Highlights from the Crescent City Classic 10k Weekend in New Orleans

Let’s start with the  CCC10k Expo which included: yoga, cycling, a fitness-wear fashion show, meet and greet with local running clubs, healthy cooking demos, Friday morning “shake-out” run with Dane Rauschenberg, ZULU Second Line parade, & a CCC pre-race pasta dinner!

Here is my short video clip from the ZULU Second Line. Can’t you just feel the energy? I love New Orleans!    http://youtu.be/b2dlJztEhJY

If your not familiar with the Crescent City Classic 10k here is a brief history from the website on this race: “The Classic is New Orleans’ (and the region’s) premier 10k road race, and one of the oldest 10k races in the nation. For 37 years, it has combined world class competition, amateur participation and great fun for all participants. Starting in 1979 with 902 participants, the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic has grown to become the preeminent fitness event in Louisiana. This Easter Weekend Tradition is now, along with Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, one of New Orleans signature events. Each year, over 20,000 people gather in Downtown New Orleans for an event that attracts everyone from international Elite Athletes to those who walk the entire route carrying cocktails or wearing bunny suits. Young, old, fit and not so, the Crescent City Classic was the first 10k to be televised nationally, and is, to this day, perhaps the most fun you can have over 6.2 miles.  The Classic has been praised in every major running publication as “one of America’s fastest 10k’s”, “the originator of the party race”, “an Easter Weekend tradition that should never be missed”  a great race, on a beautiful course in America’s most unique city”.

Each year this race delivers. Quick tip if you want to “run” this race register for an earlier coral. If you want to enjoy the sights along the way and are there for a good time then line up according to your expected finish time and get ready to take it all in. This years race was no different, although the weather could have been a bit better (drizzly rain and breezy) it didn’t dampen the spirits of nearly 20k people that came to run, walk or dance at the Start on Poydras St. in Downtown, New Orleans right on through to the Finish at City Park.

After you cross the Finish line great food, drinks and live music await you at the Race Fest.

Still not convinced to add this race to your radar? Check out this awesome drone footage from this year’s race filled with a marriage proposal and aerial sights from the Start to the Finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGzQ7MBDsM4

See you next year for the “38th Annual”  (Save the Date: March 26, 2016)

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

 

Spring Southern Race Round Up for Discounts plus RNR $15 code

 Several race directors have contacted me with race discounts for the upcoming 2015 season so I thought I would share on this page and update this post as I get more so keep checking back!

Mardi Gras Mambo 10k & 15k   Mambo from Downtown Baton Rouge through the oak lined streets of the Garden District, past City Park Lake and back to downtown for the post-race fete. I have a special weblink to get 25% off the 10k or 15k race registration. (The discount will be applied during registration process.You get a race shirt, bling and food for only $19.88 for the 10k & $27.75 for the 15k) This #RunMardiGras deal expires 2/13/15 for the link click HERE

Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series in Gulf Shores, AL 3/1/15 — $13.10 discount with code: ‘NDECKERRUNNER’ Beautiful course and nearly world famous post race party at Lulu’s with one of the most unique finisher medals around.

Zydeco Marathon/Half “ZYDECODECKER15” for 10% off online registration.Race in Lafayette,LA 3/8/15 Distance runners will love the motivation, encouragement, and a little humor as they make their way through long courses in Lafayette, LA. At the completion of the race, there will also be a free outdoor concert, labeled the “Finish Line Festival”, held in the UL Intramural Fields next to Blackham Coliseum.  Local zydeco bands will perform and local restaurants will be on site for food.

2nd annual Allstate Sugar Bowl St. Patrick’s Day Classic 3/15/15 “ccc10kblogger” for $5 off –Expires 1/31/15.  Run down Metairie Road before the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and don’t miss your ONLY chance to qualify for the 2015 Crescent City Classic 10k at the 2-mile distance.

37th annual Crescent City Classic 10k 4/4/15 “ccc10kblogger” for $5 off- Expires 1/31/15. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10k road race is held in New Orleans on the Saturday before Easter Sunday each year.  The Classic is locally produced by a not-for-profit 5013c entity, the Crescent City Fitness Foundation, and is a great way to get in shape, while having fun!  Both runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to participate in the race.

Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series in Pensacola, FL 4/12/15-$13.10 discount with code: ‘NDECKERRUNNER’  This race feature Mile Markers at every mile and 11 well supported water stations. Sunrise at the beach for this race start is always a sight to see so don’t miss out! Post-Race Party fueled by Flounders where you can dip your feet in the Gulf Coast waters after your run.

 Jazz Half Marathon  promo code ‘DOITAGAIN’. This code is $10 off registration for the Half is good through 2/20/15. The 7th Annual Jazz Half Marathon and 5K will be held on October 31, 2015. The race begins and ends in historic Lafayette Square, and is followed by a post-party featuring live music by local artists and delicious New Orleans fare benefiting the Cancer Program at Children’s Hospital.

Dirty South Marathon/Half “RUNDECKER10” for 10% off online registration.Race in West Monroe,LA to be held on 11/15/15. This 2nd annual event ensures a quality experience for all participants so general entry caps are set for 500 marathoners and 1,000 half-marathoners. Don’t miss out!  Participants can signup to run as a St. Jude’s Hero by pledging to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude’s Hero’s will strive to hit fundraising milestones for free entries, pre-race meals, and accommodations.

5th Annual The Louisiana Marathon Weekend 2016: Promo code “IKNOWNICOLE” 10% discount for all distances ( Full, Half, Quarter, 5k ) except the kids race Jan 16- Jan 17,2016 join in the fun for a running festival with lagniappe! The course features a fast, flat, festive path from downtown along the river through the University Lakes, the Louisiana State University campus and in historic river town neighborhoods. This race featured in Runner’s World Magazine draws in runners from all 50 states plus over 9 countries.

Looking to sign up for a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series race? I have your $15 off Promo code “NDECKERRUNNER” Thanks ‪rocknblog Good for any Full or Half distance race in 2015 throughout US except Mexico. Expires 12/31/15. Do you #RunForTheBling? RNR offers unique opportunities to earn extra bling by completing multiple Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series events.

 

Keep checking back for more….

Do you have a Race Discount to share? Comment or message me to be added

2nd Annual Louisiana Fall Race Roundup (Discounts,Training,Info & More!)

Varsity Sports was back at it again this past Monday sending out the call to various race directors to come armed with brochures, koozies, race shirts and of course discounts to some of the best local races this coming fall season.

 

Many answered the call such as Gatortrax Duathlon, Pennington Doc’s Dash 5k, Dirty South Marathon , Crescent City Classic presenting the Fall Classic 5k & Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk , Gulf Coast Half & 10 miler Mandeville , Jazz Half Marathon & 5k , Woman’s Half Marathon, 10k & 5k , Baton Rouge Beach Marathon & Half , The Louisiana Marathon , Club South Runners  and more.

Varsity Sports in Baton Rouge will be kicking off their FREE Half/Full Marathon training program next Monday, August 25th so if you have a goal or race in mind it is the perfect time to join in. Check out their Facebook page  or website for more information.

Some race discounts that were provided at this event were only good that day but here are some codes that are still active for a limited time: 

Dirty South Marathon/Half/5k/Relay Inaugural 10-12-14: “HRC15OFF” for $15 off  Half/Full individual registration only.

Gulf Coast Half & 10 miler Mandeville 5th Annual 10-19-14:  “VARSITYSPORTS” for $10 off  registration.

Jazz Half Marathon & 5k 6th Annual 11-1-14: “JHMGEN” for $10 off Half registration.

Crescent City Classic “Fall Classic 5k” 11-8-14: “BRRRU14” for $5 off  registration.

Crescent City Classic” Celebration in the Oaks 2 miler Run/Walk”  12-13-14: “BRRRU14” for $5 off  registration. (Holiday themed costumes encouraged!)

Woman’s Half Marathon, 10k & 5k  3rd Annual 11-16-14: “VSBR” for 15% off  registration.

Baton Rouge Beach Marathon & Half : 21st Anniversary 12-6-14:  $10 off to those who print & mail in their registration with payment postmarked by 8/23/14. Registration form can be found on the website. Reference “VSROUNDUP” on the form for your discount.

The Louisiana Marathon/Half/Quarter/5k/Kids 4th Annual Jan 16-18 2015: “IKNOWDECKER” for 15% off all race distances except for the kids race. (Tip: If you have run it every year I would not skip this year being next year will be the 5th year anniversary “Rendezvous5”. They are known to treat the Alumni extra special!)

 ***I do not know how long these codes are good for so don’t wait!***

Important Race Highlights To Mention:

Pennington Doc’s Dash 5k  on 9-27-14 this inaugural event promises to be a fun, family friendly event. Registration is a bargain at $20 until September 14 for the 5k and only $15 for the 1 miler.  Check out there website for more information.

Dirty South Marathon  has several race distances to chose from and even a relay option. This inaugural race is put on by runners so they know what you want out of a race and promise to make it worth your while to join them in West Monroe on 10-12-14. Better yet sign up as a St. Jude Hero and join the cause.

The 5th Annual Cane Field Classic will be held on 10-25-14. For those that like to run off the beaten path and something a bit different to add to your race bling collection you will LOVE this race. Custom etched machetes await the finishers that take on the “Cane Cutter Challenge” of running ALL events. Those participants will receive the “World’s Most Dangerous Race Medal”. This trail experience is held at the 100+ year old Margaret Plantation in Port Allen. This “sweet” event grows every year and is a race like no other. Are YOU up to the challenge?  Registration will open on 8/25/14. To get the scoop check out the event page here.

Baton Rouge Beach Marathon & Half  with this years guests being Kathrine Switzer & Roger Robinson this 21st anniversary race is sure to be a sellout so don’t be left behind! Join us on 12-6-14 and be sure to stay after the race for Louisiana style cuisine of gumbo, jambalaya and more. You will not leave hungry!

Race to keep on your radar for “Spring 2015”: Zydeco Marathon & Half. The Zydeco race premiered this past March in Lafayette and promises next year’s event on 3-8-15 to be even bigger! I heard lots of good things about this inaugural event from my fellow runner friends and I plan to join in next March. They are currently offering a 10% discount on race registration with promo code “LARaceRoundup”. This code is good for either race distance and will expire on 12/31/14.

If I missed any race discounts please add under comments. See you at the races!!!

Local Race Love

Great times with Great friends at CCC10k

I wasn’t planning on writing a recap for Crescent City Classic 10k before my vacation but it was such a great day that I wanted to share a few details.
I rode down with my frunner friend (fun-running-friend) Jennifer Zenuch and her family. we parked at Delgado and rode the shuttle in to the start right at 7:30am (race started at 8am). The weather was perfect. About 58 degrees and sunny but we knew it was going to warm up fast. We met up with fellow bloggers Heather Montgomery and Larisa Dixon who SUPRISE will be my relay part for “Team Tag Your It” at the Ironman 70.3 Relay on 9-28-14. I was thrilled to meet her though she reminded me we had met once before at the Woman’s Half race back in December of 2012. (Wow,some memory)

Lookie!! It’s my relay partner for IM 70.3 Augusta. Woohoo Larisa!!!!!

My frunner friend Jen. I always have a good time with her 🙂 We are showing some Dirty South Running love with our shirts and of course some “Sparkle” with our skirts!.

We took a few pictures before the race start and headed to our corals. I had trouble finding the Red corral but found the flag right before the start. I noticed that a lot of runners of all different groups were mixed up which was warning sign #1. With a race estimated at 26k runners (the largest road race in Louisiana) it really is important to line up correctly by the time you estimate to finish the race. In my coral I noticed I was right next to Mindy Bobe another blogger friend whom I met before. This race drew everyone in. How fun!

Roadrunner Girl !!! It’s been too long!!

We would meet up for an after pic in the VIP area with Larisa. I crossed the Start line at about 8:12am and down Poydras we went for a spectacular 6.2 miles. The last time I ran these streets was Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans and it was so foggy you couldn’t see a thing so I was relieved for clear skies today. The streets was very congested as expected with all the runners. There was some road debris that you had to be careful of but the biggest hazards were the runners themselves. Some would stop immediately in front of you rather than going to the side of the race or would be talking on their phones. (Seriously, what the?!)
Again I am sorry but if it will be a casual stroll PLEASE line up to the back. I am not an elite or 7min mile runner by any means but this slowed me down tremendously. Next time I wont line up late to my coral and possibly re-evaluate to be closer up. None the less it was a great morning and the course was well marked with lots of New Orleans landmarks on the paths as well as plenty of water stations. Towards the end of mile 2 I got out my phone and decided to have fun and take a few pics along the way.

Of course I had to stop & take a pic with the Easter Bunny right past Mile 3 🙂

Quick Selfie with Cesar the Race Director of Q50 at Mile4. Thanks Cesar, Suzanne & Stephen for spending your morning handing out water to the runners. You all are awesome. Volunteers Rock!

Mile 5 with the Saints mascots and look its George Melichar to the left. Marathoner, Team Refuel athlete for Got Chocolate Milk, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Ambassador.

Even with all the stops my official time was 1:04 which wasn’t bad considering I didn’t train for this race and signed up just a week ago with my free entry thanks to Eat Fit NOLA. I knew it wasn’t going to be a PR day. There is always next year. Top 500 for the coveted race posters has some pretty stiff competition I have to admit. Based on this years numbers for the Women you have to run it under a 8:40 pace/53 min and the Men under a 7:05pace/43min. Amazing!

The 2014 Michelob Ultra RaceFest was held just a short walk from the Finish at the Practice Track in City Park. Lot’s of vendors but I have to say my favorite was the Louisiana Marathon tent.

A Race Director that can serve up a mean bloody mary? SCORE!! Thanks Craig Sweeney

and let’s not forget the Costumes!!

My friend Tara. Race Director for Dirty South Running

After pic with the blogger group. Melanie, Jewel, Larisa, Jennifer, Mindy, Heather, Holly. Don’t tick off these ladies lol!

Next year I may have a chance to be part of the Social Media team for Crescent City Classic 10k which would be fun. We shall see.

Can you spy me?! More Memories Made which always makes race day more special. PR’s aren’t everything. Great times with Great friends. Thank you all!!!!!!

For more Race Details on Crescent City Classic 10k check out there website and Facebook page: http://www.ccc10k.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ccc10k?fref=photo

Until then I must pack for my trip to Tennessee and let’s not forgot about the Boston Marathon tomorrow. I am sure I will be on Facebook checking updates from people I know running it during my 10 hour drive. #BostonStrong

It’s that time again Crescent City Classic 10k

Per the Experience New Orleans website there are a few changes this year:
• More security and bag checks.
• Every group will start in a fenced-in corral.
• The top 500 fastest men AND women will receive a commemorative print.
• There will be more runners this year than last year. (26k estimated)
• You will see people running for charity.
• More Food Trucks, drinks, music and larger Fun Zone for the kids.

This race started in 1979 with 902 participants, the Crescent City Classic has long been a New Orleans tradition. It was even featured recently in Runner’s World magazine.

This race course runs you right through the best of New Orleans, including the historical Jackson Square,tree-lined Esplanade Avenue and a finish at the beautiful City Park.
This will be the race’s 36th year and is only getting bigger every year.

Thanks to Eat Fit NOLA’s Fit Find Giveaway of the Week I will be joining the thousands of runners this Saturday morning.

You can read my race recap from last year’s experience here.
It’s not too late to sign up. If you missed online registration you can still sign up at the Expo and join the fun this weekend! For more on this race check out their website.

What races have you ran in New Orleans? Which are your favorite?

Good Stuff Ahead

35th Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 2013 to Benefit American Heart Association -New Orleans – 3-30-13
It’s been since 2011 I have ran this race so I am quite excited to get to run it this year plus there is a new sponsor, improved course and runner corrals. This is really shaping up to be quite an event this year. In fact, I was not planning on even attending the Expo but when I heard Bart Yasso – Chief Running Officer, Runner’s World will be in attendance speaking on “How to be a better runner” I was sold. How fortunate this will be on Good Friday when I am off work that day! (whew). I mentioned to a friend that I MUST get my picture taken with Bart Yasso! We are Twitter buddies so we go way back right ??!! LOL! I wish I could get there early enough on Friday to attend his “Shake Out” run but I keep telling myself I can’t do everything. Good friends, 12k+ runners, great course (going down Poydras, through the French Quarter, passing Jackson Square, turning left on Esplanade Avenue and continuing to City Park) How could it get better?? Well I’ll tell you how.. My 13 year old daughter has stepped in for a friend that had to drop out. so Crescent City graciously transferred her entry at no charge so she will be running her 1st 10k!!!! Well I say run it will be more like a walk/jog but I told her “A Finish is a Finish” and there will be a Finisher medal waiting for her!! Considering she has not gone farther than a 5k this is HUGE for her.. She told me earlier in the year she wanted to start training for a 10k. This one was a bit sooner than expected but she is looking forward to it.

This will definitely be an EPIC weekend!!!