The 2025 Louisiana Marathon Course Guide
Geaux-ing the Distance in Baton Rouge
Note: This guide is based on a GPX file created from an interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 26.18 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.
Course Overview
The Louisiana Marathon showcases the best of Baton Rouge, starting and finishing downtown near the Mississippi River and looping through the beautiful LSU campus and surrounding neighborhoods. You can expect a mostly flat route with only minor inclines and declines, making it a steady and approachable course for many runners. You’ll also see iconic city landmarks—such as Tiger Stadium and the scenic LSU Lakes—that offer visual variety to keep you engaged.
With a start time of 7:00 a.m.—right around sunrise—runners can expect crisp early-morning conditions typical of a Louisiana winter. Historically, temperatures at the race start range from the upper 30s (°F) to mid-40s, rising to the 60s during race day.
Key Stats
Event Date: January 19, 2025
Event Type: Road Marathon
Course Length: 26.2 miles
Course Type: Loop
TrailScore: 38.3
Road Marathon Rating: Easy
Total Ascent: 276.5 feet
Total Descent: 276.5 feet
Longest Uphill: N/A
Longest Downhill: N/A
Grade Distribution:
Flat: 93.8%
Minor Decline: 3.3%
Minor Incline: 2.9%
Course Briefing
Miles 0-6 (Scenic Start - Downtown & LSU)
Overview
You’ll begin in downtown Baton Rouge just as the sun rises, heading out on mostly flat roads. Early on, you’ll pass through the lively downtown area before moving closer to the LSU campus. This opening stretch is a good opportunity to settle into your goal pace without much elevation change.
Key Challenges
Finding Your Rhythm Early: With the excitement of the start, it’s easy to go out too fast; especially given the shared start with the Half Marathon.
Minor Variations in Grade: Expect small ups and downs, but nothing serious. Keep an eye on your effort to stay on pace.
Aid Stations
Mile 1.75: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 2.45: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 3.67: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 4.86: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 5.63: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Points of Interest
St. Joseph Cathedral & Old Bogan Fire Station (near the start) – Iconic downtown landmarks.
Hebe Statue (around Mile 0.3-0.5) – A small historical monument.
Old Governor’s Mansion (around Mile 0.5-0.6) – A notable piece of Louisiana political history.
LSU Museum of Natural Science & Campus Mounds (around Miles 4.2-4.4) – A peek into the storied grounds of LSU.
Mike the Tiger’s Habitat (near Mile 4.7) – An LSU favorite, home to the live mascot.
Tiger Stadium (around Mile 4.5-5): LSU’s celebrated landmark.
Miles 6-12 (Lake Views & Half Marathon Turnaround)
Overview
Moving deeper into the campus and then onto residential roads, you’ll circle around scenic lakes and pass by several parks. The terrain stays mostly flat, but gentle undulations can introduce fatigue. Aim to maintain a consistent pace as you transition from campus sights into tree-lined streets, and say goodbye to your half marathon friends.
Key Challenges
Gradual Inclines Around the Lakes: Small rolling sections can tax your legs if you don’t conserve energy.
Winding Roads: Stay aware of tangents and pacing to avoid adding distance or straining too early.
Half Marathon Turnaround (near Mile 10.75) – If you’re running with a pack, many of them may turnaround to finish their race. Stick to your plan and keep running your race.
Aid Stations
Mile 6.9: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 8.67: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 9.42: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 10.46: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 11.39: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 12.42: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Points of Interest
University Lake (near Mile 6.8-8.7) – A long section around Baton Rouge's signature lake.
Milford Wampold Memorial Park (around Mile 6.9) – A quiet lakeside park.
Raising Cane’s Dog Park (near Mile 10.3-10.4) – A popular local spot on the route.
Cheer Zone (near Mile 10.5) - Get some energy from one of the Cheer Zones on the course.
Miles 12-17 (Neighborhood Exploration)
Overview
This middle portion weaves through local neighborhoods, with short stretches of minor inclines and declines. By now, your legs may feel the cumulative miles, so concentrate on fueling and pacing to avoid a mid-race slump.
Key Challenges
Sustaining Pace Through Subtle Grade Changes: A few small climbs and dips can add up if you’re not careful with pacing.
Mental Focus: Mid-race can feel like a grind, so stay alert, motivated, hydrated, and fueled.
Aid Stations
Mile 13.63: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 14.90: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 15.72: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 17.16: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Primarily residential areas; expect local neighborhood support along these streets.
Cheer Zone (near Mile 16.1) - A Cheer Zone near Goodwood Park may raise your spirts.
Miles 17-21 (Residential Roads & Marathon Turnaround)
Overview
Continuing through established neighborhoods, you’ll face long, straight sections that can feel tough late in the race. While still fairly flat, accumulated fatigue makes this stretch psychologically challenging; especially as you make the turnaround and begin repeating the course.
Key Challenges
Accumulated Fatigue: You’re well past the halfway mark, so focus on hydration and fueling.
Maintaining Focus on Extended Straightaways: Keep your mental game strong as you log these miles.
Out & Back: Around mile 19.2, you'll be heading back towards downtown on the same roads you ran out on. This can either bring a sense of comfort and familiarity or a sense of monotony.
Aid Stations
Mile 18.18: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 19.29: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 20.32: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Marathon Turnaround (near Mile 19.2) - Time for the home stretch.
Miles 21-26.2 (Return to Downtown & Finish)
Overview
This final stretch heads back toward downtown, where crowd support and familiar landmarks will help carry you to the finish line. You’ll see some of the same spots from earlier in the race, a reminder that you’re closing the loop.
Key Challenges
Late-Race Persistence: The final five miles can make or break your run. Straight roads mean you don't need to worry about tangents. Stay strong, focus on form, and lean on crowd support.
Gentle Rolling Terrain: Still mostly flat, but any slight grade changes may feel bigger on tired legs.
Aid Stations
Mile 21.75: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 23.3: Fuel, Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Mile 24.43: Water, Powerade, Restrooms
Points of Interest
Cheer Zone (near Mile 21.4) - You'll Cheer Zone near Goodwood Park again. Hopefully you see some familiar faces.
North 14th Street Park (around Mile 25.0) – Signals you’re closing in on downtown.
Old Governor’s Mansion & Hebe Statue (around Mile 25.6-25.8) – A familiar landmark from earlier in the course, now on your return path.
St. Joseph Cathedral & Old Bogan Fire Station (near Mile 26.0) – Historic downtown sites signaling your final push.