January 21, 2025
Record Participation at the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, La. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Louisiana Marathon weekend brought an exciting surge in participation, with nearly 7,000 runners converging in Baton Rouge on January 18 and 19. This year, the event witnessed a remarkable 25% increase in participant numbers compared to the previous year, highlighting the event’s ongoing popularity as Louisiana’s premier marathon. The two-day event featured a range of races including a full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), the Window World Louisiana Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), a 5K, and the Louisiana Blue Kid’s Marathon (1 mile), catering to runners of all ages and abilities.
The race course for the full and half marathon guided participants through the scenic landscapes of downtown Baton Rouge, showcasing the University Lakes and the historic neighborhoods surrounding the LSU campus. Runners in the Window World Louisiana Marathon 5K enjoyed a fast and flat route through the vibrant state capital. The quarter marathon route traversed one of Baton Rouge’s oldest neighborhoods, renowned for its beautiful oak trees and rich history.
In terms of performance, Jacob Plocher claimed the title of men’s marathon champion, finishing the course with an impressive time of 2:28:23. Following closely were Colin McCatharn in second place and Caleb Bendewald in third. On the women’s side, Caroline Mahoney led the pack with a finishing time of 2:53:49, while Jessalyn Sadler and Megan Kahn rounded out the top three. The competitive spirit was palpable, with many runners expressing their excitement about the event and their personal achievements.
The half marathon categories also showcased exceptional talent. Cade Litolff finished first among men with a time of 1:10:58, while Elizabeth Kanzleiter topped the women’s division, completing the race in 1:19:42. The younger runners also made their mark, as Patrick Ocmond and Breanna Bernard emerged victorious in the Window World Louisiana Quarter Marathon, each showcasing the talent within the local running community.
Youth participation was highlighted through the Louisiana Blue Kid’s Marathon, which featured a fun one-mile race for children. This year also included the second annual Birth Center of Baton Rouge Diaper Dash, where crawling infants took on a playful challenge, emphasizing community involvement and family engagement in sports.
Recognized for its quality and organization, the Louisiana Marathon was voted the best marathon in the state of Louisiana in the Race Raves’ 2023 Best Marathons in the U.S. poll. As the event prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026, registration for next year will open on March 10, giving eager participants the chance to join this renowned marathon. Interested runners can find further details and register by visiting www.thelouisianamarathon.com.
About the Event and Organizer
The Louisiana Marathon is a premier marathon hosted annually in Baton Rouge, organized by FRESHJUNKIE Racing, a company specializing in endurance events across the Southeast. FRESHJUNKIE Racing produces 20 events each year, operating significantly in Louisiana and neighboring states. Their expertise spans comprehensive race logistics, operational management, and innovative marketing strategies, making them a leader in the endurance sports industry. To learn more about FRESHJUNKIE Racing and their events, check out their website and social media profiles.
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