Lafayette, LA – The Zydeco Marathon, Lafayette’s largest annual running event, will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, bringing thousands of runners and spectators to the city for a day of fitness, music, and community celebration.
Race weekend will also include a half marathon and related activities on Saturday, March 7, primarily concentrated in and around the Downtown Lafayette area. While some brief traffic adjustments may occur downtown during Saturday’s events, impacts are expected to be minimal compared to Sunday’s full marathon route.
The main race will begin at 7:00 a.m. in Downtown Lafayette near Parc Sans Souci. In coordination with Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Police Department, temporary road closures and traffic adjustments will be in place along the race route to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
The roadway permit issued for the event allows road closures for up to six hours, meaning traffic impacts may remain in place until approximately 1:00 p.m., depending on runner progress and roadway clearing.
The marathon course travels through several areas of the city, beginning in Downtown Lafayette before extending through surrounding neighborhoods and returning downtown for the finish. Areas impacted include:
- Downtown Lafayette
- The Saint Streets
- University of Louisiana campus area
- The Oil Center
- Bendel Gardens
Key streets along the race route include:
- Jefferson Street
- Garfield Street
- West Congress Street
- Cajundome Boulevard
- St. Mary Boulevard
- Girard Park Drive
- Audubon Boulevard
- Harding Boulevard
- Oil Center Drive
- Heymann Boulevard
- South College Road
- Bendel Road
- General Mouton Avenue
- Coolidge Street
Motorists should expect temporary road closures, intermittent traffic delays, and detours throughout the morning hours along and near the race route.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional travel time Sunday morning. Motorists should follow posted detours and directions from law enforcement officers and traffic control personnel stationed along the course.
The Zydeco Marathon features multiple race distances and attracts runners from across Louisiana and beyond, showcasing Lafayette’s culture, music, and hospitality while promoting health and community engagement.
Additional race details, including the full course map and participant information, can be found at: www.zydecomarathon.com
Lafayette Consolidated Government appreciates the community’s cooperation as the city welcomes participants and visitors for this annual event and encourages everyone to cheer on runners and enjoy a safe and successful race day.
