NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Registration is now open for the Run/Walk Through History, hosted by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries in partnership with New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. (NORSI). On Sunday, April 6, runners, power walkers and leisure walkers will participate in the nation’s largest cemetery race. With Ricca’s Architectural serving as the presenting sponsor, this year will mark the event’s 24th anniversary on the grounds of historic Metairie Cemetery at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. The property was formerly the site of a premier horse-racing track, Metairie Race Course, until the cemetery was constructed in 1872.
Typically drawing more than 700 participants, the Run/Walk Through History 5K and 1K races are open to people of all ages. Race proceeds benefit the Preservation Resource Center’s (PRC) Save Our Cemeteries, which is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and protection of New Orleans’ historic cemeteries through restoration, education and advocacy.
“This is our 24th year hosting the Run/Walk through history at Lake Lawn, and it’s something we look forward to every spring,” said Jerry Schoen, funeral director and director of community relations at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. “Now a beloved community tradition for so many local families and running enthusiasts, it’s good fun and good people for a good cause.”
“An exciting benefit of bringing Save Our Cemeteries under the PRC umbrella is being part of wonderful community events like the Run/Walk Through History,” said PRC Executive Director Danielle Del Sol. “We are so grateful to Metairie Cemetery, NORSI and the event sponsors for everything they do to make this race happen. Money raised through the April 6th event will provide essential funding to help Save Our Cemeteries continue its mission to restore and preserve our city’s cemeteries for future generations.”
“Lake Lawn provides such a beautiful setting for this race,” added NORSI race director Chuck George. “It is inspiring to see these dedicated community partners coming together for an event celebrating health and fitness with a little friendly competition benefitting the PRC’s Save Our Cemeteries.”
Following the races, participants can enjoy festivities next to the funeral home with an awards ceremony, music, food and beverages provided by local sponsors Kentwood Springs Water, Zea Rotisserie & Bar, LOPA, Capitol City Produce, Elmer’s Chee Wees, Baker Maid and others. All race finishers will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and custom finisher medallion.
For race details and online registration, visit nolarunning.com or call (504) 884-7565. Entry fees start at $35 and increase leading up to race day, with discounted pricing available for youth and seniors. Registration will be available on race day starting at 7:30 a.m. All race registrants will receive a 25% discount toward a Save Our Cemeteries tour of Metairie Cemetery.
