
From the Organizer
Start Starting: Celebrate 15 Years of Louisiana Spirit!
For 15 years, the Louisiana Marathon has been more than just a race; it's a vibrant, culturally rich festival that embodies the spirit of Louisiana. We've always believed that every journey starts with a single step, and for our 15th anniversary, we invite you to "Start Starting" your own memorable experience.
Just like Louisiana's legendary festivals, we celebrate the incredible food, music, and dancing that make our state unique. The Louisiana Marathon adds the thrill of running to this mix, creating an unforgettable weekend. Join us for a fast, flat, and fun racecourse, followed by a true Louisiana Festival featuring local musicians, cold beer, and the best Southern cuisine.
Established in 2012, our mission remains twofold: to inspire our community to embrace an active lifestyle and to create a premier winter road race known for its unique blend of running and Louisiana culture. Held annually on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in Baton Rouge, our multi-race format offers something for everyone: Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Window World Louisiana Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) & 5K (3.1 miles), and the Louisiana Blue Kid's Marathon (1 mile).
Experience the picturesque roadways of Baton Rouge, from downtown to the University Lakes, the LSU campus, and historic neighborhoods, cheered on by enthusiastic friends, family, and spectators. This 15th anniversary is a celebration of "lagniappe" – that little something extra that makes Louisiana special. Come "Start Starting" your journey with us!
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Louisiana Marathon
Jan 16, 2027