First Zydeco Marathon to Take Place in Lafayette in March

Ready. Set. Run. And run. And run some more! Lafayette is hosting the very first Zydeco Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday March 30, 2014. It will be a USA Track and Field sanctioned and certified full and half marathon, serving as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and other major distance running events. Race organizers say they expect to have more than 2000 participants!

“We have been anticipating this for more than a year, when the idea to hold Lafayette’s first full marathon came together last February” said co-founder and marketing director Andrew Ward. “As of today, we have over 1600 registered runners from Acadiana and all over the country, including 23 states and Canada and Germany.  It’s an honor to be a part of something that will not only bring in new tourism to our area, but continue Lafayette’s reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking community with health and fitness as a priority.”

The public should be aware that between 7am and 2pm, there will be road closures in certain areas of Lafayette, and to check the route map ahead of time if traveling that morning. Streets to avoid on race morning are the Saint Streets, Jefferson Street, Bendel Road, West Congress Street between Cajundome and Downtown, and Girard Park Drive. Cheer sections are designated at Cajun Field, Downtown along Jefferson Street, Girard Park, and the Oil Center.

Lafayette General Medical Center will be accessible from South College on the Johnston Street side.  The southbound lane of Coolidge (nearest the hospital) will be open for direct access to the front entrance.  Anyone with an emergency should go directly to the traffic control officers at those intersections near the hospital. Please do not attempt to enter onto the course. The officers will make sure you get there quickly and safely.

Post-race festivities will include a free outdoor concert, labeled the “Finish Line Festival”, at UL's Intramural Fields next to Blackham Coliseum. Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie headline the music lineup, and restaurants will be on site for food, including Lagneaux’s, Poupart’s, and Charley G’s.

Race proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Get registration info, course maps, festivities schedule and more at zydecomarathon.com.