2026 Zydeco Marathon
The 2026 Zydeco Marathon will take place on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Lafayette, Louisiana, United States, with the main race events held at Parc International, located at 200 Garfield Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, and the marathon, half marathon, and relay starting at 537 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. The event is set against the backdrop of Cajun Country, offering participants a unique blend of cultural celebration and athletic challenge. Weather in Lafayette during March is variable, ranging from 40°F with rain to 80°F with humidity, and participants should prepare for a range of conditions. The event features a USATF-certified course through downtown Lafayette and surrounding areas, with a focus on safety, support, and community engagement.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Full Marathon (26.2 mi)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 mi)
- →Half Marathon 2-Person Team Relay
- →5K
- →1 Mile Fun Run
What is the schedule for the event?
- →Saturday, March 7, 2026:
• 5K: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
• 1 Mile Fun Run: 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM CDT
- →Sunday, March 8, 2026:
• Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and Half Marathon 2-Person Team Relay: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
How much does registration cost?
- →Full Marathon: $145
- →Half Marathon: $120
- →Half Marathon 2-Person Team Relay: $170
- →5K: $50
- →1 Mile Fun Run: $15 (untimed)
- →Combo Events:
• Full Marathon + 5K: $160
• Half Marathon + 5K: $140
Note: Prices increase after March 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST.
What are the age requirements for each race?
- →Full Marathon: Ages 15+
- →Half Marathon: Ages 13+
- →Half Marathon 2-Person Team Relay: Ages 12+
- →5K: Ages 1-100
- →1 Mile Fun Run: Ages 1-12
What is included in the registration?
- →Full/Half/Relay: Race bib, race bag, Sunday race shirt, finisher's medal, festival access
- →5K: Race bib, 5K-specific shirt, finisher's medal, Saturday festival access
- →1 Mile: Race bib, finisher's ribbon (untimed, kids 12 & under)
What are the policies regarding registration changes and refunds?
- →No refunds or transfers on entry fees
- →Deferrals: $25 fee, deadline March 7, 2026 midnight
- →Distance switches: Upgrade/downgrade deadline March 6, 2026 (fees may apply)
- →No switching between Saturday and Sunday events
What are the rules for the event?
- →No equipment allowed on course: bikes, skates, joggers, dogs, etc.
- →No race-day registration on Sunday
- →Packet pickup is available on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7; no packet pickup or shuttles on Sunday
What is the course like?
- →Paved road course through downtown Lafayette and surrounding areas
- →USATF certified for accuracy
- →Qualifying event for Boston Marathon and other official qualifying races
- →Well-marked with signage and cones
- →Hydration stations approximately every 1.5 miles
- →Heavy volunteer staffing and traffic control officers
- →Medical staff at finish line; EMS on standby
- →Chip timed by Pelican Timing (all timed events)
What is the finish line festival like?
- →Sunday, March 8 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Parc International
- →Live Zydeco music
- →Local food and drink options
- →Awards ceremony: Half Marathon at 10:30 AM, Full Marathon at 12:00 PM
- →Secure medal/photo zone (participants only)
What are the weather conditions expected in Lafayette during the event?
- →Weather in South Louisiana in March is variable, ranging from 40°F rainy to 80°F humid
- →Participants should prepare for a range of conditions
Who is the race director and organizer?
- →Race Director: David Reed (new for 2026)
- →Organizer: Funraisers for St Jude Inc
- →Timing: Pelican Timing (chip timing for all scored events)
What is the purpose of the event?
- →Hosted by Funraisers for St Jude Inc, all proceeds benefit St Jude Children's Research Hospital.