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Latest reviews by Melanie
Melanie recommends this race
(2015)
"The challenge of Tupelo!"
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This was my first full marathon ever and I don't know if I could have chosen a more difficult one to do.
First of all, it was a double loop. By the time I got to the end of the first loop and noticed nearly all of the people turning off for the finish line, I was a bit downtrodden. I kept on truckin though through the subpar scenery of Tupelo. When I say that there were literally NO SPECTATORS AT ALL, I am not joking. There were none. I made a few friends along the course because everyone seemed to be longing for someone to cheer them on.
Secondly, the scenery was so bad. There were sometimes we'd be around a golf course, which was nice, or through a nice neighborhood, but the last few miles were through super trashy neighborhoods. I knew I was getting toward the end when I saw the house with the shopping cart in the ditch out front. That's not the best way to see Tupelo.
The course was tough. It was very, very hilly. We went up and down one overpass four times and the entire course was full of rolling hills and some pretty steep up hills and downhills. It was not what this Louisiana girl was used to.
The ending "party" was not up to snuff from what I expect from the local races I usually attend. The food was bad and they pretty much just offered Gatorade.
The aid stations were few and far between. Being that it was HOT AS HELL the day of the race (Labor Day weekend), it was really rough. I had to run with a hydration pack, which I HATE, but if I wouldn't have, I would have been bad off.
I enjoyed the race and finished happily, but I'm not sure this would have been the race that I would have recommended to another first timer.
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Melanie recommends this race
(2015)
"This race is everything!"
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This race is everything for everyone. If you are an elite runner, come run against some of the best runners in the world. The prize purse is huge and Kenyans come out for the race yearly. There are a TON of elite runners. If you're a walker or a slow jogger, it is a great race for you too. At many of the aid stations, people are offering beer and margaritas, so you could make it a really fun morning if you wanted to. There are TONS of spectators all around and you run through GORGEOUS New Orleans.
The post-race events are amazing too. There's tons of beer and food and is a great time. Overall, the atmosphere is one of a great party, but there are so many great runners there, that you may just grab a PR. This year, I think there were something like 18,000 runners running this race. It is an event and is well worth the drive/travel if you need to. It is what everyone loves about New Orleans!
Melanie recommends this race
(2015)
"Fun at the Louisiana Marathon"
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The Louisiana Marathon is definitely a race that if you haven't raced before, you should make a point to do it. Many people travel from all over the country to run this race and participate in the post-race events. It is HANDS DOWN the best post race party I have ever been to. There is tons of food, beer, music, people to talk to, etc. It is amazing.
As for the race itself, it is really well done. The aid stations are more than adequate, the scenery is beautiful through historic Baton Rouge areas, and there are tons of runners, so the atmosphere is amazing. There are tons of spectators lining the streets with hilarious signs and loud music. It really keeps you going.
Really, though, the post-race events are the bread and butter of this race. I would recommend it to anyone anywhere. It is totally a race that is worthwhile to travel for.
Melanie recommends this race
(2014)
"A good training run"
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Baton Rouge Beach offers a half and a full. If you are looking in to running this race, do the half. It is a double-loop full and very few people run it. You'll be alone for the second half of your race.
This race is fun, in that there is music and food after, but it is NOTHING like some of the other road races in the area. The half gets good participation, so it's a fun race to do, but I wouldn't be happy if this was THE race I was training for. I use this one as a good training run for the Louisiana Marathon, which is a month behind.
There is no expo for it and the tshirt is okay. The medal is mediocre as well. You'll run through some beautiful areas of Baton Rouge, though, which is good.
Overall, it's a good race, but it isn't one that I really really look forward to year after year. It is adequate.
Melanie recommends this race
(2014)
"Quick, fun 10k"
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Cajun Cup is a great race that starts downtown and goes through Lafayette, LA around the Cajundome. The road is flat and fast, I PRd at this race! There is a wonderful array of runners who compete in this, from elite runners to walkers. There is a prize purse for the winners, so the fast people definitely come out for it!
There is music and food afterward and is just really fun. The shirt is a long sleeve tech tee, which is awesome, and the metal is great too if you're really in to that. I would definitely recommend this race!