Crescent City Classic 10K Sees Surge in Local Participation

The iconic New Orleans road race expects over 20,000 runners this year, with a focus on featuring hometown talent.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05am

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The 48th annual Crescent City Classic 10K in New Orleans is expected to have over 20,000 participants this year, a significant increase from the 18,000 who signed up in 2025. The race organizers have added more starting corrals to accommodate the growing number of runners, and they are placing a greater emphasis on featuring local runners and talent rather than elite out-of-town athletes.

Why it matters

The Crescent City Classic is a beloved New Orleans tradition that showcases the city's vibrant running community. After a dip in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the race's resurgence reflects the resilience of the local fitness culture and the community's enthusiasm for supporting homegrown athletes.

The details

The race begins at Poydras Street near the Superdome and winds through the French Quarter, up Esplanade Avenue, and finishes at City Park. Spectators traditionally line the route to cheer on the participants. This year, the organizers are planning to add more on-course entertainment, such as dance groups and DJs, to enhance the experience for runners. The focus has shifted away from bringing in elite out-of-town runners and instead towards highlighting local talent, like Bryant White Jr., a New Orleans native who teaches physical education and finished second in last year's race.

  • The 48th Crescent City Classic 10K will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Last year's Crescent City Classic had over 18,000 participants.

The players

Eric Stuart

The race director of the Crescent City Classic 10K.

Bryant White Jr.

A New Orleans native and P.E. teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Marrero, who finished second in last year's Crescent City Classic with a time of 31 minutes and 33 seconds.

Evan Pardo

A distance runner at the University of New Orleans, who was the top finisher in the 2025 Crescent City Classic with a time of 31 minutes and 10 seconds.

Kir Selert

A New Orleans resident who was the top female finisher in the 2025 Crescent City Classic with a time of 36 minutes and 7 seconds.

Flow Tribe

A New Orleans-based band that will perform at the post-race festival in City Park.

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What they’re saying

“The numbers are up significantly, which is always a good thing. The race is growing. We got zapped during COVID, got the sails knocked out of us. People have been with us, and it's come back significantly each year.”

— Eric Stuart, Crescent City Classic race director

“I'm pretty confident. Training is going really good. This is a race I would like to win.”

— Bryant White Jr.

“I had no idea how big this race was (in 2022). The atmosphere is great.”

— Bryant White Jr.

What’s next

The Crescent City Classic organizers are considering a course change for next year's race to accommodate the growing number of participants. They also plan to add more on-course entertainment, such as additional dance groups and DJs, to enhance the runner experience.

The takeaway

The Crescent City Classic's resurgence in popularity reflects the enduring passion of the New Orleans running community. By focusing on local talent and creating a vibrant, community-driven event, the race has become an even stronger symbol of the city's resilience and pride.