Start · Caesars Superdome
Poydras St near Loyola Ave. Ten corrals stretch back toward the Dome.
USATF certified · 10,000 metres · point to point
The Course
From the Caesars Superdome down Poydras, through the French Quarter past Jackson Square, up Esplanade Avenue and into the oaks of City Park.
6.2 miles7:15 roads close11:45 finish closes
Explore it
Street by streetDrag through the 6.2 miles — or switch to race morning and watch the waves roll out at 8:00 and the city reopen behind the last walkers.
0.0miles0.0 km · Poydras St
Course description
Fast, flat and point to point
The start is in front of the Caesars Superdome on Poydras Street. The course proceeds down Poydras, bears left on South Peters and onto Canal Street, then continues onto North Peters past historic Jackson Square, Café du Monde and the French Market before a left turn on Esplanade Avenue.
Down beautiful Esplanade to the front of City Park at City Park Avenue and Marconi; the remainder is inside the park, finishing on Lelong Avenue just before the New Orleans Museum of Art — exactly 6.2 miles from the start.
- Hydrate before and duringNearly every race-day health issue is dehydration. New Orleans EMS and the LCMC Health medical team are on the course and at the finish.
- Sag busCan’t finish? A vehicle trails the race and brings you to the finish line.
- 11:45 a.m. cut-offThe finish line and timing mats come down at 11:45 — after that, board the sag bus or finish on the sidewalks.
- No bikes, skates or petsFor everyone’s safety — service animals excepted.
- Strollers start in STROLL & ROLLJogging strollers may start at the rear of the JOG corral.
Saturday, March 27, 2027
Race morning
- 5:30a.m.
Shuttles start
Buses run from City Park (Beau Bassich Circle) to Champions Square at the start.
- 7:00a.m.
Warm-up
Pre-race warm-up in Champions Square.
- 7:15a.m.
Roads close
Every street on the course closes to traffic.
- 7:30a.m.
Last shuttle
The last bus leaves City Park for the start — be on it by 7:15.
- 7:45a.m.
Anthem
Dignitary welcome and the National Anthem at the start line.
- 8:00a.m.
The Classic starts
Seeded corrals go promptly; the rest follow in 3–5 minute waves. The RaceFest opens.
- 9:30a.m.
Buses back downtown
Complimentary shuttles from City Park back to the start until 1:00 p.m.
- 10:30a.m.
Awards
Award ceremony, Michelob Ultra team winners, Top 500 posters.
- 11:00a.m.
Costume prelims
Costume Contest entrants meet in front of the VIP tent.
- 11:30a.m.
Costume final
Final round on the main stage, then the Run for It check presentation.
- 11:45a.m.
Finish closes
Finish line and timing mats come down — board the sag bus or finish on the sidewalk.
- 1:00p.m.
RaceFest ends
Last shuttle leaves City Park for the start area.
Getting there
Park once, ride freeIt’s a point-to-point race, so park at one end and let the complimentary shuttles do the rest. Have your bib ready — transport for non-participants isn’t guaranteed.
Park at the finish
City Park → start, 5:30–7:30 a.m.
Buses leave Beau Bassich Circle near Tad Gormley Stadium for Champions Square. Be there before 7:15 for the last buses.
Park at the start
Back downtown, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Garage 5 and Champions Garage at the Superdome (I-10 Poydras exit), Poydras Garage at 1301 Girod St, or 1200 Poydras. Return buses load on Henry Thomas Dr.
Near the finish
Free but limited
Along Victory Ave and Dreyfous Dr. No parking in the Marconi bike lanes or on the grass. Charter buses enter Tad Gormley via Marconi by 7:00 a.m.
Spectators
Cheer from Esplanade
Park anywhere in City Park; parts of the course close from 6:45 a.m. The finish chute is secured — meet your runner inside the RaceFest at the alphabet signs.