Great race- when you run in the morning the Ballons are usually launching as well and provides a great picture. I cant miss this race since I started and have never stopped going.
No packet pickup on race day since it starts @ 7:30 am 5K RUN.
You need to be early to get a good parking and warm up otherwise you will be dashing to the line since there are quite alot of people who participate

Mardi Gras 5K new Orleans, LA   (http://www.runnotc.org/races/2018/mardigras.shtml)

Race review

The 5K course was on Veterans Memorial and Bonnabel Blvds.

Parking: Free (next to a mall)
They had some great post-race refreshments which included water, beer, Baker Maid King Cakes (LOVELY), fruit from Whole Foods Market, and Elmer's Chee Wees.

The SWAG
Finisher Medal and Cool T-shirts

1st Overall Male and Female

1st Youth Male and Female (15 and under)
1st Master Male and Female (40 and over)
1st Grandmaster Male and Female (50 and over)
1st Senior Male and Female (60 and over)
1st Racewalker Male and Female

1st and 2nd Male and Female in age groups 15-under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-over

THE COURSE
The course was generally flat and not steep as it looped back. There were crowds outside waving and cheering on the runners.

3 REASONS TO RUN

1. Kicks start your day for the Mardi gras Parade
2. You have an excuse to enjoy the King and Queen cakes without guilt.
3. If you have time there is a nice concert that goes on thereafter

RACE EXPERIENCE

Personally, I enjoyed the race and it was nice weather about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need some gloves since my hands were freezing, otherwise, it was a great road race.
This was the first race that I was running out of town this year and I enjoyed myself throughout.

WHAT DID RUNNERS THINK

I generally don't have time to chat with other runners due to commitment. A couple of the runners that I chatted with said that it was a great race with nice weather.

CAUSES PROMOTED FOR THIS RACE 

50 Legs
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Race review

The 5K course is Oakliff on Kidd Springs Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

Parking: Free (next to Kidd Springs park but fills up quick)

They had some great post-race refreshments which included water, Gatorade, some treats. you could buy lunch for $10 too.

The SWAG

Finisher Medals for the 10K finisher and Cool T-shirts

THE COURSE

The course was generally flat and but 3 hills with different elevations. There were crowds cheerings and having a party and also gave you mardi gras beads.

3 REASONS TO RUN

1. They have an awesome Mardi gras festival post race
2. If you want to test your grit on a hilly terrain, then this is your best test.
3. Its a great atmosphere in general with a party mood and who doesn't like a party??

RACE EXPERIENCE

The weather this year was cold as compared to 2018 but it was still lively. I enjoyed the crowd and the running especially along the way as they cheered you along. There were DJs along the course playing music to cheer you on, too.

Form Follow Fitness

Race review

The 5K course is ran around the downtown area of Dallas starting from Klyde Waren Park.

Parking: Paid (street parking- parking meter- use spare change or download Paymobile app and pay {max 2hrs 0.85 cts})

They had some great post-race refreshments which included water, Gatorade, banana. Food trucks are on the side of the road as well. There were also tons of giveaways that I got and awesome stuff.

There is a post-party event with bands and its really cool. I stayed around longer and met some cool friends through my neighbor who is an avid runner @vantasticrunner (Twitter).

The SWAG

Finisher Medals for the 5K finisher and Cool T-shirts.
The coolest thing about the medals is that you have to collect them for the next 3 years to make the Dallas skyline (how cool is that??) so I am locked in for the next few races

THE COURSE

The course was generally flat and but your final 0.1 mile to the finish is a steep hill that will be a challenge. There were crowds are usually along the way and the finish line. Bearing in mind that you are running in downtown Dallas, the race was well organized and coordinated.

3 REASONS TO RUN

1. They have an awesome post-race party and its very kid-friendly
2. If you want to nice run around the city of Dallas and see the beautiful streets, this is the race.
3. Very nice people and organizers as a whole. everyone is smiling and laughing.

RACE EXPERIENCE

The weather this year was cold and it drizzled so I ran in a poncho but it was still great. The crowd was as I have mentioned before lively and fun. There is this one exhibitor that has some out-of this world cakes -OH MY GOSH!!! I had to have 2 varieties as my guilt snack right after the race...Hey I earned those calories!!!
So 364 days to the next race in 2019