Gladiator Rep Run & Fun Run
It’s kind of a shame that the Gladiator Rep Run and Fun Run are no longer part of Mardi Gras anymore, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t for a good cause. Those who helped with the previous Crescent City Classic could enjoy two levels of difficulty that gave participants a walk around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome or a sprinting 4.5K run through town. But for all of the effort either challenge was worth, everyone who entered could enjoy King Cake at the end of their run!
A Little Background History
As you may or may not know, the main benefactor for the King Cake Festival was the Ochsner Hospital for Children. They also helped to organize the 4.5K Rep Run and was led by the Ochsner Fitness Center instructors who keep a close eye at each workout station. Oddly enough this Rep run was developed to include no more than 225 reps spaced between several workout stations placed along the 2.8-mile journey.
At each station, competitors would need to complete 25 reps before they continued to the next allocated workout point. Altogether 9 workout stations included unique tasks for each series of reps that needed to be completed. Winning champions could enjoy a year of smoothies from Smoothie King, but the real draw was eating all the King Cake you could handle after the event.
For families and parents who weren’t too athletic, the Fun Run included a general walk around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Throughout the Rep Run and Fun Run, this iconic NOLA Superdome had changed names and was previously known as the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Despite this, the Ochsner Hospital for Children continues its work spreading the word about various health, fitness, and safety issues.
Last year, they sponsored a Mardi Gras Kick-off party which was attended by a whopping 60 people who dared to brave the streets during the 2021 Covid-19 pandemic. At this time it’s uncertain if Ochsner Hospital for Children will sponsor another Gladiator Rep Run and Fun Run before the pandemic is fully under control.
Are There Any New Run Events For Mardi Gras 2022?
Thankfully, there is good news if you love running for a good cause. This year will see the return of the Rock n’ Roll Running Series that will be held on February 5th & 6th 2022! It’s split into two marathons with runners competing in a 5K run or a 10K run over two days. This major run event will help benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which helps find cancer cures for kids and saves many more lives from their research.
The race itself takes you through downtown New Orleans and even though the iconic Bourbon Street where local Mardi Gras celebrations and parades take place. This run however is not to be taken lightly since the starting fee is just $35 for the 5K and up to $45 Hospital for Children for the 10K. Serious runners will also take notice there is a marathon and half marathon that’s held on the second day which is nearly double the regular entry fee.
Donors who decide to help sponsor St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will find they are welcome to a slew of benefits for their contributions starting at $500 for Bronze and up to $5000 for Platinum entries. Thankfully there is no commitment but you do receive an official race attendee medal and many other benefits that follow. There is also a follow-up festival and post-race concert after each race is completed for each day.
If you’re interested in attending and aren’t all that serious about making a big donation, this is one scenic run that you don’t want to miss out on!
You can register right away at their official website that provides every detail you need to know about the upcoming 2022 Rock n Roll Running Series. With Mardi Gras only being a month later, you’ll get a chance to see downtown New Orleans at its finest before the crowds get too thick.
Aside from that, it’s good to know that all proceeds from this run series will help children beat the odds against serious illnesses they cannot quite understand. We’re showing our full support and hope that you’ll help too with keeping many unlucky children stay off life support by attending this brilliant event.
