My entry into Rock 'n' Roll Marathon New Orleans came after a few deferrals starting with 2020…read moreChicago, 2021 Nashville, and 2021 Seattle due to circumstances in those particular cities. The date of Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon New Orleans fit perfectly with my work schedule, plus a visit to New Orleans has been on my bucket list for a few years now. So, seeing it on my deferral list was an opportunity I could not pass up. The expo venue was at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center within walking distance of my hotel. With all of the deferrals that came before me running New Orleans, the staff was very organized and took care of me during the process of registering. During the expo, I adored the New Orleans culture-themed outfits decorated on manikins along with the Rock 'n' Roll series displays. A huge shout out to all of the volunteers who gave the time to help out on course; it is very appreciated! There were a few water stations along the run course that were short-handed. It was to the point where many runners had to stop just to wait for drinks to be filled with water. On course, every mile was marked in spite of there being a 5k, 10k, and half marathon going on at once. It was easy staying on course being that there were signs that kept all three races on its course. And the course had medical support all throughout it; it warmed my heart seeing the 'Biofreeze' set-up going into the final mile of the course. I must say the rough part for me was the final three miles of the course. My body at that point was ready to check out, but my mind pushed me through every cruising step to the finish. The course had many spread-out rolling hills, but none that were brutal enough to make me walk up them. The dullest part of the course was from mile 10 to mile 12 because there was little support, given the fact that it was further out. The scenery was beautiful along this course which started on the University of New Orleans campus. I kept thinking to myself is this really New Orleans. Gorgeous! Oddly I had Huey Lewis And The News 'Stuck With You' stuck in my head, as I ran along the coast of Lake Pontchartrain which distracted me by taking my mind off how many more miles are left. I enjoyed the jazz bands along the course! Even though they were not rock bands, they were yet another reminder that this is the city of New Orleans. It was relieving to see the finish line which was followed by a tunnel where volunteers handed out medals, and there were tables that were filled with drinks and snacks. I loved the event shirt! It is yet a solid reminder not only of Rock n' Roll New Orleans, but the culture of the city. Very Mardi Gras like design as like the medal which is in the form of a Mardi Gras mask with necklace beads. You best believe I would do Rock n' Roll New Orleans again because it is an excuse to visit New Orleans as the city builds up for Mardi Gras. Doing it again I would plan wiser because I had planned for it starting at Lafayette Square. However, it ended up starting on the University of New Orleans campus which was five miles away from my hotel. After having dealt with so many deferrals, it feels good to be done with Rock 'n' Roll Running Series in the meantime. I was amazed at how responsive Rock 'n' Roll Running Series was with deferral replacements. For that, I ended this experience on a good note. ~Blessings~   Thomas G

Ok so I know a lot of people were mad about the seemingly last minute changes that were made to…read morethis event due to Covid, but I think Rock n Roll handled it well and we were still able to have a successful and fun event. I know the race was supposed to be run through downtown and French Quarter, and while that's also why I signed up, the location change to Lake Pontchartrain/University of New Orleans was also a pretty race course. Less potholes too! My only complaint was that the only shuttles available from downtown to the start line were at the Convention Center which is quite a hike from most French Quarter hotels. Maybe next time, if the race has to be moved again, we could have shuttles departing 2 or 3 different locations downtown? Otherwise many if us had to decide between walking 1 to 1.2 miles each way to/from the Convention Center vs a $40 Uber/Lyft each way!

Had a great time. Well organized. I did expect more entertainment and food on the race path which…read moreis my only reason for 4 stars. In the past I remember them handing out bananas or oranges on the path. I also remember people performing but it could have totally been local residents just making it a good time. The other gripe I had was once the race ended you had to walk to the opposite side of the after party field to get food. I guess this helped organizers spread the people out so I get it. Overall I will do it again. I do love this event and it's a great birthday celebration for me every year!! Get out there!!

2024 Crescent City Classic was one for the books! I arrived to help out with the corral around…read more6am. It was totally empty aside from many volunteers. I was able to watch the space fill in while the sun came up and before we knew it, tens of thousands of people were warming up and getting pumped to run the 10k. Once we got started energy was high. The route we took was scenic and we got to see the beautiful homes on Esplanade as we ran through. A huge reminder of just how beautiful the city can be. Making friends along the route was my favorite part. The finish line in City Park really made it worth it. The after party had some pretty good food and vendors. I really enjoyed the Classic. I'll definitely do it again next year.

Color Run Mardi Gras 2013!!!!!…read more Im still thinking of how much fun fun fun this was. I mean first things first, go pick up your packet EARLY, like not the day of the race, but the days leading up TO the race. Those lines are atrocious. 2nd thing, get there early & get to the front of the line as they let you go to "run" in waves. So the race may begin at 9a, but you may not get to start your course for 30 minutes after start time. 3rd thing, look for the balloon arches as those are the areas where you get "colored" (close your mouth when you walk or run pass... You've been warned). And lastly, be careful on these uneven NOLA streets. Have fun.

This was my second year doing Race for the Cure. There wasn't as big a turn out this year, but it…read morestill made for a great event serving a wonderful cause. They have a survivors' tent (with special gifts/treats) for the survivors and I was able to enter as a plus 1. As a registered participant, you have access to swag from various booths and also food/drinks throughout the event. Prior to the race, there's a 2nd Line for the survivors. It's such a joy watching the survivors both celebrate and be celebrated. Race for the Cure is a great cause that I look forward to supporting every year.

October 2014-October 2014-October 2014-October 2014…read more Glad to do the walk again, totally for a worthy cause. Loved the energy of the crowd; we pray for & honor the survivors. Always a great event to attend. This year, a few things differed & quite frankly the jury is still on out the verdict of Yay or Nay. -live band & stage -the race grounds were muuuuuuch further back than normally; I know this was a direct result of the new "no pay no access" policy, which required a gate around the race grounds -food samplings were limited; a few food vendors ran out of food; NO BUENO -race activities ended prompt & the clean up began much sooner than last year; normally folks linger -FEWER PEOPLE; LESS FUN Lets see what NEXT year holds...

My favorite "race" of the year is this 2 mile New Orleans tradition…read more Nothing stresses me more than running late for an 8 am race due to a sluggish pre-teen, but this race kicks off in the late afternoon. The 3pm start time makes this a happy and healthy family activity! There are plenty of photo opportunities and fun to be had pre-race, so get there early. Santa is there so bring your camera! The true New Orleans spirit is on display during the costume contest. Nothing says Christmas in NOLA like a big group of life-sized elf on the shelf dolls! Just before 3pm, local health and fitness experts lead a group warm up. This race starts off slow and is geared more towards family fun than taking 1st place. You can jog, walk, crawl or roll your strollers- anything is game. After the 5mile turkey Day race, this one is a walk in the park! Hot chocolate is waiting for you at the finish line. It goes well with the traditional post race beer they offer as well. If you worked up an appetite, or need a snack to hold you over, red beans and rice and fresh fruits are provided. At dusk, race participants are granted free access to the Celebration in the Oaks light display BEFORE the general public. Add the commemorative long sleeve glow in the dark tshirt and you have gotten way more than your money's worth! Kids $20-25, Adults $25-30 (depends on date of registration)

I missed the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler this year (it was so sad to break my 4-year streak!) because…read moreI had a bachelorette that weekend, and quickly looked around for a Spring race. End of April is pretty much perfect for a race because it was mid-50s during the entirety of the race while also being sunny. PACKET PICK-UP: We got an email notification as well as Facebook alerts the Monday before the race regarding race info and packet pick-up. There were several locations around the DMV area, and I picked my packet up from Pacers in Clarendon. There wasn't much, and we didn't get any goodies. But the pick-up was quick and effortless. PRE-RACE: When I arrived at West Potomac Park at 6:35, there were a group of dancers keeping the runners warm by encouraging them to dance! The music was upbeat and it was quite fun to spectate and be fueled by the joy on the field (gotta save my energy for the race!). There was also a braiding tent, which looked super fun. CORALS: There were 5 corals: below 7:30 min/mi; 7:30-8:30; 8:30-9:30; 9:30-10:30; and walkers. Given that this was an inaugural race, this was the first time that we weren't packed in like sardines in the corals! This also meant that there was no congestion at the start and much less need to weave in and out. RACE COURSE: I have to admit that this one is not as exciting as the other races I've done in DC (Army Ten-Miler, Navy Half, Cherry Blossom, Rock & Roll and Marine Corps) because the majority of it takes you through West Potomac Park and Rock Creek Park, which are pretty and scenic but there aren't that many spectators. However, there were water, gatorade and porta potties every 2 miles! I know a lot of races do not have this in such high frequency and it was much appreciated. POST RACE: I came straight home so I am not sure what refreshments there were, but the medal was quite pretty and we did get water. The race results were also posted immediately. My favorite part of this race was that 99% of the runners were women! Truly empowering to run alongside thousands of women. Also, shout out to the 14 men that I saw who ran and came out to support the women.

WoooooHooooo FTR!!!! (pats SELF on the back)…read more Where: Zephyr Field Who: Me & friends When: Oct 18 I attended this run because of others like it... and while it does need some improvement, it's not the worst. The course strategically placed throughout Zephyr field... up and then down, around trees & under over passes, we travelled near & far... & WE LOVED IT!!!! The course at certain mile markers are draped in particular colors & the associated bubbles/sudsy mess corresponds. Pink... Yellow... Green... Blue... & what a blast we had. Only down fall, seemed like there should've been more & more & more bubbles along the course. I mean, yeah at the particular intervals, buuuuuuuuuuut WE NEED MORE BUBBLES. Now grant it, at the end on the main field, near the main stage, there were 2 bubble canons.... but we need more on the course. I mean a BUBBLE SLIDE, BUBBLE POND, BUBBLE TUNNEL... MORE BUBBLES!!!!! MORE BUBBLES!!!!! (you think I want more bubbles?) Food & Drink Vendors on the main field, after the race, was a great idea... hello feed YOUR hunger. And get your booze on too. Registering & checking out online was super easy; despite the ever present threat of the price increasing... #notnicetolie (mean face) & package pick up was relegated to Fri & Sat -

I love the Wednesday night sunset races with live music after racing. There are 35 Wednesday races…read morebetween March and October. Just show up and say "anyone looking for crew? 5 stars