Runners from across the globe are headed to Baton Rouge for the running festival with lagniappe

January 11, 2024

Louisiana Marathon returns for 13th year in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, LA. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – A near Sell Out crowd of runners from as far away as Australia and southeast Asia are headed to the Capital City for the 13^th Annual Louisiana Marathon.

Runners from 47 states, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Laos, Mexico, and South Africa comprise the crowd that previous studies indicate that the Louisiana Marathon weekend generates between $2 million and $4 million in economic impact each year, with nearly every hotel in downtown Baton Rouge selling out.

“We are thrilled to welcome runners from around the country to celebrate Louisiana culture with a healthy serving of running,” said Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director for FRESHJUNKIE Racing. “When most people think of Louisiana, it’s exclusively about the parades and parties. This weekend combines the healthy habits of running and walking with everything that makes Louisiana great, and we couldn’t be more excited to entertain our guests.”

Year after year, friends, family, and supportive spectators line the streets to cheer on the runners who come from all over the country. The marathon course takes runners from downtown Baton Rouge through the University Lakes, the Louisiana State University campus, and through historic river town neighborhoods. The Louisiana Marathon is a USAT&F Certified course and an official Boston Qualifier route. It boasts one of the highest BQ rates of all marathons since it features a fast, flat, runner-friendly route.

There is a race for runners of all ages and experience levels, who can choose to compete in the Full Marathon (26.2 miles) or Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday, Jan. 15; or the Louisiana Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), Louisiana Marathon 5K (3.1 miles) and a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kids Marathon (1 mile), which all take place on Saturday, Jan. 14.

This year will see the youngest “runners” to take on the event in the history as the Birth Center of Baton Rouge Diaper Dash is held on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2:00pm in the Expo. Babies will crawl their way to the Finish Line across 8 feet of ‘race course’.

Runners who compete on both days receive a Déjà Vu Award. If they competed in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon in Dec. 2023, the Louisiana Marathon’s sister race, they are awarded the Beach~2~Bayou medal.

###

The Louisiana Marathon & Half Marathon

• Sunday, Jan. 14 at 7:00 a.m.
• 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

Louisiana Quarter Marathon & Louisiana Marathon 5K

• Saturday, Jan. 13 at 8:00 a.m.
• 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kids Marathon (1 mile)

• Saturday, Jan. 13 at 10:15 a.m.
• 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

Birth Center of Baton Rouge Diaper Dash

• Saturday, Jan. 13 at 2:00 p.m.

The Louisiana Marathon Expo (packet pickup and registration)

• Friday, Jan. 12, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 13, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Raising Cane’s River Center Ballroom, 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 // Rhorer Plaza level, enter through the doors facing the Old State Capitol.

ABOUT FRESHJUNKIE RACING:

FRESHJUNKIE Racing is an event production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Producing events since 2010, FJR manages, markets, and produces 20 events annually across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri. Creating memorable experiences for 50,000 participants annually, the events produce over $15 Million in economic impact in the communities and $2.7 Million in charitable impact.

For more info visit: https://freshjunkieracing.com/

Contact:

Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director | mike@freshjunkie.com | (504) 952-2899