Running Events in New Orleans

Put on your running shoes. Lace them up. Get ready to participate in some of the most celebrated and popular running events in New Orleans. From marathons to track clubs, New Orleans has running events for any runner regardless of his experience or training level. Here is what you need to know about running events in New Orleans.

  1. Significance

    • New Orleans has earned an impressive world reputation for grueling and challenging running marathons. The Picayune Crescent City Classic, one of the most noted running marathons in New Orleans, is a 6.2 mile course that is recorded as a one of the greatest 10K races in the world. Preregistration is available in January. However, the actual registration period does not start until February. A late-registration period is available in March. The marathon begins on April 9 every year. (See Resources for fees and date changes.)

    History

    • The New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon is a 5K marathon and half-marathon running event that will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2009. The marathon starts and finishes at the Louisiana Superdome. Runners start down Bourbon Street, continuing on to Charles Avenue (ranked as one of the top 10 avenues in the US). Runners finish by circling around two beautiful parks to make it back to Bourbon Street. Runners meet at the Sugar Bowl Drive (near Gate A) at the Louisiana Superdome, 1500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The race is free to the public and is held on February 1.

    Benefits

    • The New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon is a proud sponsor of the Merrill Lynch "Run for the Children" Relay Challenge. The relay is organized to raise money for the Children's Hospital and requires four-person teams to complete the marathon course. According the official website, each team competes in the following categories, "Corporate Male, Female, and Mixed and Open Male, Female, and Mixed." Each relay leg is about 3 to 4 miles.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Map your own run or participate in a track club such as the New Orleans Track Club. (See Resources for the official New Orleans Track Club Website.) Map My Run is a free service that will map your run in New Orleans, based on the route or guidelines--such as distance--that you specify. The site will even recommend alternative or popular running routes. Check the boards and forums to learn about private running events, lesser known running trails, featured races, and relays. Join the site to post comments and pictures and use the running log to chart your progress. The site also has a "Search for Runs" feature that allows you to search for runs based on a number of categories.

    Considerations

    • Consider working as a volunteer at your favorite New Orleans running event. Most running events require volunteers to register runners, assist vendors, pass out prizes, take photographs, work information booths, take donations, answer questions, and pass out brochures.

      If you are only able to run a half marathon, consider working as a volunteer during the second half of the marathon course. This will allow you to participate as a runner, yet it will also allow you to help with other aspects of the event as a volunteer.