NEW ORLEANS — The countdown to the 46th annual Crescent City Classic continues, but there is still time for those interested in being one of an estimated 20,000 people participating in this year's event on March 30.
According to Director of Operations Kristen Stuart, registrations will remain open right up until race day, and this year's CCC – like every year – offers something for everyone.
"We have our registration open up until the very last moment at the expo, the Friday before the race until 7 p.m.," Stuart told WWL Louisiana. "And what's really important for people to understand is, you don't have to be training for this for six months. Sixty-five percent of our runners are walkers. They're strolling, they're dancing along the streets.
"This is not an opportunity you get all the time," she continued. "We shut down the whole route. We start at the Superdome, we pass the cathedral. It is a crazy view of this city. It's the best walking tour that you can find in New Orleans for 6.2 miles."
This year's options to participate, include:
Crescent City Classic 10k – Run or walk one of the nation's oldest 10k races, runners take to the 10-kilometer course (6.2 miles) from the Superdome to City Park.
Team Challenge – Create a team and compete on time, most members and even the most vocal on social media.
Virtual Race – Participate from the comfort of one's living room. Pick the course and the time, and reach personal fitness goals. Virtual participants receive a t-shirt, racing bib and can earn a commemorative finisher medallion.
Run for It – Donate to the official charity program of the CCC with a goal of raising $1 million for the Greater New Orleans area.
RaceFest – Enjoy great music, food and refreshments, along with an award ceremony and a costume contest. There is also a "Family Fun Zone" for kids of all ages with obstacle courses, inflatables and more. RaceFest is free for runners and children 5 years or younger. Friends and family can join you after the race for $20 ($25 on race day).
Health & Fitness Expo – Located in the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel in Downtown New Orleans, this free 2-day expo features exhibitors showcasing the latest in running apparel, shoes, exercise equipment, nutritional and wellness products and fitness services. There will be speakers, cooking demonstrations and fitness classes happening every hour at the expo.
Volunteer – All volunteers receive a 2024 CCC10K shirt and volunteer bib that provides access to the Yellow/H Starting Corral on Race Day and free entrance to the Michelob Ultra Race Fest.
So whether folks want to walk, jog, run, volunteer, donate or party, the Crescent City Classic allows "no excuses."
"There's no excuse to not be part of the Crescent City Classic," said Stuart. "You do not have to be a runner. You don't even have to be a jogger. You can be a good timer.
"It doesn't matter," she concluded. "It's a celebration of our city, of health and wellness. It's a celebration of just getting out there and having fun, whatever your fitness goal is."
2024 Crescent City Classic 10k race route:
Find complete registration information for all CCC events and activities here.
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