Everything You Need to Know About the New Orleans Crescent City Classic 10K
This post is all about the New Orleans Crescent City Classic 10k race.
The New Orleans Crescent City Classic is an annual 10K race held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. First run in 1979, it has become a unique Easter tradition for locals and visitors alike. Hosted by the non-profit Crescent City Classic Foundation, this event welcomes everyone from elite runners to moms pushing strollers and even walkers dressed for the occasion (bunny costumes and all). The latter stop at every “Free Beer” table en route to the finish line. It’s truly a race like no other—part run, part parade, and 100% New Orleans.
More than just fun, the Crescent City Classic also gives back. Through its Run For It Program, the goal is to raise $1 million annually for the Greater New Orleans area. Each year, the Crescent City Fitness Foundation partners with several local charities. Runners can join a charity team and raise money for the cause closest to their heart, making every step count for something more.
Why We Go Every Year
“How is Started” 2007-My 1st Year
“How it’s Going” 2025
I married into the New Orleans Crescent City Classic tradition, and it’s become my favorite trip of the year. My father-in-law just ran his 25th CCC race at 70 years old. He has been the driving force behind the annual trek to New Orleans for a weekend of fun, family, and festivities (including his b-day celebration).
New Orleans is the perfect central hub for our extended family to reunite. We have friends and relatives coming in from all corners of Louisiana and Florida, and while we can’t make it every year, just having that open invitation and built-in reason to gather means so much.
Race Day: What It’s Like to Run the New Orleans Crescent City Classic
Easter falls anywhere from late March to April, so the weather can be a real toss-up. Some years, it can be cold and rainy, while others feel like your standard hot and humid Southern Louisiana summer day. This year’s race fell on April 19, and the weather was perfect—warm and sunny with a good breeze.
The 10K race begins near the Superdome at 8:00 am, and the timed starts are broken up into corrals. The first corrals are for the seeded runners—think serious athletes who can finish 6.2 miles in under 55 minutes. After that, each wave includes slower runners, joggers, and walkers. Corrals start at 3–5 minute intervals, so if you’re in a later group, there’s no need to arrive super early—unless you want to join the 7:00 am pre-race warm-up in Champions Square.
Race Day Schedule
5:30 a.m. – Buses begin running from City Park (Beau Bassich Circle) to the start
7:00 a.m. – Pre-race warm-up in Champions Square
7:30 a.m. – Last shuttle leaves City Park
7:45 a.m. – Dignitary welcome and national anthem at the start line
8:00 a.m. – Race begins + Michelob Ultra RaceFest opens
9:30 a.m. – Return shuttle service begins from City Park
10:30 a.m. – Awards ceremony & Top 500 poster distribution
11:30 a.m. – Costume Contest prelims (meet in front of VIP tent)
12:00 p.m. – Final round of Costume Contest + Run For It check presentation
1:00 p.m. – RaceFest officially ends; last shuttle back to start area departs
The course starts at the Superdome on Poydras Street, winds through downtown and onto Decatur, taking you past Jackson Square and the French Quarter, right by Cafe du Monde. From there, you turn onto Esplanade Avenue for a long, oak tree-lined stretch leading you into beautiful New Orleans City Park.
Cafe du Monde
Esplanade Avenue
Along the way, you’ll find water stops, beer stops, hilarious signs, runners in costume (and their dogs), DJs, and plenty of port-a-potties—for emergencies only, of course! We even saw a man and his bagpipes serenading the runners this year. Finally, at the finish line, the party continues with RaceFest in City Park, with great food, live music, and (naturally) more beer. When you’re ready to head back downtown, free shuttle buses will return you to the starting area.
What You Need to Know About the New Orleans Crescent City Classic
Registration Info
As race day approaches, the registration price will increase. So, sign up early to save some money! The 2025 cost of registration looked like this:
Through October 13: $55
October 14 – March 8: $60
March 9 – April 16: $65
April 17 and April 18: $70
Race Expo
The Thursday and Friday before the race, a free Health & Fitness Expo is held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans (though the hosting hotel can change from year to year). This is where you’ll pick up your race bib (unless you paid extra to have it mailed) and your CCC10K t-shirt.
The expo also features a variety of vendors showcasing running gear, shoes, fitness services, wellness products, and more—a great spot to stock up, browse, or just soak in the pre-race energy.
Participant Guide
Click here for the 2025 Crescent City Classic’s complete guide on parking, expo, corral entrances, security, course map, race fest, and shuttle information.
Where to Stay
To be within a 15-minute walk to the starting line near the Superdome, look for hotels in the Central Business District (CBD) or stay close to Canal Street in the French Quarter. Some of the most convenient options include:
- Hyatt Regency New Orleans – Often the host hotel (offers a racer room discount), and a 5-minute walk to the Superdome.
- The Roosevelt New Orleans – Historic, elegant, and just a few blocks from the start.
- Sheraton, JW Marriott, and the InterContinental – all well known and great options for location and comfort.
- Holiday Inn French Quarter, Astor Crown Plaza, and the Hyatt Centric – French Quarter hotel options that are still less than a 20-minute walk to the starting line.
Staying in these hotels means you can sleep in a little later, avoid shuttle hassles, and easily walk to the starting line.
Points & Miles
The Roosevelt
Our stay at The Roosevelt New Orleans this year was nothing short of extraordinary. From the rooftop pool to the restaurant options and incredibly comfy beds, everything was top-notch. This was our first time booking through Amex Platinum Fine Hotels + Resorts, and the perks made all the difference: a suite upgrade, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a $100 property credit—which I happily used on a plush Waldorf Astoria spa robe.
Even better? I used my annual $200 Amex Platinum hotel credit, which helped offset the cost. I’m new to the credit card points world, but if you enjoy luxury travel with perks and savings, the Amex Platinum is a no-brainer.
If you’ve been thinking about applying, I’d love it if you used my referral link below—we could both earn rewards if you’re approved!
Family Travel to the New Orleans Crescent City Classic
When most people think of New Orleans, they picture a wild party town—and sure, if you’re looking for that scene, you’ll definitely find it. But there’s also a surprising amount of family-friendly fun to be had here.
From City Park to the Aquarium and beignets to NOLA Snoballs, there’s plenty for a family to experience and love. Not to mention, being in New Orleans on Easter offers its own special events. So, don’t miss The French Quarter Easter Parade!
Best Family-Friendly Activities
- Audubon Zoo
- Audubon Aquarium
- Audubon Insectarium (Butterfly Garden)
- City Park
- Storyland
- Botanical Garden
- City Putt
- Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
- Cafe du Monde City Park (get your beignets here)
- City Park Snoballs
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
New Orleans Family Travel Tip:
It probably goes without saying, but it’s best to avoid Bourbon Street with kids—especially at night. If you’re exploring downtown or the French Quarter with little ones, stick to daylight hours when the atmosphere is more family-friendly.
In Summary:
The New Orleans Crescent City Classic is so much more than a 10K race—it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans. Whether you’re running for a personal best, walking with family, or just showing up for the free beer and good vibes, this event has a place for everyone. It’s one of those rare experiences that blends fitness, fun, and family into one unforgettable weekend.
For our crew, it’s become an annual tradition—one filled with laughter, reunions, good food, and great memories. If you’ve ever considered a springtime trip to New Orleans, planning it around the CCC weekend is a must-do. You’ll leave with tired legs, full hearts, and probably a few powdered sugar-covered smiles.
If you’re needing more ideas for traveling to big cities with kids, check out my New York City with Kids post next!
