Disclaimer: I received an entry into the Louisiana Half Marathon to evaluate as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.
My 2024 race schedule is in full swing. My first stop this year was in Baton Rouge, LA for the Louisiana Half Marathon. It is the sister race for the Mississippi Half Marathon that I ran last December. Running both races completed the Beach 2 Bayou Challenge. This was my first trip to Baton Rouge and the trip reminded me how much I really enjoy visiting Louisiana.
The Expo
The expo was held at Rendezvous 13. Packet pick up was really quick and easy. Pictures of race map were available. Since this was first time running the race, I was only concerned about the split of the half and marathon races.
There were vendors selling items at great prices (I purchased four pairs Brooks shoes for $50 each). Runners could take pictures at the photo booth and props. They had may favorite item of the all, the name wall. My name was all the way at the top, but I found it. I also met other running buddies from Atlanta at the expo.
Race Day
I stayed at one of the host hotels so I was a few blocks from the start line at the Louisiana State Capitol. The race started off cold, but warmed up around mile 4. The course was mostly flat with a few places of elevation. I enjoyed the scenery throughout the race. We ran through the LSU campus (I saw the stadium aka Death Valley) and neighborhoods. It has been on my favorite half marathon courses in a while. I tend to get bored during runs, so the scenery and the other runners made the race enjoyable.
Midway though the run wearing "new-ish) shoes caught up with me. I developed a blister and took my hard insert out around mile 8. I figured it was going to hurt anyway, I might as well keep running. *Spoiler alert- I popped it when I got home and it healed a few days later. Despite the blister I finished in 2:39:55 and was awarded my medals.
The race after party was amazing. There were drinks, Mardi Gras King Cakes, jambalaya, and gumbo. I also picked my Beach 2 Bayou medal. Overall it was fun race and I would run it again in the future. My only feedback for improvement for the race would be more signage for the expo location. It was challenging finding it since the address was not provided on the web page and I am not local.
