March 2015 Preview

New Orleans has suffered unbearable temperatures since Mardi Gras, with multiple days having highs that don't climb out of the 40's. I'm not complaining, as I much prefer the cold over the summer heat; however, it's been hard for me to get motivated in the new year. After finishing three and a half marathons in January, getting back in to a groove post-recovery has been near impossible. Fortunately, racing in the Crescent City quickly picks up speed as we hop in to spring.

The goal race for many local runners is the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10K, this year on April 4th. If you're vying for one of the coveted seeded bib numbers, remember you only have a few local options left to finish a 10K in under 45 minutes. That seeded slot gets you in front of the pack along side some of the fastest 10K runners in the world. Those qualifying opportunities are listed below, among other great NOLA area events that welcome walkers and runners alike!

Tulane Athletics 5K (Saturday, March 7th @ 8:00am) - Registration includes a tasc Performance tshirt, and will be available prior to the start of the race on the Gameday Plaza at Yulman Stadium. The party continues after with entertainment and free food and beverages for all participants.

ISL Spring Shuffle 5K & 1-Mile (Saturday, March 7th @ 8:00am) - The International School of Louisiana hosts this spring fundraiser at La Salle Park next to Zephyr's Field in Metairie.

Zydeco Marathon & Half Marathon (Sunday, March 8th @ 7am) - For the second year, Lafayette will host more than a thousand runners tackling a 13.1 mile course ( double loop for the full). The course takes runners through downtown Lafayette and around ULL's great campus, but the post race party and food is not to be missed!

Hammond Rotary Shamrock Run 10K, 5K, 1-Mile (Saturday, March 14th @ 8am) - A Crescent City Classic 10K qualifier on the Northshore that benefits non-profits throughout the region.

Shamrockin' Run 8K (Sunday, March 15th @ 9:00am) - Back for its third year, runners will sprint and Guinness Challengers may stumble from the World War II Museum to Audubon Park. The finish festival is highlighted by the fastest runners in the world competing for a prize purse of over $70,000!

St. Patrick's Day Classic 2 Miler (Sunday, March 15th @ 10am) - The ONLY 2-mile qualifying course for the CCC10K follows the Old Metairie route hours before parade time. The point-to-point route starts at Gennaro's Restaurant and ends near Winston's Pub & Patio on Metairie Road.

Bring It To The Bay Half Marathon (Saturday, March 21st @ 7:00am) - Formerly known at the "Race for the Fallen," this half marathon is a fast course along the beach with a start and finish in Old Town Bay Saint Louis.

Great St. Charles Avenue Road Race 10K, 5K, 1 Mile (Saturday, March 21st @ 8:00am) - Enjoy an Uptown 10K Course that takes participants around Audubon Park, or a 5K / 1 Mile dash up and down St. Charles Avenue. It's your last chance in NOLA for a 10K seeded spot qualifier for the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic!

Reveille at Oak Alley 5K & 1K (Saturday, March 21st @ 8;30am) - Travel 45 minutes west along I-10 to finish under the oaks at the Historic Oak Alley Plantation. All 5K and 1K finishers receive commemorative medals and entry to the post-race festival.

United Way of St. Charles Bridge Run 10K & 5K (Saturday, March 28th @ 8:15am) - The first race in the Louisiana Bridge Run Series is a fun but challenging adventure over the Mighty Mississippi in Luling / Destrehan via the Hale Boggs Bridge.

New Orleans Triathlon Olympic, Sprint, Relay (Sunday, March 28th @ 8:15am) - The date of these events give every local and regional athlete the opportunity to race and train on the course being used for the Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans event just three weeks later.