Zydeco Marathon

I just wanted to congratulate the organizers of the 2018 Zydeco Marathon this year. Pre registration made it so easy and on race day there were plenty of Sponsors and Volunteers eager to assist with any questions that came up. I have participated in every race and have fond memories of each one but this year was the best! With runners eager to go, the race started on time! After a couple of miles, I noticed that I am being passed by someone wearing a hotdog costume. Ok, I can deal with that! It was probably a high school long distance runner. At approximately mile 8, I am passed by a young mother pushing a baby stroller!! Now this was no ordinary stroller! It had to be a Hi-tech racing stoller. At least that is my way of justifying being passed by an infant! The most memorable part of the race occurred at approximately mile 10. As I approached the water station in front of Geaux Run (Zydeco Marathon Sponsor), a volunteer with a Geaux Run shirt on offered her assistance. As I slowed down she screamed, 'Dont Stop' and proceeded to run down Harding Street with me. She offered me an energy gel pack along with a pack of energy jelly beans while she ran along side of me. As I shoved my items in my pockets and ran off, I asked her name and she screamed, 'My name is Nola!!' The fact that Nola was wiling to run along side of me made such a lasting impression! Thanks for a great race and special thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors that made this event possible.

Loved the course through beautiful tree-covered neighborhoods! The local sponsors were great - the warm comfort of jambalaya at the end was just what I needed - especially w/the wind & cold! Greatly appreciated the stretch station after the race as well (better than a massage!) Everything was smooth and organized. I think there would have been more spectators along the route if it wasn't so cold & windy. The only suggestion I could think of was more zydeco music along the route ;) I am sure there are more than enough local bands between Lafayette, BR & Nola to have a couple more along the route. The band the finish was amazing!

I loved the Zydeco Marathon. The website, race guide, and Facebook page were all informative. The expo and packet pickup were better than some older, larger marathons I've done. The RD extended packet pickup due to foul weather and they offered race day packet pickup. There was convenient free parking garage. The race was done very well. Course was marked and had lots of marshals, plus a good police presence. Some of the roads were a little rough though. Each mile was clearly marked. Plentiful water stations with enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. I'm pretty certain that the after party/festival had the best food offerings of any race I've ever done. They used a bib with five tickets for food and/or drinks, so you can pick what you want to try. They posted results quickly and also gave a printout of my individual splits and finish time to take home with me. Long story short - I loved the event and will put it on my list of highly recommended marathons.