The Louisiana Marathon
The Lowdown
The Louisiana Marathon, held annually in Baton Rouge, is a beloved regional race that grew out of community running traditions in the mid-2000s and has become a marquee event for Gulf South runners each January. Over the years it has attracted a mix of local runners, college athletes, and out-of-state participants looking for a flat, fast start to their racing season. The race benefits local charities and businesses and is woven into Baton Rouge’s civic calendar, giving participants a sense of community connection and Southern hospitality from start to finish. The course showcases the best of Baton Rouge: miles along the Mississippi River levee with wide views of the water and river traffic, scenic stretches through historic neighborhoods and parkways, passages past the Louisiana State Capitol and the Old State Capitol, and a memorable run through the LSU campus area that often energizes runners with college-town spirit. The mostly flat profile and well-marked streets make it appealing for first-time marathoners and those chasing time goals alike. Volunteers, live bands, and course-side spectators create a lively atmosphere—cheering zones and local school bands help sustain runner morale, while well-spaced aid stations and organized logistics contribute to a smooth race-day experience. The event is staged to be a fast, friendly marathon and is run on a USATF-certified course, making it a recognized Boston Marathon qualifier for athletes seeking qualifying times. Runners can expect professional race management, clear course support, and a festive post-race area with local food, awards, and family-friendly activities that underscore Baton Rouge’s welcoming vibe.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Louisiana Marathon Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2026
Jan 18, 2026The 2026 edition marks the 15th anniversary of the Louisiana Marathon, which was established in 2012. The milestone celebration emphasizes 'lagniappe' - that little something extra that makes Louisiana special - with the race weekend taking place January 17-18, 2026 on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
High Boston Qualifier Success Rate on Fast, Flat Course
Dec 15, 2025The Louisiana Marathon boasts one of the highest Boston Qualifier rates of all marathons, thanks to its USATF-certified fast, flat, runner-friendly course through scenic lakes, along the Mississippi River, around downtown Baton Rouge, and through the LSU campus and historic neighborhoods.
Runners from 50 States and 30+ Countries Expected
Dec 15, 2025The Louisiana Marathon attracts participants from all 50 states and over 30 countries, making it a truly international event. The medium-sized marathon typically draws over 1,000 full marathon runners and several thousand half marathon runners each year.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Louisiana State Capitol
The race starts and finishes at the towering Louisiana State Capitol building and grounds
Capitol Park & Louisiana State Museum
Runners pass through Capitol Park by the museum and memorials surrounding the Capitol
Mississippi River Levee & Riverfront Plaza
Scenic stretch along the river levee with views of the Mississippi and riverfront green space
Shaw Center for the Arts & Riverside Theater
Downtown cultural complex on the riverfront that the course skirts through
LSU Tiger Stadium & Lakes
The route goes near the LSU campus, passing the stadium and the LSU lakes and campus green spaces
Spanish Town Historic Neighborhood
Colorful, historic residential area known for its Mardi Gras floats and vibrant houses
Downtown Baton Rouge & Old State Capitol
The course winds through downtown streets past the Gothic Old State Capitol and city center
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Baton Rouge, LA, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Must register and have an assigned bib to participate
- All participants must sign the race waiver during registration
- Participants should be physically fit and are strongly advised to obtain medical clearance before the event
- Marathon course has a 6 hour 30 minute course/time limit; runners must be able to finish within this time
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the appropriate division and meet event-specific requirements
- No unauthorized pacers, animals, or strollers allowed on the marathon course
- Minors (under 18) may not register for the marathon without prior written permission from race organizers
Required Documents
- Photo ID (government-issued)
- Signed race waiver (online or at packet pickup)
- Proof of qualifying time for seeded/start corral placement (if applicable)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- In-Person Registration (Expo/Packet Pickup)
- Charity Entry
- Group/Corporate Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Deferral to the 2027 Louisiana Marathon available if requested by January 17, 2026 for a $30 processing fee
Medical deferrals accepted with physician documentation; medical deferral provides full credit toward the 2027 race if requested by race day (January 18, 2026)
Bib transfers (transferring your bib to another runner) are not permitted
If the race is canceled or postponed by organizers (e.g., severe weather or public health order), entries will be automatically deferred to the rescheduled date or to the 2027 race; entry fees will not be refunded
The race weekend includes a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, relay options, a kids run, and an expo with packet pickup on the days before the race.
The marathon finishes in Tiger Stadium at Louisiana State University, with runners traditionally completing the final stretch onto the stadium field.
Finishers receive a custom medal and technical race shirt, and there is a post-race finisher festival with food, beverages and often a beer garden for participants 21+.
Chip timing is used and aid stations are located approximately every 1.5–2 miles offering water, electrolyte drink, medical support and portable restrooms.
Runners should plan to arrive early due to limited parking near the start/finish areas—shuttles and recommended spectator zones are posted on the race website, and January weather is typically cool and favorable for fast times.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.