If you are looking for races in New Orleans, Louisiana, you have come to the right place. New Orleans has a growing running scene with 20 races listed in our directory, including 10 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.
Upcoming Races in New Orleans, Louisiana
Here is a look at the top upcoming races in New Orleans this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.
Caleb Wilson ” Anti Hazing ” 5K Walk/Run
Date: September 5, 2026
Distance: 5K
Get ready to walk or run 5K along New Orleans’ beautiful riverfront at Goldring-Woldenberg Riverfront Park to support the Caleb Wilson Foundation’s anti-hazing missionyou can participate in person or virtually from anywhere. Read full details →
9/11 Heroes Run – New Orleans, Louisiana
Date: September 12, 2026
Get ready to lace up in New Orleans for a meaningful 5K that brings together runners, walkers, and ruckers of every ability to celebrate the brave heroes of 9/11 and our nation’s veterans and first responders. Read full details →
Al Briede Gold Cup
Date: September 13, 2026
Head to historic Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for the 59th Annual Al Briede Gold Cupa 5K and half-mile race honoring an amazing local athlete and community icon. Read full details →
Sickle Cell Run/Walk
Date: September 19, 2026
Get ready to make a real difference in New Orleans by joining us for a fun run and walk that supports the incredible work of Tulane’s Sickle Cell Center right here in Southern Louisiana. Read full details →
SAINTS KICKOFF RUN Presented by Hancock Whitney
Date: September 26, 2026
Get ready to kick off the Saints season in style at this New Orleans 5K, where you’ll start in Champions Square and cross the finish line right on the iconic 50-yard line of the Caesars Superdome! Read full details →
Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial Run & Walk
Date: September 27, 2026
Get ready to lace up for a meaningful morning in beautiful Audubon Park on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as we celebrate the 11th running of this special 5K that honors Kelsey Bradley Favrot’s courageous battle with brain cancer and her dream of bringing world-class neuro-oncology… Read full details →
Fried Chicken Festival 5K Run | Walk
Date: October 3, 2026
Distance: 5K
Lace up your shoes for a fantastic morning event in New Orleans this October 3rd at 8:30 AM, where runners and walkers of every level can enjoy the scenic Lakeshore Drive route starting near the festival entrance. Read full details →
Oktoberfest Run & Walk
Date: October 10, 2026
Get ready to lace up and celebrate in the heart of New Orleans on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with this festive 6K that kicks off and wraps up at the beloved Deutsches Haus on Moss Street. Read full details →
Why Run in New Orleans?
Running events in New Orleans offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.
Find More Races in Louisiana
New Orleans is just one part of a thriving Louisiana running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Louisiana — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.
Get Ready to Race
Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.
Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.
Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in New Orleans!
