Planning Your Visit to Humana Rock N Roll New Orleans

The Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans is a premier running event that attracts thousands of participants from around the world. This annual race, celebrated for its energetic atmosphere and scenic course through New Orleans’ iconic neighborhoods, offers a unique experience for runners of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 10K runner, the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans has something for everyone.

In This Article

TL;DR

The race offers marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances for runners of varying abilities
The course takes participants through well-known New Orleans neighborhoods with live music along the route
Comprehensive event details and tips are provided to help plan your visit and race weekend

Race Distances and Routes

Marathon (26.2 miles)

The marathon course guides runners on a journey through the heart of New Orleans. Starting in the historic French Quarter, you’ll run past iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and Café du Monde before heading out along the Mississippi River. The route then takes you through the beautiful Garden District, where you’ll be treated to views of stunning antebellum mansions. As you make your way back toward the finish line, you’ll pass through City Park and along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The marathon typically starts at 7:30 AM and has a time limit of 6 hours.

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

The half marathon course shares much of the same route as the marathon, but with a few key differences. After starting in the French Quarter, half marathoners will head out along the Mississippi River before turning back toward the city. You’ll run through the charming Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, known for their colorful shotgun houses and vibrant street art. The half marathon typically starts at 7:30 AM and has a time limit of 4 hours.

10K (6.2 miles)

The 10K course is a great option for those looking to experience the excitement of race day without committing to a longer distance. The route takes you through the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River, offering stunning views of the city skyline. You’ll finish back where you started, in the heart of the French Quarter. The 10K typically starts at 7:45 AM and has a time limit of 2 hours.

Live Music and Entertainment

One of the highlights of the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans is the live music performed along the race route. Local bands and musicians set up at various points throughout the course, providing a soundtrack to your running experience. You’ll hear everything from jazz and blues to rock and funk as you make your way through the city.

Some of the best places to catch live music during the race include:

The French Quarter: As you run through the historic heart of New Orleans, you’ll be treated to the sounds of traditional jazz and brass bands.
The Garden District: This picturesque neighborhood is known for its stately homes and tree-lined streets, as well as its lively music scene.
City Park: As you near the finish line, you’ll pass through City Park, where you’ll be greeted by the sounds of local rock and pop bands.

In addition to the on-course entertainment, there are also several cheer zones set up along the route where spectators can gather to support the runners. These are great spots to catch a glimpse of your favorite runner and offer some words of encouragement. Some of the best cheer zones include:

Jackson Square: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this historic plaza is a popular spot for spectators to gather and cheer on the runners.
The Garden District: The beautiful homes and gardens of this neighborhood provide a stunning backdrop for spectators to watch the race.
City Park: The expansive green spaces of City Park offer plenty of room for spectators to spread out and cheer on the runners as they near the finish line.

Health and Fitness Expo

In the days leading up to the race, the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans hosts a Health and Fitness Expo where runners can pick up their race packets, browse vendor booths, and attend informational sessions. The expo typically takes place on the Friday and Saturday before the race at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

At the expo, you’ll find a wide variety of running and fitness brands showcasing their latest products and offering special discounts to attendees. You can also sample free food and drinks, get a massage, and attend seminars on topics like injury prevention and nutrition.

Packet pickup and registration are also available at the expo. To pick up your race bib and t-shirt, you’ll need to bring a photo ID and your confirmation email. If you haven’t registered for the race yet, you may be able to do so at the expo, depending on availability.

Travel and Accommodations

Getting to New Orleans for the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll race is easy, with several transportation options available. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located just 15 miles from downtown and is served by all major airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-share, or shuttle service to your hotel.

If you’re driving to New Orleans, the city is easily accessible via several major highways, including I-10 and I-12. There are plenty of parking options available downtown, including garages and surface lots.

When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of hotels located near the start and finish areas of the race. Some top picks include:

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans: Located just steps from the start line in the French Quarter, this luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms and top-notch amenities.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel: This historic property is located just a few blocks from the start and finish areas and features elegant rooms and a rooftop pool.
The Westin New Orleans Canal Place: Situated along the Mississippi River, this modern hotel offers stunning views of the city skyline and is just a short walk from the race expo.

Room rates during race weekend can be higher than usual, so be sure to book early for the best selection and prices.

Once you’re in New Orleans, getting around the city is a breeze thanks to its walkable layout and convenient public transportation options. The historic St. Charles Streetcar line runs through the heart of the city and is a great way to explore popular neighborhoods like the Garden District and Uptown. The city also has an extensive bus system and plenty of taxis and ride-shares available.

New Orleans Sightseeing and Activities

No trip to New Orleans for the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll race would be complete without taking some time to explore the city’s unique culture and attractions. Some must-see spots include:

The French Quarter: This historic neighborhood is the heart of New Orleans and is known for its colorful buildings, lively music scene, and delicious food. Be sure to check out Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the French Market.
The Garden District: This picturesque neighborhood is known for its stunning antebellum mansions and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll down St. Charles Avenue to see some of the city’s most impressive homes.
The National WWII Museum: This world-class museum offers a fascinating look at the history of World War II through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

When it comes to dining, New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise. Some iconic dishes to try include:

Gumbo: This hearty stew is a staple of Creole cuisine and typically features a mix of meat or seafood, vegetables, and a dark roux.
Po’boys: These overstuffed sandwiches are a New Orleans classic and can be filled with everything from fried shrimp to roast beef.
Beignets: These fluffy, sugar-dusted pastries are a must-try, especially when paired with a cup of chicory coffee.

Some top restaurants to check out include:

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: This historic Creole eatery is known for its gumbo and fried chicken.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern: This casual spot is famous for its po’boys, especially the roast beef and gravy.
Café du Monde: No trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at this iconic café for beignets and café au lait.

After dark, New Orleans comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Some top spots to check out include:

Frenchmen Street: This lively strip in the Marigny neighborhood is known for its live music venues and jazz clubs.
The Spotted Cat Music Club: This intimate club features live jazz and swing music every night of the week.
Pat O’Brien’s: This iconic bar is known for its signature Hurricane cocktail and lively piano bar.

Weather and Race Day Tips

The weather in New Orleans during race weekend can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s and the possibility of rain. Be sure to check the forecast in the days leading up to the race and pack accordingly.

On race day, it’s important to arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, bag check, and navigating to your starting corral. The race organizers recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Some other race day tips to keep in mind:

Hydration is key, especially in the humid New Orleans weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the race and take advantage of the water stations along the course.
Don’t forget to pack any essential gear, such as a running belt, energy gels, and a post-race change of clothes.
The race uses a corral system based on estimated finish times, so be sure to line up in the appropriate corral to ensure a smooth start.
There are aid stations located approximately every 2 miles along the course, offering water, sports drinks, and portable toilets.

Post-Race Celebrations

After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate their accomplishment at the post-race party in City Park. The festival features live music, food and drink vendors, and plenty of photo opportunities with your finisher medal.

Runners can also take advantage of the various recovery services available, including massage tents and stretching areas. Be sure to hydrate and refuel with the post-race snacks and drinks provided.

Official race photos and results are typically available within 24-48 hours after the race. Runners can view and purchase photos on the race website and download a finisher certificate to commemorate their achievement.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 10K runner, the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans offers a unique and unforgettable race experience. With its scenic course, lively music and entertainment, and vibrant New Orleans culture, this event is a must-do for any runner looking for a fun and memorable race weekend. By following these tips and taking advantage of all the city has to offer, you’re sure to have a fantastic time at the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans.