How do I register for the New Orleans Marathon?

Registration is open through RunSignup on a first-come, first-served basis until the race fills. Prices increase after May 31, 2026, so signing up early gets you the best rate.

Is the New Orleans Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the New Orleans Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. The flat course makes it a reasonable choice if you are chasing a qualifying time.

What is the time limit for the New Orleans Marathon?

The time limit is 7 hours, which is generous and accommodates a wide range of paces.

What is the course like?

The course is a multi-loop route with essentially no net elevation change, making it one of the flatter marathon options in the region. The repeated loop structure means predictable pacing, though it can be mentally demanding in the later miles.

What weather should I expect on race day?

November in New Orleans is typically mild, with average highs around 70°F and lows in the low 50s. Humidity is usually low and rain is unlikely, which makes for solid racing conditions.

When is the 2026 New Orleans Marathon?

The race is scheduled for November 14, 2026.

Sat, Nov 14 · 2026New Orleans, LASince 1965

New Orleans Marathon

The New Orleans Marathon runs a flat multi-loop course through one of the most spirited cities in the country, with mild November temperatures that give you every chance at a strong finish.

FlatOpen

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NEW ORLEANS · US

New Orleans

SAT, NOV 14

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1965

New Orleans in November is about as good as the weather gets down here. Temperatures sit in the low 70s, humidity is low, and the city is fully itself without the summer heat pressing down on everything. The course is flat, and I mean genuinely flat. There is no net elevation to speak of, so if you have a time goal, you are not giving anything away to hills. The multi-loop setup means you learn the course early, which is useful. Don't let the easy first loop convince you to bank too much time. Stay controlled.

This is an open registration race, so getting in is straightforward. Sign up through RunSignup and note that prices go up after May 31, so register early if you want to save a few dollars. The seven-hour time limit is generous and makes this a good option whether you are chasing a Boston qualifier or just want a manageable fall marathon. New Orleans is a city that knows how to put on a party, and the finish line energy reflects that. It is worth the trip.

Field size

—

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

The Course

96 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑96 ft

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

—

Lowest point

—

Course shape

Multi loop

Start and finish in one place

The New Orleans Marathon runs a multi-loop course with essentially no net elevation change, which makes it one of the flatter options in the South. The repeated loop structure means you always know what is coming next, which helps with pacing but can test mental focus in the back half. There are no significant climbs to plan around. The main variables are road surface consistency and turns through the loop, which can disrupt rhythm briefly. November timing keeps average temperatures in the low 70s with low humidity, so heat is unlikely to be a major factor. A controlled, even-split strategy suits this course well.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

53°F

High

70°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

November in New Orleans is about as good as it gets for racing here. You'll start in the low 50s, which is cool enough to run fast, and the afternoon high stays around 70. That said, New Orleans humidity is always a factor, even in fall, so the air can feel thicker than the temperature suggests. Hydrate from mile one and don't let the mild morning lull you into banking time you can't spend later.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration available through RunSignup. Price increases after May 31, 2026.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

MSY

11 mi

from the start

≈ 17 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into MSY, about 11 miles from the start, right on the doorstep by rideshare or transit, roughly a 17-minute trip. Stay close to the start in New Orleans, LA so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.

Frequently Asked

6 questions

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