New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
February 24, 2013

Who will be the best in the long run? The world of distance running will find out on February 24 when the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon returns to the streets of the Crescent City, attracting thousands of participants from all over the world.

Formerly known as the Mardi Gras Marathon, this endurance event is one of the most popular of the more than 800 marathons staged worldwide every year. Not only is it a flat course because of the city's low-lying elevation, the weather in New Orleans at this time of year is usually conducive to running; cool and comfortable with low humidity. And, as a bonus, runners are rewarded at the end of the run with a New Orleans-style street party featuring live entertainment, food, drinks and fun (as well as basic first aid for those whose feet may need a little TLC).

The race starts at 7:00 a.m. in the heart of the city's Central Business District at Poydras and Camp streets and the course takes in a wide expanse of New Orleans between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain; between scenic Audubon Park uptown and sprawling City Park at the city's center. Participants in the 26 mile 385 yard (42.195 kilometer) course will take in such ground-level vistas as the storybook mansions along St. Charles Avenue, the historic architecture of the French Quarter, the elegant homes along Esplanade Avenue, the scenic lakefront along Lakeshore Drive and more. The race ends in City Park and the party begins.

The basically unchallenging course makes it walker-friendly, and the race is open to walkers as well as runners. The event also offers a "half-marathon" and a two-person half-marathon relay for those unable to go the full distance. Wheelchair racers are also invited to participate. And coinciding with the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon is an educational and informative Fitness Expo at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center.

All along the course, at evenly spaced intervals, are fluid replacement stations where race participants can freshen up. Emergency medical units are also stationed along the route in case they are needed. Typifying the New Orleans spirit, bandstands are set up on the route and live music greets the ears of those racing past. Many participants have agreed there is no race like this anywhere in the world.

The race is open to runners and walkers in fifteen age categories ranging from 12-14 to 80+. Runners under age 18 may only participate in the half-marathon. Awards will be given out to the top three runners in each age category, as well as to the top three runners and walkers overall, male and female. Prize monies range from $1,000 (1st place in the marathon and half-marathon) to $500 (2nd place) to $250 (3rd place). All finishers – walkers as well as runners – receive custom medallions commemorating their achievement.

More event details can be found at this link: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/event-details.

Participants must be able to complete the half marathon in four hours or the full marathon in seven hours. Other race guidelines can be found at the following link http://mardi-gras.competitor.com/event-info/guidelines/.

For a more detailed, downloadable map of the course click on http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/files/2011/03/NOLA_13_CourseMap_Full.pdf.

Health & Fitness Expo

Also in conjunction with the marathon will be a Health & Fitness Expo at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, Halls A-B1, on February 22 and 23. Hours on Friday the 22nd are 12 noon-7 p.m., and on Saturday the 23rd  from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission to the Expo is free and open to the public.

Before the race all runners MUST report to the Expo to pick up their race numbers, timing tags, Brooks Technical Tees and goodie bags. Each participant must pick up his or her own materials only. Race packets will not be given to friends or family members. All participants must have with them a photo ID, along with the printed and signed confirmation sheet, which will be sent via email approximately one week before the race.

Exhibits will feature free samples of running and fitness products, fitness seminars and health screenings, plus info on the latest running shoes, sports apparel and health & nutrition products. For more detailed info about the Expo click on the following link: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/expo.

This year's marathon benefits the American Cancer Society.

Live Entertainment

At this early date the live entertainment lineup for the post-race party has not been announced. Check back at the following link for updates: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans/entertainment.

Those interested in participating in the race or just spectating and taking part in the blowout party after the race can get more information from the race's website. The website's home page also includes valuable training tips for runners and other marathon participants.