FAQs

GENERAL

When are the dates/times for The Louisiana Marathon events?
January 14th, 2012 – RocketKidz Marathon and 5K (Start Times TBD)
January 15th, 2012 – Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, Relays – 7:00 AM Start

Is this the first Louisiana Marathon?
Yes, 2012 will be the Inaugural Louisiana Marathon.

What are the future dates of The Louisiana Marathon?
The Louisiana Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relays, 5K and RocketKidz Marathon will be held in mid January.

Where can I find a map of the course?
Please see the course section of the website here.

Do you limit the number of runners in each race?
The marathon and half marathon are capped at 2,000 and 3,000, respectively. Registration for the marathon and half marathons are on a first-come first-served basis. The team relays, 5K and RocketKidz Marathon are not capped.

Can I have cell phones, friends, strollers, dogs on the course?
No, these things are not allowed on the Marathon and 1/2 Marathon courses, per USA Track & Field rules. The safety of our runners is our number one priority, thus these are a hazard. By signing or clicking ’I Accept’ on any Louisiana Marathon registration race waiver, you are agreeing to abide by the Rules of Competition. The complete 2011 Rules of Competition are available by clicking here.

Can I wear headphones?
At its annual meeting in December 2008, USA Track & Field (USATF) amended rule 144.3(f) effectively lifting its previously imposed ban on portable listening devices at USATF-sanctioned events. Because of this change, participants will be able to use headphones (iPods, MP3 players, Walkmans, CD players, etc.) during The Louisiana Marathon, the half marathon and 5K, but they do so at their own risk.

While the Louisiana Marathon will not ban the use of portable listening devices (except for the team relays and RocketKidz Marathon, the use of such items is discouraged – for your safety and the safety of others. Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, the priority for all of our events. Please be mindful of the other participants and race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to hear any verbal warnings/instructions from police/course officials, or the sound of any vehicles and other participants on the course. The abuse of portable headphone devices can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a hazard to your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials, medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We must constantly consider the safety of all our participants, volunteers and spectators therefore this rule will be reviewed each and every year to ensure the continued safety of our participants.

Can I switch from the marathon to half marathon?
You may switch from the marathon to half marathon. We do not provide a refund for the difference.

What if I lose something the day of the race?
On Sunday, Lost & Found is located at the main info booth located near the exit to the runner’s only area. After marathon weekend, items will be available at the marathon office for two weeks. Clothing items left in the start areas are donated to charity.

Registration

When does registration open?
Registration opened on April 21st, 2011.

I am injured, pregnant, have a family emergency or unexpectedly out of town, can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable. This means once you have registered, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number to anyone else. You also may not defer your entry to the next year. We will only make an exception if you are on active duty in the military and you get deployed. You can send us a copy of your orders and we will refund your entry fee.

Can I give/sell my number to another runner?
Entries are non-transferable. Most importantly, this is for the safety of the runner. If a runner collapses or is otherwise injured during the race and is running as someone else, we do not have any idea who that person is and whom to notify, nor is this fair to all of the people who tried to get in legitimately and could not.

If I register as an individual, can I change my registration to a relay?
No, whether as an individual or a relay, changes cannot be made to your registration.

We registered for the half marathon as a relay, can we add more people to the group?
There are 2 and 4 person relays and no additional runners can be added to either group.

Why haven’t I received an email confirmation?
Usually the problem is that your computer’s spam filter has erased or blocked the email confirmation that was sent to you. Please make sure that the domain @thelouisianamarathon.com is on your “allowed senders” list so that your spam filter will not block your confirmation email.

How can I see if I’m registered?
Registration Confirmation is available online for the marathon, half marathon, and 5K. Access the search function by clicking on each race above.

Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fees help to pay for the necessary permits, infrastructure, supplies, bibs, timing, and personnel to put on the marathon on related events.

Prizes and Awards

Will I receive a medal if I place in my age group?
Finisher medals will be awarded for each finisher in each race. There will be specific age group awards for all races.

Packet Pick-up

When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up for the marathon and half marathon will be held at the Belle of Baton Rouge from 11 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Race day packet pick-up is not available for the marathon or half marathon. Click here for information regarding packet pick-up for The Louisiana Marathon Family Events, team relays and 5K. Click here for information regarding packet pick-up for the RocketKidz Marathon.

What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Every participant in the marathon and half marathon will receive an Official Participant Guide via U.S. Mail in (December) which includes your Confirmation Ticket on the back cover. Bring the confirmation ticket and your photo ID to the Expo to pick up your packet. For the team relays and 5K, only your photo ID is needed.

Can I authorize another person to pick up my race packet?
There is absolutely no race day pick-up available. If you are unable to get your packet, give your Participant Guide back cover to a friend to take to the Expo. Your friend will present your bib number and his/her identification. Your friend will sign a form stating your race packet was picked up and then be directed to the proper pick up area.

Where can I park at packet pick-up?
The Belle of Baton Rouge has a parking garage adjacent to the Atrium. The River Center across the street has multiple parking garages available as well. More details on parking here.

Chip Timing

Do I need to purchase a timing chip?
No, we will be using disposable chips that are part of your bib.

How do I make sure I have the right chip?
Your chip number will coincide with your bib number and will be attached to your bib.

Official time – gun time or chip time?
Per USA Track & Field rules, your official time is from the gun (horn) until you cross the finish timing mats. Chip time or net time is provided as a service to you, and is accepted by many races as a qualifying time, including the Boston Marathon.

Where do I send my chip if I still have it after the race?
This is a single-use chip and is good for this event only. The chip will NOT be collected in the finish area. You may keep the chip as a souvenir or deposit it in recycle bins in the finish area.

Pasta Party

How do I purchase Pasta Party tickets?
Pasta party tickets can be purchased at the time you register for the marathon, half marathon, or any of the events on Sunday. Or, you can purchase them by contacting the marathon office at 888.524.9861.

When and where is the Pasta Party?
The 2012 location of the Pasta Party will be at the Belle of Baton Rouge. Click here for more information.

Where do I pick up my ticket for the Pasta Dinner?
If you purchased Pasta Party tickets, you can pick up your tickets at the entrance to the Pasta Party.

Sweat Check

Is there a place to drop sweat bags at the start line?
Yes. There will be trucks near the start line to check your sweat bags. Please see the detailed start area map in your Participant Guide for exact locations. A retrieval area is available near the finish line.

What happens to my bag if I forget to claim it after the race?
Sweat Check closes at 3:00 p.m. on race day and all bags must be picked up before that time. Louisiana Marathon is not responsible for sweat bags not picked up by 3:00 p.m., however, remaining bags can be picked up at the marathon office for up to two weeks after the race. After two weeks, anything remaining is discarded or donated to charity.

Boston Qualifying

Is The Louisiana Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes, we will be! The Boston Marathon accepts qualifying times from any USAT&F Certified Marathon. We are currently going through the certification process. Qualifying times for the 2012 Boston Marathon vary by age group and a complete breakdown of qualifying times can be found here. The Louisiana Marathon will send a complete list of finishers to the BAA once results become official.

How do I submit my time to the Boston Marathon?
When registering for the Boston Marathon, enter your finishing time, finishing place, the race name and location and the date of the race in the section entitled “Qualification Information.” Be sure to indicate if the time you enter is gun or chip time.

Will the Boston Marathon check to confirm my time?
Yes. The Boston Marathon automatically receives a list of all official finishers of The Louisiana Marathon and their chip and gun times. The time that you put on your Boston Marathon registration will be checked against the official time that they have on file.

For any other questions concerning qualification for the Boston Marathon, please contact the Boston Athletic Association.

Parking

Where should I park on Race Day?
Parking at the start of both the half marathon and the marathon is available on the streets and in public parking garages around the State offices on North St. Be aware that normal parking rules and fees will apply and be aware of NO PARKING SIGNS for Race Day that will be posted. Detailed map of downtown garages here

Start & Finish Information

Where does the race start and finish?
The marathon and half marathon start near the Pentagon barracks in downtown Baton Rouge on River Road and finish on the State Capitol grounds in Baton Rouge. Detailed maps of both areas as well as instructions for race morning, can be found in the Official Participant Guide mailed in December or online at www.thelouisianamarathon.com.

What are the criteria for being in the first corral of the marathon and half marathon?
The marathon uses a wave start with participants lining up in two corrals. Corral 1 will consist of those who have completed a sub 3:45 marathon OR sub 1:45 half marathon OR have a Boston qualifying time within the last 2 years. To submit application for placement in Corral 1, enter the race name, date, and qualifying time in the appropriate location with your online entry and the marathon office will verify authenticity. It is your responsibility to check final verification through Registration Confirmation.

My friend was placed in a different corral, can we start together?
Yes, participants who are assigned to different corrals but wish to start together may do so, however, participants may only move back into a different corral – not forward. If your friend was placed in a corral behind yours, then you are welcome to give up your assignment and join them.

How do I get my finisher items after the race?
For the marathon, finisher medals will be given out shortly after official finishers cross the finish line.

Where can I meet my family and friends after the race?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand. The Family Meeting Area is marked with signs showing letters of the alphabet and runners are encouraged to ask their family and friends to meet them under the sign showing the first letter of the runner’s last name.

Merchandise

How do I contact someone about an online merchandise purchase?
Visit www.thelouisianamarathon.com to view available merchandise. Please send all comments and questions to: merchandise@thelouisianamarathon.com

Will I be able to purchase race merchandise on race day?
Yes, an official merchandise store is located on the State Capitol grounds at the “Louisiana Lagniappe”

Course

What is the time limit for the marathon?
City permits limit the race time to a 7 hour time limit. The course will be closed at a 16.01 minute per mile pace. No race services including medical, aid stations or traffic control are available beyond this pace.

The finish line remains open until 2:15 p.m. (assuming an 7:00 a.m. start). Participants must cross the finish line by 2:15 p.m. in order to be considered “official finishers”. After 2:15 p.m., the course and finish line are closed. The finisher shirt and medal will not be awarded after 3:15 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Finishing the marathon by 2:15 p.m. generally means maintaining an average pace of 16:01 per mile. The race course is opened to traffic on a rolling schedule as participants make their way to the finish. In order to ensure safety, a Sweep Vehicle and Bus follows the race route to pick-up participants who are unable to maintain this pace on a consistent basis. Participants are required to board the Sweep Bus when so instructed by Race Officials. Course Marshals are instructed to record bib numbers of all participants who refuse to board the bus when instructed to do so.

Why is there a time limit?
In order to comply with city permits, streets crossing the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.

What happens if my pace is slower than the allotted time?
If you are caught by the Sweep Vehicle traveling at the 16:01 per mile pace, you MUST board the Sweep Bus accompanying this vehicle for transport to the finish area. For your safety, the Baton Rouge police departments do not allow runners to continue once the course has been re-opened to traffic. Keep in mind that race services including water stations and medical aid will also be discontinued once the Sweep Vehicle comes through. The finish line closes at 2:15 p.m. Finisher medals and t-shirts will be awarded only to those finishing within the allotted time limit.

What is not allowed on the course?
Many things are not allowed on the course. If you have a question about what is or is not allowed, email us at info@thelouisiananmarathon.com. Here is a partial list of what is NOT allowed on the course: Runners going backward, runners not wearing a race number, electronic devices capable of two-way communication (ie. cell phones), animals, bicycles, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs and wheeled vehicles other than push-rim wheelchairs.

Is there energy gel available on the course?
Nutrition information will be posted prior to the 20-week training program that starts August 28th, 2011

What sports beverage will be on the course?
Fluid information will be posted prior to the 20-week training program that starts August 28th, 2011

Spectators

How can I find out if a runner has finished?
Friends and family can track your progress in the marathon throughout the course through our timing company. Links will be available at http://www.thelouisianamarathon.com. Results for all events will be published on our website during and immediately following the race.

How can I find out if someone has dropped out of the race or is in the Medical Area?
Check at the Family Medical Information Tent which will be located near the Finish Line Festival, this is a secure runners only area. Detailed maps of the State Capitol grounds are available in the Official Spectator Guide and on the event website.

What are the best places to watch the race?
Top Five Places to Watch the Marathon
1. Downtown – Start/Finish
2. LSU Campus – Near Mike the Tiger Cage and LSU Clock Tower
3. LSU Lakes – Near Mile 6
4. City Park
5. Half Marathon – Relay exchange

What time will the first runners be coming through my area?
This information is available in the Spectators Guide available at TBD along the course. You can also download a Spectators Guide by clicking here.

Will my road be closed during the marathon?
Road closure information will be disclosed when final course approval has been given. This information will be updated as marathon weekend approaches.