Mind + Body: April 2019
On Your Mark: The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic returns to New Orleans this month.
The 41st running of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic, a 10k race that kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and ends at City Park, brings thousands of runners from across the Gulf South to New Orleans April 20. This year’s race on Easter Sunday features a new gate and seeding system based on revised qualifying times in order to create a more level playing field for women runners. In addition to the time and seeding changes, race officials announced that for the first time in the race’s history, Gate D will now run immediately following Gate C and prior to the charity gate.
More than 25,000 participants are expected to cross the finish line in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Once runners finish, they can walk a short distance in City Park to Michelob Ultra RaceFest for drinks, red beans and jambalaya, and live music including a special set from The Phunky Monkeys. Friends and family of runners can purchase tickets in advance for $15 (or $20 on race day).
Runners also should be sure to check out the 2018 Health & Fitness Expo April 18 (from noon to 8 p.m.) and April 19 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) at the Hyatt Regency. Those who attend the Expo can pick up their race bibs and t-shirts, stay for interactive fitness classes and demonstrations, and shop local and national running brands for discounted pricing. Registration for the run is open through April 17 (for $50 per participant); runners also can register at the Expo (for $55 per participant).
The CCC also has partnered with New Orleans area charities through its charitable foundation, The Crescent City Fitness Foundation. Through CCFF’s Run for It program, the foundation donates 100 charity race bibs to each participating nonprofit. Teams of runners then commit to raising a minimum of $200 for their charity by race day. Official charity runners receive various perks and incentives as part of the program, including private party tent access, starting position in the charity corral and a personal online fundraising page. Since the initiative began in 2013, the program has raised more than $3 million for 23 charities. This year’s goal is to raise $1 million for local nonprofits, including Covenant House, Tam Gleason, Youth Run NOLA, Animal Rescue New Orleans and more. ccc10k.com
Spring Break: Plan ahead to make the most of your vacation days.
If you missed out on National Plan Your Vacation Day in January, it’s still not too late to make preparations for a much-needed getaway. However, you don’t have to go far to find unique places to explore. In January, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser encouraged locals to “Feed Your Soul” right here in Louisiana. “There are great places to visit throughout our state, and I promise you won’t be disappointed,” he said.
In 2017, Louisianans earned an estimated 34.7 million vacation days, but they did not use 8.9 million of those days (equating to 25 percent of their earned time off). That statistic ranks Louisiana 27th in the country in the amount of unused days. The most effective remedy for this tragedy is better planning, as research shows those who plan their vacations use more of their time, take longer trips and are happier. Even better news? Those who take vacation rather than forfeit their days have been promoted within the last year (27 percent to 23 percent) and have received a raise or bonus in the last three years (78 percent to 84 percent). louisianatravel.com
Maria’s Pick — On the Bayou: The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s 2019 Paddle Bayou Lafourche event takes place this month.
This year’s Paddle Bayou Lafourche event invites participants to travel down the waters of Bayou Lafourche, while learning about the culture, heritage and ecology of the area — as well as coastal restoration needs and potential solutions. Participants also learn about the critical role that the bayou plays for our region relative to economic impact, history and transportation. Bayou Lafourche is a source of drinking water for more than 300,000 people, and this event creates awareness for the need to keep our bayou clean and free of invasive species and litter.
The 50-mile, three-day paddling trip down the bayou begins April 11 in Donaldsonville, and ends in Raceland April 13. Paddlers can participate one day or all three days and will enjoy scenic natural vistas from the water’s perspective. In addition to receiving a souvenir t-shirt, water and healthy snacks throughout the day, paddlers also will enjoy a taste of local cuisine and entertainment every night in a campsite setting. The musical lineup includes Cajun Music Preservation Society on Thursday night, Kerry Thibodaux on Friday night and the United Houma Nation on Saturday night. Local residents not wanting to paddle also can join in the experience by decorating their bayou side and providing signs of encouragement to the paddlers.
“This is a great way to explore our natural surroundings, while learning more about the estuary and enjoying fun cultural entertainment,” says Maria Muro, publisher of New Orleans Living.
The trip cost is $50 per day without a canoe rental or $70 per day with a canoe rental. Canoes are available in a limited supply, and preregistration is required. (985) 447-0868, btnep.org