Jazz Half Marathon

New Orleans, Louisiana

Saturday, October 26, 2019

 

 

On Saturday, October 26, 2019 I race walked the Jazz Half Marathon on New Orleans, Louisiana.  We were lucky to be able to start this race as a tropical depression came through New Orleans on October 25 and 26, 2019.  During the night hours before the race the high winds knocked over all the porta potties and ripped the erected tents out of the ground.  The race was scheduled to start a 7 AM.  The winds were gusting extremely high at 6 AM but fortunately the rain was down to a heavy mist.  In fact, as the timing company was installing the timing equipment for the start, a gust of wind picked up the mats and blew them about 50 yards down the street.  The weather officials let the race director know than the high gusty winds were about to end and a 7:30 start would probably be possible.  The city official allowed the event to extend for an extra half hour and had numerous employees cleaning the debris from the course.  The race started at 7:30 AM and saw a steady temperature of about 69 degrees, heavy clouds, and winds dropping to about 10 mph by the race finish.  The course was a double out and back on city roads starting and finishing at Lafayette Park.  The first three miles went out and back on Poydras Street past the Superdome which was a change made two weeks ago because of the tragic collapse of the Hard Rock construction project.  The second loop went out and back on Saint Charles Street with a two-mile turnaround in Audubon Park on the bike path.  All of the many intersections had one to four friendly police officers controlling the traffic.  Water/Powerade stations were located approximately every 1.5 miles and for the most part was manned by a large number on high school student who were members of the Marine Cadet programs.  These students were very friendly, efficient, and dedicated to the task at hand.  There were adult trainers at each station in command.  A very first-class operation.  Most of the music entertainment along the course were performing.  This is the third year that I have done this well-organized fun event.  The post-pace party lasted until noon and had more food than could be consumed probably because many of the entered participants did not show up most likely because of the weather.  The post-race band was the same as last year.  This made me extremely happy because they are one of the highest regarded in the New Orleans music scene.  The band consists of a lead singer, drummer, three guitarists, saxophone player, mouth harp player and an accordionist.  Their talented playing of blues, funk, rock, soul and oldies made a large number of participants and friends as well as passing by tourist remain engaged until the party was over.

 

The Exposition

 

 

 

 

Before The Race

 

 

 

 

After The Race