April 2015 Preview

Since January, I've been running bi-weekly with the New Orleans Track Club's 10K training program, helping coach and encourage participants who are well on their way to completing their first 10K at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic. Look for us in bright yellow singlets as you run from the Superdome to City Park, and congratulate the team on all the hard work they've put in the past several months!

One of the great rewards that has come from being on the coaching team of the training program is hearing participants talk about other upcoming races for which they have signed up. Their goal race may be tomorrow's Classic, but they are excited about keeping up their training well past April 4th. Here's a list of April races where you may run in to one of the training group's participants!

Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10K (Saturday, April 4th @ 8:00am) - The word "classic" is in the title for a reason, as it's a tradition for NOLA runners and non-runners alike. Be sure to pick up your race number and shirt today from the expo at the Hyatt Regency, where registration is also available.

Bursting With Speed 5K (Saturday, April 11th @ 8am) - Everyone has a chance at winning cash and prizes at this brand new race, with 10 random participants winning $300 cash. Sign up before this Sunday night, and it only costs $20-$25!

Louisiana Blue Crab Run 5K & 1-Mile (Saturday, April 18th @ 10:00am) - This year's race proceeds benefit Youth Run NOLA, and the post race party features boiled seafood for participants!

Sunset Gulf Coast Half Marathon & 6.5 Miles (Saturday, April 18th @ 5:30pm) - Run on the shores of Louisiana in this brand new Grand Isle event, put on by Q50 races.

A Run Through History 5K & 1-Mile (Sunday, April 19th @ 8:30am) - The largest run held inside a cemetery in the nation offers a spectacular course for runners and walkers to enjoy Metairie Cemetery.

Iron Man New Orleans 70.3 (Sunday, April 19th @ 7:00am) - The thought of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run is exhausting to some, but hundreds of athletes come from around the country to participate.

Heart & Sole 5K (Saturday, April 25th @ 8:30am) - Academy of the Sacred Heart hosts this run through Audubon Park, where awards are hand crafted by students at the school.

The Monk Run 5K & 1-Mile (Saturday, April 25th @ 8:00am) - The Monk Run takes place on the grounds of Saint Joseph Abbey; and while the race is a fun run, beautiful handmade awards are presented to overall and top age-group finishers.