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. The State Capitol, LSU-area roads, and river-city neighborhoods lined with live oaks anchor January's festival-style finish as one of the Gulf South's anchor marathons.
Louisiana Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Louisiana Marathon 2027 race day
The next Louisiana Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 3 January 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Louisiana Marathon course route
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.
Louisiana Marathon elevation profile
The Louisiana Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 Sunday, 3 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.thelouisianamarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- When is the Louisiana Marathon and how do I register?
- Louisiana Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens through https://www.thelouisianamarathon.com/ and 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
