The 2014 Louisiana Marathon

In January, I had the pleasure of running the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, LA.  This is a “must run” marathon, if you like scenic courses and a race and city that go out of their way to make the experience special. Hey, don’t just listen to me, even Runner’s World agrees, naming it one of the nine best new marathons!   From the moment you arrive in Baton Rouge, till hours after you finish and are still conversing with friends, eating jambalaya, drinking beer and rocking to the music, you know they have given their all for you.  And, I’ll take that over the corporate cookie-cutter marathons any day!  Did I mention that this was my 100th Marathon?  Anyway, enough words, here are some photos!

The marathon expo:

The pasta dinner:

The marathon was perfect.  The weather was cool and the scenery was beautiful.  There were plenty of volunteers, entertainment and support.  There was sufficient water and food, even beer if you dared. The lakes, the trees, the houses…  you can’t ask for better.

The scenery:

Love the Louisiana houses:

A little entertainment:

The signs:

Speaking of signs, the marathon has really nice mile signs:

Oh, there’s Wont’ Run!

Beer stop ahead (note the progression):

Some pizza? Don’t mind if I do…

Finisher’s medal:

The Marathon Maniacs and some lady named Joye who finished her 50th state at the marathon shared a post-marathon party tent.  Except Joye didn’t share her champagne and food with the others. Didn’t anyone tell Joye that sharing is caring? I was the exception – I guess because it was my 100th marathon.