Are You Ready and Registered?!
Are you registered for New Orlean’s most popular walk/run/ eat/drink/party event? The 37th annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10K race has grown to become one of New Orlean’s largest 10K race and will take place on Saturday, April 4th at 8 am. Like every year, the race takes place on the Saturday before Easter Sunday and is a great way to get involved with the community and get in shape while having fun. The Crescent City Classic is locally produced by a non-profit organization, The Crescent City Fitness Foundation, and welcomes both runners and walkers of all abilities to participate in the race.
The race, which is 10,000 meters or 6.2 miles, begins near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at Poydras Street and Loyola Avenue. The course then takes participants through the French Quarter, past Jackson Square, and the historic French Market. Enjoying the scenic route, participants then proceeds all the way up Esplanade Avenue ending at the beautiful City Park for the post-race celebration. This route will be set up with water stations and Port-o-lets placed at mile markers 1-5 so please be sure to hydrate before and during the race.
There will be free parking available at City Park along Marconi Blvd and the Marconi Meadows. There will also be available parking at Delgado Community College in the campus parking lots for a fee of $20 for race participants. Furthermore, there will be busses transporting participants between 5:30 am- 7:30 am from the corner of Beau Bassich Circle to Dave Dixon Drive near the start of the race at the Superdome. If those participating in the race prefer, they can park downtown for a small fee. Garage 6 at the Superdome will be open to park for $5 (cash only), as well as, the 1301 Girod Street garage for $8 (for up to six hours; must have bib number as proof). The complimentary bus service is also provided from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. to return race participants from City Park back to downtown.
We certainly can’t forget to mention probably the best entity of the Crescent City Classic Race, the Michelob Ultra Race Fest! The Race Fest will be held from 8:30am – 1 pm at the Practice Track in City Park and is free for all race participants and children under 12. Didn’t participate in the race? No worries! For those who did not register, a race fest pass can easily be purchased at the entrance for $10 dollars which will allow you to participate and enjoy all the fun. All pass holders can expect a few hours filled with free food, beer, water, fruit, as well as, live entertainment by Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and The Dana Abbott Band! There will also be an Awards Ceremony held on the main stage for Elite athletes and local winners along with the “Family Fun Zone” which features obstacle courses, inflatables, and a rock wall for kids of all ages!
In addition to all the excitement taking place on the day of the Crescent City Classic, we must also mention the Health & Fitness Expo taking place downtown at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This expo will be held on Thursday and Friday, April 2nd and 3rd from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The expo will feature exhibitors showcasing the latest in running apparel, shoes, exercise equipment, nutritional and wellness products, fitness services and much more. Please be sure to stop by the Gulf South Foot & Ankle booth to receive a complementary foot screening by one of highly skilled podiatrists.
Furthermore, those who missed the online registration deadline of March 30th can register for the CCC here at the Health & Fitness Expo for $50. All race participants are required to pick up their “goodie bag”, including the commemorative race T-shirts, bib number with timing chip, and admission to the Michelob Ultra Race Fest at the expo.
As you can see, the Crescent City Classic 10K is for anyone, regardless of age or ability, wanting to get out within the community and enjoy the race and/or post – race fun and excitement.
In closing, for those participating in the Crescent City Classic Race, let’s remember a few helpful training tips:
Stretch for about 10 minutes before and after your workout. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
Drink water!
Remember to be flexible, but diligent in working toward your daily and weekly goals; be sure to have rest days during the week.
Based on your personal goals, run your daily miles in one session and without interruption.
Gradually increase your miles according to your training schedule with variations in daily mileage. This will help decrease the risk of stress fractures and other injuries along with allowing your body to rest and heal.
Of course, look for the bright blue herd of Gulf South Foot and Ankle shirts walking at the back of the race and above all, remember to take your time, listen to your body, and do no harm. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!!