Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Run the World of Mardi Gras! Grab your beads and masquerades and join Rock ‘n’ Roll in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Known for its rich music history, delicious cuisine, and the world-famous Mardi Gras Festival, this running party sets the standard for every other bucket … MORE
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Bands were okay
I really expected a more exciting race. The bands on the course were okay. The post race snacks were rather sad. Many adults were expecting an actual beer not non-alcohol … MORE
I really expected a more exciting race. The bands on the course were okay. The post race snacks were rather sad. Many adults were expecting an actual beer not non-alcohol beer! Course support was a bit sparse.
My favorite race to date!
This race got me a new PR without even trying. This was the first year they ran it along the water instead of in downtown New Orleans/by bourbon street. I … MORE
This race got me a new PR without even trying. This was the first year they ran it along the water instead of in downtown New Orleans/by bourbon street. I was disappointed when I first found this out, but I ended up loving this race more than any other before! The entErtainment, decorations, music, little kids passing out beads. Too much fun start to finish!
2022 is Different
Ran this race in 2022, because of Covid the course was changed to the NOLA campus area instead of the previous "tour of the town." There were a number of … MORE
Ran this race in 2022, because of Covid the course was changed to the NOLA campus area instead of the previous “tour of the town.” There were a number of out and backs, and the course is along the river front which is quite nice, with a decent breeze. The course is generally flat and of course the medal was nice. Since Covid all races have changed and as such this race is no different.
Rock N Roll New Orleans
This was my first race in the Rock N Roll series. It was a solid event, although my expectations were very high. The expo was not so great. The process … MORE
This was my first race in the Rock N Roll series. It was a solid event, although my expectations were very high. The expo was not so great. The process was smooth and it was really cool having the Mardi Gras music to set the scene. But half of the stuff for sale was the Series and the vendors were an interesting hodgepodge (cutlery anyone?). I would’ve liked to seen more running gear.
The weather was a bit chilly and the new course was on the water. Dress warmly… of course I talked to someone local who said sometimes this race is really hot.
The course was moved from downtown to Lakeshore Dr. it was a bit of a disappointing change, but this course was pretty. The bridges were a beast. Otherwise the course wasn’t too bad.
I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, but that is because I was taking lots of pictures. The Mardi Gras characters and floats were a fun addition and the music was great.
I’d do this one again… just tempering my expectations a bit. Great course for those looking to run Louisiana.
Don't waste your time
The race was changed from the French Quarter to University of New Orleans. It a boring loop race with a handful of hills. The half-marathon and 10k all started together. … MORE
The race was changed from the French Quarter to University of New Orleans. It a boring loop race with a handful of hills. The half-marathon and 10k all started together. Because it was a loop, the course was very narrow at times. One of the best cities in the US and they have it ran along the brown cement waterfront by the University. We finished in the middle of the pack – went to get our traditional Race Beer – sponsored by Heineken – except THEY RAN OUT OF THE BEER SPONSOR’S BEER?!?! In all the events I have participated in – NEVER have they run out of the beer. And, there was stage set up – NO BAND. The expo was a joke. They had no-race theme sponsors there. The only thing in the swag bag was the cheapest shirt they could make – pretty sure it was ironed on by a volunteer that day and race bib. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.
Not a Scenic Nola Run this year
This year was very disappointing for this race. About two weeks before the race we find out the race won’t be through the city, with scenic French quarter etc- which … MORE
This year was very disappointing for this race. About two weeks before the race we find out the race won’t be through the city, with scenic French quarter etc- which is the main reason I signed up and paid 130 bucks for the race. I get with COVID but I ran houston a month prior and there was no issues. I know New Orleans has a vaccine mandate for events but it was a small event and we all were vaccinated to be there- way safer than massive houston. Mardi Gras is in a few weeks and planned as usual here and we went to the Chewbacca parade the night before and it was packed. Not only was the race not scenic, it was on run down road, up and down random traffic intersection overpasses ‘hills’ next to the lake- which is a not scenic lake. Several runners heard it was to save money and to shut down less of the city. It was a small half, if they can do Mardi Gras they can at least let us have a nice run for 13.1 miles especially for the cost. The expo was uneventful and very small with 2 random Mardi Gras decorations. Not sure if I’ll return if they go back to the usual route but this one was very disappointing, not spirited and a very boring route.
It's Rock and Roll and it's New Orleans!
The headline says it all. This is a Rock and Roll organized race and it is New Orleans. Rock and Roll are consistently solid in their race production, swag, and … MORE
The headline says it all. This is a Rock and Roll organized race and it is New Orleans. Rock and Roll are consistently solid in their race production, swag, and expos. This was no different.
Large expo at the Convention Center. Lots of people, lots of booths, and if I known this would be my last race before COVID I might had relished it all more.
The race begins in Downtown and takes you out to the area near the Universities along St Charles. You then turn around and come back, go through the French Quarter, and then end in a huge city park.
Plenty of aid, lots of bands, my pacer took shots from a spectator during the race. It was a huge New Orleans party. The shirt and medal were of the normal Rock and Roll quality. There were shots of Southern Comfort in addition to the Michelob Ultra at the end.
Should you do this race? If you like the Rock and Roll style of race production then of course you should.
Spectator support
The best part of this race were the unofficial aid stations featuring king cake, Bloody Mary, beer, mimosas and cookies. The crowds were as festive as the city of New … MORE
The best part of this race were the unofficial aid stations featuring king cake, Bloody Mary, beer, mimosas and cookies. The crowds were as festive as the city of New Orleans. The day I ran it was 61 degrees F at the start which felt great from someone visiting from the north east in February. The end of course was a big park with a live band, drinks (including beer) and snacks. The course itself is very flat and went through different neighborhoods. We rode a bus back into town afterwards. The buses were well organized. The race medal had beads instead of a typical ribbon which was cute.
When we ran this is Feb. 2020 (right before the pandemic lockdowns started), we learned that the city has multiple smaller Madri Gras parades before the big one you hear about on the news. If you go down for this race, ask about the smaller parades. Our hotel gave as a map with a schedule.
Tough race for me
Two things killed me in this race. One was not the course's fault, but I got air sick on the flight out, so I was not able to eat much … MORE
Two things killed me in this race. One was not the course’s fault, but I got air sick on the flight out, so I was not able to eat much that Friday, so my strength was sapped my the half marathon point. And then to boot the wind on Lake Pontchartrain was brutal, and combined with the bridges this marathon was one of my worst performances.
Not bad, but second half needs improving
NOLA is always a good time with friends, and having lived in the city for a couple of years, I knew where to go and where not to go. We … MORE
NOLA is always a good time with friends, and having lived in the city for a couple of years, I knew where to go and where not to go. We rented an awesome B&B near the start/finish, so we walked to the start and walked home after! The first half of the course is fun along St. Charles and through the Garden District, but the second half along the lake was super windy, not scenic at all and couldn’t go by fast enough.
Wonderful Race
A wonderful race. Rock n Roll has always been a good race series anywhere I’ve gone. NOLA is no exception. Lots to see on the course. A bit difficult, but … MORE
A wonderful race. Rock n Roll has always been a good race series anywhere I’ve gone. NOLA is no exception. Lots to see on the course. A bit difficult, but a great and positive experience.
Awesome race in the Big Easy
Coming from Colorado, it felt AMAZING to run at sea level. The course is very flat. You get to see the beautiful neighborhood houses and the French Quarter. Lots of … MORE
Coming from Colorado, it felt AMAZING to run at sea level. The course is very flat. You get to see the beautiful neighborhood houses and the French Quarter. Lots of musicians help you keep up the pace. The medals were cool–especially if you do the Remix (the 5k the day before and then either the 10k, half, or full the next). Only disappointment was the 20 minute delayed start. First RnR race.
Lagniappe
Just a little bit extra: lagniappe! This was a beautiful day in a lovely town. I like to run to get a feel for local energies. This race did that … MORE
Just a little bit extra: lagniappe! This was a beautiful day in a lovely town. I like to run to get a feel for local energies. This race did that perfectly! The music was SO COOL! They had cajun bands, bluegrass, country, jazz, and DJ’s playing rock and roll. I am a slow runner and have been disappointed that bands have packed up and gone home by the time I run by. This race the performers stayed and serenaded us all afternoon! My first race this year leaves me optimistic that 2020 will be epic! It was my first RnR finish.
Any excuse to go to New Orleans
Beware the potholes. There are a lot of them. The course is super pretty, out and back through the Garden District then through the French Quarter. Lots to look at, … MORE
Beware the potholes. There are a lot of them. The course is super pretty, out and back through the Garden District then through the French Quarter. Lots to look at, lots of support. Water and Gatorade on the Course, but snacks were slim for the back of the packers. Supposedly there was a concert, but I showed up either too early or too late to view it.
bit hilly with all the bridges
parking at the finish line will make it easier for you. Shuttles take you to the 1st. The weather can be unpredictable especially in February so pack accordingly. The race … MORE
parking at the finish line will make it easier for you. Shuttles take you to the 1st. The weather can be unpredictable especially in February so pack accordingly. The race has aid stations every 2 miles, medical tents every so often and port-a-potties everywhere.
Fun destination race
The expo was mostly Rock and Roll series stuff with some local vendors too. The shirt was average and the medal was strung with beads instead of a ribbon. The … MORE
The expo was mostly Rock and Roll series stuff with some local vendors too. The shirt was average and the medal was strung with beads instead of a ribbon.
The course has music about every mile. The aid stations could have used some more support but there were some fun locals with make shift stations along the course.
The race ends in a park with plenty of drinks and music, The bus ride back to the start area was well organized. The city is fun. The race was well organized. I’d recommend it.
Mildly disappointing race
I don't love NOLA, which unfortunately colored my impression of this race -- it felt like we just ran through a lot of uninteresting streets and neighborhoods. Once again, Rock … MORE
I don’t love NOLA, which unfortunately colored my impression of this race — it felt like we just ran through a lot of uninteresting streets and neighborhoods. Once again, Rock ‘n Roll didn’t provide much by way of course music or support, though there were a decent number of spectators along the route. The packet pickup was easy enough and I love the shirt we got, though was mildly disappointed by the medal.
In the end, would recommend if you’re looking to do your LA race in NOLA, mostly because I’m not sure how many other halfs the city hosts. Otherwise, largely forgettable.
Nothing like exploring a new place
It was very spectacular to run and explore a new place via a race through the new area, you see things and sights you would other wise miss. We was … MORE
It was very spectacular to run and explore a new place via a race through the new area, you see things and sights you would other wise miss. We was there just as the Marci grad season was kicking off the Chewbacca parade was awsome. They had some of the awsome Marci gras floats on the course perfect for race selfies. Made a few friends along th course and it’s one I definitely want to do again.
Fun and Entertaining
The race takes you through downtown New Orleans, along the river and up to Lake Ponchatrain. It's a relatively easy course with some great music and great crowds cheering you … MORE
The race takes you through downtown New Orleans, along the river and up to Lake Ponchatrain. It’s a relatively easy course with some great music and great crowds cheering you on!
Pleasantly surprised
The Rock-n-Roll races have gotten rapped in the past for being too commercialized and not enough port-o-potties however, I believe New Orleans got everything right this year. Very organized bag … MORE
The Rock-n-Roll races have gotten rapped in the past for being too commercialized and not enough port-o-potties however, I believe New Orleans got everything right this year. Very organized bag drops, enough facilities at the start and also on course with no waiting in lines, corrals enforced, very friendly, enthusiastic volunteers (although many aid stations seemed to offer only water and no electrolyte drink; glad I had extra GU) and a nice finish party. The course had a nice balance of historic neighborhood tours and also waterfront views with loud music. I actually preferred the second half of the course along Lake Pontchartrain; it felt more wide-open and relaxing along with a pleasant side breeze off the water. Having the start and finish lines miles apart is not ideal, but allowing spectators to ride on the provided buses along with the athletes for free made it logistically possible. Only complaint was the awards were never mailed. Learned later, via revised website FAQs, that was required to
email and explicitly direct them within 4 weeks to mail it because they will not take it upon themselves to do so.