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Louisiana Marathon

Baton RougeLouisianaUnited States

Next race

Friday, 15 January 2027

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Louisiana Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each January on an urban road in Baton Rouge, United States. Its festival-style finish and winter date make it one of the Gulf South's anchor marathons. The route passes the State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Louisiana Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 2,000 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid winter

8–17°C · humidity 70–90%

Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Louisiana Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes in downtown Baton Rouge. The route passes the State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Louisiana Marathon entry requirements

The Louisiana Marathon uses open online registration at thelouisianamarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the January race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.

Getting there

Louisiana Marathon travel

Airports closest to Baton Rouge for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)

11 km / 7 mi

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Louisiana Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The Louisiana Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Louisiana Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
What is the Louisiana Marathon elevation profile?
The Louisiana Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Louisiana Marathon?
The Louisiana Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in downtown Baton Rouge.
What time does the Louisiana Marathon start?
The 2027 Louisiana Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Friday, 15 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Louisiana Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes in downtown Baton Rouge. Updated each year.
When is the Louisiana Marathon and how do I register?
Louisiana Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Louisiana Marathon course flat?
Yes. Louisiana Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Louisiana Marathon pass?
The route passes the State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks.
What weather should runners expect at Louisiana Marathon?
Usually cool and damp with moderate humidity and a possibility of light fog at the start.

Official resources

Louisiana Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Baton Rouge.

Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon
New OrleansLouisianaUnited States· 120 km away

Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon attracts approximately 2,800 finishers each February through the Crescent City with live music at every mile. The course passes the French Quarter, Garden District mansions, and the Mississippi River levee on flat Louisiana terrain. February's mild Mardi Gras season weather and the city's unmatched post-race culture make it America's most festive winter marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 27 February 2027

Every Woman's Marathon
New OrleansLouisianaUnited States· 120 km away

Every Woman's Marathon

The Every Woman's Marathon draws approximately 4,300 finishers on an urban road course in rotating U.S. host cities and was built specifically to celebrate women runners at scale. The next edition is scheduled for 28 February 2027 in New Orleans, Louisiana; there is no in-person race in 2026. The course passes downtown streets, local parks, and signature landmarks of the current host city — recent editions have included Savannah and Scottsdale. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 28 February 2027

St. Jude Memphis Marathon
MemphisTennesseeUnited States· 534 km away

St. Jude Memphis Marathon

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend draws approximately 1,846 marathon finishers each December through Tennessee's blues capital while raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The course passes Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Mississippi River bluffs on rolling Memphis terrain. December's mild Mid-South winter and the hospital's lifesaving mission make it America's most charitable marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 5 December 2026

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Planning guides

Related guides

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