-GENERAL INFORMATION-

 

FULL MARATHON:

• All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Must be 15 years or older on Race Day to Participate
• This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing

HALF MARATHON:

• All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday, March 8, 2026
  
• Must be 13 years or older on Race Day to Participate
• This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing

TEAM RELAY:

• All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday, March 8, 2026
  
• Must be 13 years or older on Race Day to Participate
• This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing

5K:

• All Participants receive Race Bib, 5k Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music on Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Runners Registering for the Full, Half or Relay sign up for the 5K Race at a discounted combo rate. Runners registered for a Sunday event & the 5K event will receive a separate Race Bib & Race Shirt for Saturday, March 7th & Sunday, March 8th, 2026. 
• This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing

1 Mile:

• All Participants receive Race Bib, Finisher's Ribbon (upon completion of the race) on Saturday, March 7, 2026
• This Race is reserved for children 12 years & under.
• If an adult is registered for any other Zydeco event on Saturday or Sunday, their children under the age of 12 may run for $10. 
• This event will not be timed.

 

LATE REGISTRATION – Late Registration will be offered at Packet Pick-Up.  NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION ON SUNDAY.

DEADLINE– Packet pickup is the last chance for registration. Friday, February 13, 2026 is the last day to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration.

CONFIRMATION– There will be confirmation support through the RunSignUp website once registration has started.

DEFERRAL POLICY– There will be a $25 fee to defer registration to the next year's race. The deadline for deferral is March 7, 2026 at midnight. Once deferred, the registrant is ineligible for the following year's early registration promos, and the items (Shirt, Bib, etc) from the deferred year's race are forfeited. Registrants may only defer one consecutive year. Instructions on how to defer your registration.  Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email.  Choose Defer Registration at the top of the page and follow instructions.

NO REFUND POLICY - Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else. 

 

-DISTANCE SWITCHES-

 

UPGRADE from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon – There will be a fee to upgrade from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon to make up for the cost difference between the two distances. The deadline to upgrade is March 6, 2025.  Instructions on how to defer your registration. Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email. Choose Transfer Event at the top of the page and follow instructions.

DOWNGRADE for the Full Marathon to the Half Marathon – There are no refunds given to downgrade from the Full Marathon to the Half Marathon. There may be a fee if the cost difference is greater for the Half than you paid for the Full at the time of the original registration.  The deadline to downgrade is March 6, 2026.  Instructions on how to defer your registration. Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email. Choose Transfer Event at the top of the page and follow instructions. 

THERE WILL BE NO DISTANCE SWITCHED BETWEEN SATURDAY EVENTS & SUNDAY EVENTS!

 

-RACE RULES-

 

Age Requirements- On the day of the race participants must meet the minimum age requirements. Half Marathon Participants must be at least 13 years old on the day of the race to participate. Full Marathon participants must be at least 15 years old on race day to participate
No Refund Policy- Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else, and you may not transfer your entry fee to future races.
Readiness- You must be in good health and physically prepared to take on the challenge of a Marathon or Half Marathon. Each runner is responsible for knowing their capabilities and limitations.  The weather is south Louisiana in March can vary from 40 F and rainy to 80 F and near 100% humidity. 
Identification- You must show a photo ID to receive your race number and timing chip.
Packet Pickup-  All items must be picked up at Packet Pick-Up.  We can not mail your items to you.
Race Numbers- Race numbers are required to participate.
Effort- The effort must be your own. No coaches, handcycles, bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, baby joggers, or dogs will be allowed on the course.

Secure Zone There is a secure, sectioned-off area, located immediately after the finish line where runners get their photos taken & receive their medals. No Spectators or Family Members are allowed in this area!

 

Want to Become a Champion of Hope for St. Jude?  Below are the levels of fundraising opportunities available.   Deadline to receive your perks for reaching a level goal is February 15, 2026.  The first 20 fundraisers that reach their goal for the Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels and the first 10 fundraisers for the Platinum Level will receive their perks.

 

• Bronze Level - Raise $250 - Receive VIP Parking, special shirt and Name on Fundraising Board

• Silver Level - Raise $500 - Receive VIP Access & Parking, shirt, food and drinks in VIP area, and name on Fundraising Board

• Gold Level - Raise $750 -   Receive VIP Access & Parking, shirt, food and drinks in VIP area, name on Fundraising Board, plus your registration refunded. 

• Platinum Level - Raise $1250 - Receive VIP Access & Parking, shirt, food and drinks in VIP area, name on Fundraising Board, plus your registration refunded and a 2 night hotel accommodations.

 

Click on the Donate Button to start the process to become a Champion of Hope for St. Jude.

 

Zydeco Marathon has partnered with several great hotels in the Lafayette La. area. When booking your rooms please tell them that you are participating in the 2026 Zydeco Marathon to get special discounts.

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/UT32A5

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lftcdgi-hilton-garden-inn-lafayette-cajundome/

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1754591504352&key=GRP&app=resvlink

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
2026 Zydeco Marathon
26.2 Full  |  13.1 Half  |  Team Relay  |  5K  | 1 Mile
March 7th & 8th, 2026
Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana
 

FRIDAY, MARCH 6th, 2026
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501                 

 
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, 2026                                 

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Packet pickup at Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
7:30 AM: 1 Mile Fun Run @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
8:00 AM: 5K @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
9:00 AM: 5K Finish Line Festival @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

 
SUNDAY, MARCH 8th, 2026                              

NO PACKET PICK-UP – NO SHUTTLES       
5:30 AM: Gear Check Opens @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
7:00 AM: Marathon, Half & Relay Start @ 537 Jefferson St. Lafayette, LA 70501
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Finish Line Festival @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
10:30 AM: Half Marathon Awards @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501
12:00 PM: Full Marathon Awards @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

DESCRIPTION
Zydeco Marathon and Half Marathon events are USATF sanctioned.  The courses are USATF certified for accuracy and the race is a qualifying event for Boston Marathon and other events requiring an official qualifying time! 
 
The Zydeco Planning Team strives to provide participants with a fun, safe, and memorable event.  Courses are well marked with signage and cones.  The routes are heavily staffed with volunteers and traffic control officers.  Hydration stations are well staffed and regularly spaced at approximately 1.5 mile intervals.  Medical staff are located at the finish line and EMS services notified of the race in advance for quick service if needed. 
 
-GENERAL INFORMATION-
 
FULL MARATHON:
All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday
Must be 16 years or older on Race Day to Participate
This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing Services

HALF MARATHON:
All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday
Must be 13 years or older on Race Day to Participate
This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing Services

TEAM RELAY:
All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, Sunday's Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday
Must be 13 years or older on Race Day to Participate
This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing Services

5K:
All Participants receive Race Bib, Race Bag, 5k Race Shirt, Finisher's Medal (upon completion of the race) & Food, Drinks & Music on Saturday
Runners Registering for the Full, Half or Relay sign up for the 5K Race at a discounted combo rate. Runners registered for a Sunday event & the 5K event will receive a separate Race Bib & Race Shirt for Saturday & Sunday. 
This event will be Chip Timed by Pelican Timing Services

1 Mile:
All Participants receive Race Bib, Finisher's Ribbon (upon completion of the race) on Saturday
This Race is reserved for children 12 years & under.
If an adult is registered for any other Zydeco event on Saturday or Sunday, their children under the age of 12 may run for $15. 
This event will not be timed.
 
LATE REGISTRATION – Late Registration will be offered at Packet Pick-Up.  NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION ON SUNDAY.
DEADLINE– Packet pickup is the last chance for registration. The deadline is February 9, 2026 to be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration.
CONFIRMATION– There will be confirmation support through the RunSignUp website once registration has started.
DEFERRAL POLICY– There will be a $25 fee to defer registration to the next year's race. The deadline for deferral is March 7, 2026. Once deferred, the registrant is ineligible for the following year's early registration promos, and the items (Shirt, Bib, etc) from the deferred year's race are forfeited. Registrants may only defer one consecutive year. Instructions on how to defer your registration.  Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email.  Choose Defer Registration at the top of the page and follow instructions.
NO REFUND POLICY - Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else. 
 
-DISTANCE SWITCHES-
 
UPGRADE from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon – There will be a fee to upgrade from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon to make up for the cost difference between the two distances. The deadline to upgrade is March 6, 2026. Instructions on how to defer your registration. Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email. Choose Transfer Event at the top of the page and follow instructions.
DOWNGRADE for the Full Marathon to the Half Marathon – There are no refunds given to downgrade from the Full Marathon to the Half Marathon. There may be a fee if the cost difference is greater for the Half than you paid for the Full at the time of the original registration.  The deadline to downgrade is March 15, 2025.  Instructions on how to defer your registration. Click on Manage Registration in your confirmation email. Choose Transfer Event at the top of the page and follow instructions. 
THERE WILL BE NO DISTANCE SWITCHED BETWEEN SATURDAY EVENTS & SUNDAY EVENTS!
 
-RACE RULES-
 
Age Requirements- On the day of the race participants must meet the minimum age requirements. Half Marathon Participants must be at least 13 years old on the day of the race to participate. Full Marathon participants must be at least 16 years old on race day to participate
No Refund Policy- Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your race number to anyone else, and you may not transfer your entry fee to future races.
Readiness- You must be in good health and physically prepared to take on the challenge of a Marathon or Half Marathon. Each runner is responsible for knowing their capabilities and limitations.  The weather is south Louisiana in March can vary from 40 F and rainy to 80 F and near 100% humidity. 
Identification- You must show a photo ID to receive your race number and timing chip.
Packet Pickup-  All items must be picked up at Packet Pick-Up.  We can not mail your items to you.
Race Numbers- Race numbers are required to participate.
Effort- The effort must be your own. No coaches, handcycles, bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, baby joggers, or dogs will be allowed on the course.
Secure Zone There is a secure, sectioned-off area, located immediately after the finish line where runners get their photos taken & receive their medals. No Spectators or Family Members are allowed in this area!
 

Zydeco Relay Division - 2026

 Zydeco Marathon is very excited to present a relay option in 2026. 

Half Marathon Relay

 The Half Marathon Relay will consist of two legs that will be 6.2 miles and 6.9 miles. Each team member will have a bib for each leg of the relay. Please have your team order finalized before the Zydeco Expo. Also, the bib color for the half marathon relay will have a unique color. We will have Zydeco bars and bananas at these water stations for our relay participants as well.

Leg one will start at the start line on Jefferson St at the same time as the half and full marathon. It will be important for the first leg to be in the corral 30 minutes prior to the gun time at 7 AM. This leg will take you through the Saint Streets, Cajundome, Downtown, and Freetown neighborhoods and will end at the 6.2 timing split on St. Mary St. on UL’s campus near Angelle Hall. Leg two will traverse through UL, the Oil Center, Bendel Gardens neighborhood, Freetown, and will conclude in Downtown Lafayette at the finish line on Jefferson Street. You will be in walking distance to join your teammates at the Finish Line Festival! 

Timing, Scoring, & Awards

 Each team member will wear an individual bib for timing. After passing through the timing mats, the relay exchange will occur 50 feet past the mat with a simple tag or fist-bump to dignify the new runner.

 The relay will use chip timing courtesy of Pelican Timing Services, and the overall time will be based on the combined chip time of the team members. Each runner’s individual time will be determined by the elapsed time from timing split to timing split. It is important for the runners waiting in the corral to not walk near the timing mats to create any timing issues.

 All relay participants will receive an official Zydeco Half Marathon finisher’s medal.

Relay Travel & Exchange Areas

We will have van transportation to take you to the relay exchange corral and back to the finish line festival in Downtown once you have conquered your leg.

 Leg one participants will report to the start corral, while the Leg Two runners will meet at the intersection of Garfield and Taylor at the corner of Parc International to catch a ride to their area. Please see the parking section of our website for parking locations on race morning. Please arrive by 6:30 AM to ensure on time transit, especially if you are running Leg Two. 

 If you do not ride the van, you will be responsible for making it to the corral area on your own.

 Once you arrive to your destination, you will be guided by our amazing volunteers to the corral area. Here you will await your teammate’s arrival. We will have water nearby. We will station a volunteer a quarter mile ahead of the exchange point and they will coordinate with the volunteer near the corral to alert you that your teammate is approaching the exchange area.

 Once you have completed your leg, one of the vans will take you back to downtown to the area of the finish line festival. The van for Leg One will be stationed in the parking lot of the UL Foundation at the corner of Taft and St. Mary. This will be next to our water stop.

Zydeco Marathon is a two day running event in the heart of Cajun Country.  Five distance options are available to accommodate just about everyone.  On Saturday we have the one mile fun run and 5K. 

 

Sunday is the heart of the weekend with the full marathon, half marathon, and team relay events.  The Zydeco Finish Line Festival on Sunday has live music, great food, and plenty of drink options to wrap up your weekend.  Sign up today to join us in March 2026 for our 13th year of running Lafayette!

 

The 2026 Zydeco Marathon will be hosted by Funrasiers for St Jude Inc.  Established in 2020 with a desire to help end childhood cancer Funraisers for St Jude Inc  has sent $970,000 to St Jude Children'sResearch Hospital in that time. What started as a team of 7 has grown into a team of 90 that go to Memphis in December to run the various races as part of Memphis Marathon Weekend. From a 5k all the way to 26.2 miles you can become a Hero and join our efforts to help end childhood
cancer.

 
ALL proceeds from Zydeco Marathon 2026 will go to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. We look forward to hosting this great event that has been a staple for 12 years now. Funraisers for St Jude Inc has an established  team that will work tirelessly and diligently to keep the great Zydeco Marathon tradition going. Please join us on March 8 2026 to run for a purpose. You will see local St Jude patients cheering you on the route and when you cross the finish line. Your efforts will be helping save lives of children near and afar.
 
Zydeco Marathon and Half Marathon events are USATF sanctioned.  The courses are USATF certified for accuracy and the race is a qualifying event for Boston Marathon and other events requiring an official qualifying time! 
 
We are excited to welcome David Reed as the new Race Director for the Zydeco Marathon! With over a decade of experience organizing triathlons and local running events, David brings a deep knowledge of race management and a true passion for the endurance sports community. An avid runner and triathlete himself, David is committed not only to creating memorable race experiences but also to giving back. He has a strong heart for service, especially when it comes to supporting children and families in need. For nearly two years, David has been actively involved in Team FUNraisers for St Jude, helping make a difference in the lives of kids battling cancer. We’re thrilled to have his leadership, energy, and compassion guiding the future of the Zydeco Marathon!
 
 
The Zydeco Planning Team strives to provide participants with a fun, safe, and memorable event.  Courses are well marked with signage and cones.  The routes are heavily staffed with volunteers and traffic control officers.  Hydration stations are well staffed and regularly spaced at approximately 1.5 mile intervals.  Medical staff are located at the finish line and EMS services notified of the race in advance for quick service if needed. 

2026 Zydeco Marathon
26.2 Full  |  13.1 Half  |  Team Relay  |  5K  | 1 Mile
March 7th & 8th, 2026
Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 6th, 2026

PACKET PICKUP: NOON - 7:00 PM: Parc International 200 Garfield St Lafayette La. 70501               

 
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, 2026                                  

7:00 AM - 7:00 PM: PACKET PICKUP  Parc International 200 Garfield St Lafayette La. 70501           

7:30 AM: 1 Mile Fun Run @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

8:00 AM: 5K @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

9:00 AM: 5K Finish Line Festival @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

 
SUNDAY, MARCH 8th, 2026                                        

NO PACKET PICK-UP – NO SHUTTLES       
5:30 AM: Gear Check Opens @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

7:00 AM: Marathon, Half & Relay Start @ 537 Jefferson St. Lafayette, LA 70501

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Finish Line Festival @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

10:30 AM: Half Marathon Awards @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

12:00 PM: Full Marathon Awards @ Parc International; 200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501

Ainsley's Angels 5K RUNNERS: T-Shirt

5K: T-Shirt

Half Marathon: T-Shirt

Ainsley's Angels Half Marathon RUNNERS: T-Shirt

Half Marathon 2-Person Relay: T-Shirt

Full Marathon: T-Shirt

Ainsley's Angels Marathon RUNNERS: T-Shirt

Combo Event - Half Marathon & 5K Run: T-Shirt

Combo Event - Full Marathon & 5K Run: T-Shirt