Big Easy Running Festival
Get your run on before turkey day at the Big Easy Running Festival on November 19. The third annual event is sponsored by Smoothie King, featuring a marathon that takes runners along the Mississippi River before crossing at the Crescent City Connection and bringing you into the midst of New Orleans. There’s also a half marathon and a 5k option, which loops at Champions Square.
This might be one of the newer races in the city, but it already has a reputation that precedes it thanks to the legendary after party. Enjoy a concert, other live entertainment, and plenty of swag at the Champions Square stage. Register early for just one dollar (limited supplies), and you’ll have no excuse to miss this healthy kick-off to the holiday season.
The Big and (Kind of) Easy Run
This year, proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. Athletes are encouraged to also bring a non-perishable food item for donation. The course, no matter which race you attend, was created to bring the best sights and sounds of the city to you. On the big day, the shuttle busses begin rumbling from Sugar Bowl Drive at 4:45 a.m. for packet pick-up that starts at 5:30 a.m. The race begins promptly at 7.
The 5k race starts at 9:15, helping all runners to finish within a suitable time frame to best enjoy the after party. Don’t miss the awards ceremony at 10:15 a.m. and the concert at 10:30. Return shuttle busses continue until 1:30 p.m., ensuring all runners and spectators have plenty of time to party!