The Crescent City Classic, Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk has always been one of my favorite runs! With the relish of family traditions, the joy of the holidays, the charm of City Park, the magic of the lights in Story Land, and the challenge of the run, this race definitely expresses the Spirit of New Orleans!
Even though the race began at 3:30, the crowds were early as families and friends joined each other for this holiday tradition! Laine Thomas, one of the event coordinators, told me she was expecting over 2000 people to participate!
The excitement began to build at 2:30 as Santa arrived!
Everyone was encouraged to visit Santa for a free picture and to share their wishes! I just wished for no more coal and switches!
Next up was the costume contest! Costumes are a favorite pursuit in the running community and this event was no different!
I met the returning champions, the Binglettes from the North Shore,
and some new competition with the Bayou Liberty Gaiters from Slidell
Santa's Rein Beer, family and friends from Nola
But, the crowd favorite and winner of the competition was the Rippen Family from New Orleans as Elves on the Shelf - sporting their theme, Take a Selfie with an Elfie!
Then came the all important warm up! You never want to start exercising cold, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, was there to help us loosen up those muscles and get moving!
And we were off to a great start!
City Park is a beautiful place to run, full of many things to see and wonderful people along the way to cheer!
I met the Spottees Jogging Club who sang Christmas Carols as we ran by the Art Museum.
And Mr. and Mrs. Santa, Ray Beasley and Brenda Hubert, local volunteers who came out to share candy with the young participants!
Once we crossed the finish line, there was more fun was on the way!
From Michelob Ultra, to Elmer's Chee Wees, to Gatorade, to Nature Made cookies, to Blue Runner Beans, to Community Coffee Hot Chocolate and fresh fruit from Rouses, everyone was able to find something they loved to feed their post race hunger!
The common ground became a gathering place for families to meet up, to enjoy face painting, cookie decorating and sharing Christmas with Toys for Tots, as we all waited for Story Land to open!
And then the magic of the lights began!
Celebration in the Oaks is one of the premiere holiday events in our country and one that just takes your breath away! Your family can spend hours playing and enjoying the park, listening to the Christmas Carols, and taking in what is uniquely New Orleans!
The Crescent City Classic, Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk is truly an enchanting event, and one that you must experience with your family!
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If you would like to know more about this event, or other Crescent City Classic sponsored events, please let me know at kesselrunner77@gmail.com
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