Organizers of the Crescent City Classic, an annual 10k road race held the Saturday before Easter Sunday, announced the Bourbon Street Barathon, a 75k challenge benefiting the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.
Open to runners, walkers, and cyclists, the Bourbon Street Barathon will include virtual “stops” at bars throughout the French Quarter. There is a 5k course for each of the 15 participating bars, giving participants an opportunity to log a total 75k in their run, walk or bike ride. Participants can track their daily miles/kilometers and each time they complete the 5k course, they will be rewarded with a virtual visit to the bar, complete with cocktails and souvenirs (kind of). The event begins Tuesday, September 15 and folks have until October 15 to complete the challenge.]
The following establishments are participating in the inaugural Bourbon Street Barathon:
Café Lafitte’s in Exile
The Court of the Two Sisters
Napoleon House
Brennan’s
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Bar
The Golden Lantern
Carousel Bar
Old Absinthe House
Arnaud’s French 75
Bar Tonique
Effervescence
The Sazerac Restaurant and Bar
Good Friends
Pat O’Brien’s
Tropical Isle
This event is an effort to support New Orleans bars during a time when COVID-19 restrictions have forced them to close or prohibit on-site consumption. Partial proceeds from the sale of $35 entry cost for the Bourbon Street Barathon will go directly towards the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, an organization providing relief to restaurants and bars as they suffer under the debilitating effects of the pandemic. In addition to partial proceeds from entry fees, 100% of any additional donations will go towards the organization.
“New Orleans is known for its incredible bar scene, cocktails and world-famous Bourbon Street,” said Crescent City Classic Barathon Challenge Director Eric Stuart. “Right now, the bars we all know, love and frequent are hurting as the shutdown from the pandemic continues. We wanted to come up with a fun challenge that brings New Orleanians together and helps raise money for the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.”
Registration for the Bourbon Street Barathon is open now and can be completed here. Once registered, participants will receive a choice in shirt as well as a bottle opener/medal.
“It’s an honor to partner with the Crescent City Classic in making the Bourbon Street Barathon event a reality,” said Louisiana Hospitality Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Kelley. “This virtual challenge will help our Foundation continue providing crisis grants to Louisiana hospitality workers impacted by non-COVID emergencies such as house fires, auto accidents, medical emergencies, and even death.”
