
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!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
62°
Typical Low
41°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Baton Rouge Ryan Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
223,699
as of 2023
Elevation
50 ft
Nearest Airport
BTR
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport · 5 mi
Major Hub
MSY
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport · 60 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Louisiana Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
222
Days to train
Coming Up
Club South Runners Freedom Mile
Less than a mile away
Blessing of the Bikes and Runners 2026
Less than a mile away
Happy's 5000 and Beer Mile
Less than a mile away
Rocketchix Pointe-Marie
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Louisiana Marathon
Jan 16, 2027