture
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is a city where history and modern Southern culture converge, offering a distinctive charm shaped by its location on the Mississippi River. The city boasts a rich political heritage, epitomized by the magnificent Old and New State Capitol buildings, which stand as architectural landmarks. While its energy is different from major metropolises, Baton Rouge offers a lively, community-focused atmosphere, particularly around Louisiana State University (LSU), where college sports and academic vitality infuse the local scene.
The city’s culinary landscape is a highlight, deeply rooted in the unique Creole and Cajun traditions of South Louisiana. Visitors can indulge in authentic gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and po’boys at local eateries. The cultural tapestry is further woven by its numerous museums, including the LSU Museum of Art and the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and historical sites that tell the story of the region’s complex past. Crossing the Mississippi River or strolling through the tree-lined historic neighborhoods reveals the tranquil beauty that complements the city’s urban core. Baton Rouge is a place where every corner offers a taste of authentic Louisiana life and culture.
How to Participate
Eligibility
・Age Requirement: Recommended for ages 16 and older for the full marathon (varies by category/distance for shorter races like the 5K/Kids Marathon).
・Time Limit: 6 hours for the full marathon. Participants who fall behind the required pace (approximately 13:45 per mile / 8:32 per kilometer) at designated checkpoints will be removed from the course.
・Time-Based Entry (Qualifying Times): The Louisiana Marathon is a USATF-certified course and an official Boston Marathon qualifier. Priority or seeded corral placement may require submitting proof of an official chip-timed result achieved on a certified course within a specified timeframe.
Entry Fees
① General Entry (First-come, first-served / Tiered pricing): Fees vary by registration tier and date.
- Early (Tier 1): Approximately 110–130
- Mid-to-Final Tiers: Approximately 140–160+
② Charity / Priority Entries (Fundraising): Options are available to run on behalf of non-profit partners/charities, which may require a minimum fundraising commitment in addition to entry.
How to Register
・Online Registration: Register directly via the official website (The Louisiana Marathon).
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once capacity is reached.
- Options are also available through charity programs or official tour operators.
Registration Period and Deadlines
・Opening: Registration typically begins in the spring or early summer following the previous race (generally March–May).
・Closing: Registration remains open until capacity is reached or until race weekend in January (prices increase progressively through tiered pricing deadlines). H3: Getting to Baton Rouge
Traveling to Baton Rouge
① From New York, USA
・By air: Direct or connecting flights are available from JFK, LGA, and EWR airports to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) or Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
・Flight duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (direct to MSY) or ~5 hours (connecting to BTR).
② From Los Angeles, USA
・By air: Direct flights to MSY or connecting flights to BTR are available from LAX (operated by airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines).
・Flight duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (direct to MSY).
③ From London, UK
・By air: Direct flights from LHR to MSY (operated by British Airways) or connecting flights to BTR.
・Flight duration: Approximately 9 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours.
④ From Paris, France
・By air: Connecting flights (via Atlanta, Dallas, or Chicago) are available to MSY or BTR.
・Flight duration: Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 13 hours.
⑤ From Tokyo, Japan
・By air: Connecting flights (via West Coast gateways or Houston/Dallas) are available from Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) to MSY or BTR.
・Flight duration: Approximately 14 to 16 hours.
⑥ From Shanghai, China
・By air: Connecting flights (via U.S. West Coast gateways or Dallas/Chicago) are available to MSY or BTR.
・Flight duration: Approximately 16 to 19 hours.
⑦ From Sydney, Australia
・By air: Connecting flights (via Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas) to MSY or BTR.
・Travel time: Approximately 18 to 21 hours.
⑧ From Singapore
・By air: Connecting flights (via Europe or U.S. West Coast) to MSY or BTR.
・Travel time: Approximately 20 to 24 hours.
Getting Around Baton Rouge
Transportation from major gateways to the starting point
・Major gateways:
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) (approx. 11 km north of downtown Baton Rouge)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) (approx. 115 km southeast of Baton Rouge)
Start/Finish Line:
Near the Louisiana State Capitol (660 N. 4th Street) in downtown Baton Rouge.
Access from gateways (airports):
・Ride-hailing services/taxis: Using Uber, Lyft, or airport taxis is the most common method (approx. 15–20 minutes from BTR to downtown; approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from MSY).
・Rental Cars / Shuttles: Rental cars are widely available at both airports; highway driving along I-10 connects MSY to Baton Rouge.
Nearest stations and local transit:
・Local Transit (CATS Bus): Capital Area Transit System provides local bus routes around Baton Rouge; most downtown areas and race day venues are easily walkable from downtown accommodations.
Accommodation and Related Arrangements
Recommended Areas for Accommodation
・Downtown (within walking distance of the event venue):
Features: Located within walking distance of the start/finish line (near the State Capitol), allowing for a stress-free commute on the morning of the race.
・Major Hotels:
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center* (within walking distance of the start/finish line)
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown* (approx. 4 blocks from the venue)
Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown* / Origin Hotel Baton Rouge* (within a 5–10 minute walk)
・LSU / South Baton Rouge Area:
Features: Located near Louisiana State University, offering convenient access by short ride-share to downtown while often providing alternative pricing options.
How to Arrange Accommodation
・Booking Official Partner Hotels:
You can book partner host hotels via the official event website at special race weekend rates. Early booking is highly recommended as downtown hotels fill up fast.
・General Hotel Booking Sites:
Secure your accommodation early using online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda.
・Official Tours and Travel Agencies:
You may also consider booking through sports travel agencies specializing in running events that offer package deals including hotels and race entries.
