Runners from around the world celebrating Louisiana culture with weekend-long festival

Date: Jan. 10, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

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

Marina Gelpi Clay, Public Relations Coordinator | pr@freshjunkie.com | (985) 718-8560

BATON ROUGE, La. – Thousands of runners from over 44 states and as far away as Denmark will celebrate more than a decade’s worth of passion for running and Louisiana culture at this weekend’s Louisiana Marathon.

Now in its 11th year, the Louisiana Marathon aims to encourage the community to embrace an active, healthier lifestyle, and celebrate their win in true Louisiana fashion with a weekend-long festival rich with local food, live music, and fun for the whole family. 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 excited to welcome the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival back along with award winning gumbo and live music,” said Craig Sweeney, Strategic Partnerships Director for FRESHJUNKIE Racing. “I've tried to get a dinner reservation downtown next Saturday, and there is not much available, so I am excited for our downtown businesses and hotels that are trying to rebound from the past year.”

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 (LA16002TY) 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 path.

There is a race for runners of all experience levels, who can choose to compete in the Full Marathon (26.2 miles) or Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday, Jan. 16 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. 15. Runners who compete on both days receive a Déjà vu Award if they competed in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon in Dec. 2021, the Louisiana Marathon’s sister race, they are awarded the Beach~2~Bayou medal.

Runners picking up their packets or registering late can learn more about the sport, health and fitness, and the products and services from key partners and the races’ sponsors at the Louisiana Marathon Expo. Charity partners will also be available to address any questions about their causes. The expo is free and open to the public at the Raising Cane's River Center on Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15.

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The Louisiana Marathon & Half Marathon

• Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7:00 a.m.
• 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

Louisiana Quarter Marathon & Louisiana Marathon 5K

• Saturday, Jan. 15 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. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
• 660 N 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA US 70802

The Louisiana Marathon Expo (packet pickup and registration)

• Friday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Raising Cane's River Center, 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 // First floor in the main exhibition hall.

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and communications from the CDC and local health authorities. We are committed to open communication with our participants, volunteers, partners, and the racing community. Our number one priority is to put on a safe event.

ABOUT FRESHJUNKIE RACING:

FRESHJUNKIE Racing is an event production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They have been producing a variety of running and multisport events through the southern United States for 12 years.

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