Hit The Road

Want to register for New Orleans’ next road race? NOLARunning.com makes it easy.

April 14th, 2014 by: Lianna Patch

This community organization hosts run/walk events for fun and fitness.

Want to register for New Orleans’ next road race? NOLARunning.com makes it easy. Chuck George,a 30-year veteran of the road race industry and the founder of New Orleans Running Systems, started the website about three years ago. “What we do primarily is produce run/walk events open to the public for health, fitness, fun and enjoyment,” George says.

In addition to offering New Orleanians lots of opportunities to get outside and get fit, New Orleans Running Systems partners with charities and other organizations to benefit both local and national causes. Races that George directs, or with which he’s affiliated, have raised more than $1 million annually for charities, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Children’s Hospital and the New Orleans Mission.

It’s never too late to start running — and, George points out, all you need is a pair of shoes. If you’re looking for a social fitness event this month, consider signing up for one of New Orleans Running Systems’ three April races. The United Way of St. Charles’ Bridge Run/Walk takes place on April 5 and offers both 5K and 10K options for interested participants, while Metairie Cemetery’s “A Run Through History” occurs completely within the bounds of the historic cemetery. The race benefits Save Our Cemeteries, and offers one mile and 5K options. “It’s just such a historic and nationally recognized landmark, and people love to run [the race] because it’s so unique,” George says. “The benefit is just so extremely important.” In addition, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. cosponsors the April 27 “Run, Forrest, Run” event in the French Quarter, which benefits Children’s Hospital.

This year, George will reach a milestone: 1,000 road races directed. Why not come out and be a part of one of them? Visit nolarunning.com to learn more.