When we talk about Louisiana, we think of Cajun and Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, diverse cultural heritage, jazz music, and the cradle of American blues. But there is more! Louisiana has a wide range of racing events for all levels of experience.
We’ve chosen the best races in Louisiana so you can choose the one that best suits your running level.
Thematic Races
1. NOAC Turkey Day Race
This running event takes place in New Orleans each year on Thanksgiving. Turkey Day Race is one of the oldest, continuously-held, non-marathon races in the United States. It is an annual family tradition that gathers from 1 to 5 thousand runners yearly.
The plan of activities includes a 5-mile run for adults and a half-mile run/walk for the kids. The price for participation is $30 for individuals and $50 for families. The price increases closer to the race day.
2. Shamrockin’ Run
Shamrockin’ Run is a March race that takes place in New Orleans and brings together more than 5 thousand runners each year. It is a perfect course for all types of runners: from newbies to skilled racers.
This incredible action includes the 5k run and a big festival with music, different snacks, and drinks.
The price starts from $25 and increases each month, so hurry and be an early bird to save your money!
3. Big Easy Half Marathon & 5K
This Halloween Louisiana race is very popular and professional. More than 1 thousand participants come here each year.
It takes place in New Orleans and allows running a 5k, Kids Fun Run, and a half-marathon. The course is very flat and scenic as you observe the French Quarter of New Orleans.
The price for registration is $40 for the 5k, $80 for the half-marathon, and $20 for the Kids Fun Run.
The event ends with a great party with food, drinks, and loud music. Come if you want to spend your Halloween with fun and benefits.
4. Santa On The Trails
Come to Mandeville in St. Tammany Parish in early December if you are looking for a Louisiana 5k race right before Christmas.
Run this race dressed as Santa for the New Orleans Mission Shelter. Don’t forget to bring a new toy for the shelter kids. Registration starts in September each year.
You will get a Santa beard, a hat and a cool t-shirt, food and drinks, a handmade medal, and many other benefits.
Take your kids and have a fantastic holiday while helping those in need.
5k Races in Louisiana
5. Running for the HEART
This run also takes place in New Orleans. This town can really be called the capital of running in Louisiana, as most Louisiana races are concentrated here.
Running for the HEART is an annual charity race in September. It offers a 5K run or 5K walk. The price for participation is $25.00 + a $2.45 Sign Up Fee.
Choose this autumn run if you want to run something like the Race for the Cure in New Orleans, which is now paused.
The event promotes more running to keep your heart healthy, so it is an excellent opportunity to participate in a comfortable race with a good purpose.
6. The Corporate Classic
This is another running event that takes place in New Orleans. Come here in November to run your 5k (for $40) and join a big professional community as the race is the only 5k qualifier for the Crescent City Classic 10k.
When registering for the Crescent City Classic 10k, mention “Corporate Classic” as the qualifying race (and the organizing committee can confirm it).
7. Huey P. Long Bridge Run
The Great Huey P. Long Bridge Run was founded in 2013 to celebrate the majestic views provided by this historic bridge. Each year more than 5 thousand runners come to Elmwood in October to participate in the 5k run.
The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday morning, allowing runners to enjoy a professional and safe race experience.
For $45, you get to run and enjoy live music, tasty Louisiana food, and cold beer after crossing the finish line.
8. Veterans 5K
This is one of the most scenic running races in Louisiana. It takes place in November in New Orleans and gathers more than 500 runners from all over the state.
The purpose of the race is to honor the service members and events of World War II. After you finish the Veterans Road Race, you can visit The National World War II Museum and enjoy drinks and food.
The participation costs $25 and increases month after month.
10K in Louisiana
9. Crescent City Classic 10k
Let’s go back to running in New Orleans, where this 10k race is held in April. For more than 40 years, the run has combined world-class competition, amateur participation, and great fun for all. From a small run in 1979, it has increased to one of the best running events in Louisiana.
Running the Crescent City Classic 10k is a great Easter tradition followed by the opportunity to celebrate at the Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest after crossing the finish line.
To participate in the race, you must pay $55 as an early bird. The price increases later.
Trail Running
10. Chupacabra Trail Run
If you prefer trail running, then this event may interest you. If you like trail running at midnight – you have to register!
Chupacabra Trail Run takes place in November in Washington Parish, Louisiana, and attracts about 500 participants. This number has been slowly growing each year.
Here you can run a 6mi ($55) or 12mi ($65) course on a very scenic and beautiful dirt trail with two 6-mile loops. There are some small hills, but the trail is not technical at all.
Marathons and Half-Marathons in Louisiana
11. Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans
Let’s talk about the most energetic New Orleans race, which takes place on the first weekend of March and attracts more than 10 thousand runners from all over the USA. Rock ‘n’ Roll Run in New Orleans offers a 5k, 10k, and a half-marathon.
This race is a great holiday of running, music, and bright costumes. Grab your beads and favorite fancy dress to become a shining star of the race. Don’t forget about the world-famous Mardi Gras festival, bottomless beers, and signature beignets after the finish line!
Registration will open with new prices soon. But you can start planning now! Don’t miss this run!
12. Brookshire’s & Super 1 Foods Heroes Run
Come to Bossier City in the middle of October if you want to run a 5k ($40) or a half-marathon ($65). Also, there is an option for children – a kid’s 1k ($20).
This annual race brings together about 1 thousand runners. All proceeds from the Heroes Run benefit first responders and military heroes. They have raised over $1 million since 2014.
13. Northshore Half Marathon & 10 Miler
This running event takes place in Mandeville in October. Each year it attracts more than 5 thousand participants. If you want to run a 10 mi or a half-marathon while observing Louisiana’s idyllic landscapes and scenic regions, this race is for you.
Runners appreciate the Northshore Half Marathon for its fast and straight course and after-party with live music, hot food, and cold beer. Bring some blankets or chairs and enjoy some Louisiana Northshore culture after the race.
The price for participation is $40 and $85, depending on the race. But hurry up, because the price will grow!
14. Louisiana Marathon
Louisiana Marathon is held in Baton Rouge in the middle of January. This running event takes the whole weekend. The Louisiana Marathon in 2022 brought together more than 5 thousand runners from all over the USA.
Here, you can run a 5k, a half-marathon, a marathon, and 6.55mi. There is also a Kids Run. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The price for participation is from $25 to $150, depending on the distance you choose.
After crossing the finish line, all participants enjoy an incredible festival that celebrates and highlights Louisiana culture and local music.
This is more than race – it is a holiday for body and soul inherent in Louisiana’s “lagniappe.” Don’t miss it!
15. Zydeco Marathon
This Boston Marathon qualifier event takes place in Lafayette in March. More than 5 thousand runners participate each year. It includes a 1mi, 5k, half-marathon, marathon, and relay race.
Runners like this race not only for the comfortable course but also for the opportunity to enjoy a thriving culinary scene and unique culture in the heart of Cajun country.
The price is from $40 to $162 for early birds.
If you want to know why Lafayette is called the happiest city in America, register for this great race now!
Wrap Up
If you want to participate in comfortable races and enjoy good music, tasty food, and amazing culture – come to Louisiana! Choose from our top running races and pass registration to taste your future entertainment!
