15 Years of Impact: The Louisiana Marathon Continues to Fuel Baton Rouge Tourism

January 15, 2026

Record crowd of over 9000 from all 50 states and 15 countries represented

BATON ROUGE, LA. (January 15, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/  – The Louisiana Marathon celebrates a major milestone this year as it marks the 15th running of the event, welcoming runners from across the world to Baton Rouge for a weekend that blends athletic achievement with the culture, music, and hospitality Louisiana is known for. Runners from all 50 states and 15 countries are participating in the record crowd of over 9,000.

Held annually over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the Louisiana Marathon has long been a multi-distance, multi-day event and has grown into the state’s premier running weekend. Featuring a full slate of races, including the Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5K, Kids Marathon, and Diaper Dash, the event offers something for runners and families of all ages and abilities. Race weekend showcases Baton Rouge’s historic neighborhoods, oak-lined streets, and vibrant downtown, creating a celebration that extends far beyond the finish line.

“Reaching our 15th anniversary is incredibly meaningful,” said Patrick O’Brien, Race Director of The Louisiana Marathon. “This event has always been about more than miles. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating personal victories, and highlighting everything that makes Baton Rouge and Louisiana special.”

Race weekend features more than just competition. Participants and spectators can enjoy a festival-style finish area with live music, Louisiana’s original craft brew – Abita Beer, and authentic cuisine of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans & rice. The event also relies on hundreds of volunteers and local partners whose support helps create an unforgettable experience for runners and visitors alike.

The Louisiana Marathon has become a destination race, drawing participants from across the country and around the world, contributing $5 million dollars in direct economic impact to tourism and showcasing Baton Rouge as an active, welcoming city.

For more information or to register, visit www.thelouisianamarathon.com

About the Louisiana Marathon:

Voted Best Marathon & Best Half Marathon 2025 on RaceRaves and many years prior. Winner Best Louisiana Half Marathon on Half Marathons Guide.

About FRESHJUNKIE Racing:

FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) is an event production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Producing events since 2010, FJR manages, markets, and produces 15 events annually across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. 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: freshjunkieracing.com

Contact:

Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director | mike@freshjunkie.com | (504) 952-2899
Haley Wattigny, Marketing Coordinator | pr@freshjunkie.com | (985) 635-9662