39th Annual Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K and Kids 1 Mile Race.
Racewalker divisions presented by Mackie Shilstone's 4 GNC's. 5K race presented by Kentwood Springs.
The Louisiana Superdome, 1500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Race registration is closed for on-line, mailed-in, and faxed-in entries. Registration will continue at the Health and Fitness Expo inside the Louisiana Superdome:
Day of race registration will be available for the 5K and 1 Mile races only on race morning (February 28th, 7:30AM-8:30AM) at the Superdome, Gate-A ground level. There will be NO day of race registration for the Marathon or Half-Marathon.
| Registration Date | Marathon | Half-Marathon | 5K |
|---|---|---|---|
| By January 31, 2004 | $60 | $30 | $20 |
| After January 31, 2004 | $75 | $40 | $25 |
| NOTC member discount | ($10) | ($5) | ($3) |
Valid NOTC membership number must be denoted on entry form for member discount. Entry confirmation will be available on this web site.
Presented by Elmwood Fitness Center.
| The Louisiana Superdome, 1500 Poydras Street | |
| Friday, February 27, 2004 | 2:00PM-7:00PM |
| Saturday, February 28, 2004 | 9:00AM-7:00PM |
There will be no day of race registration, late packet pickup only.
Southwest Airlines is the official airline of the Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon. Southwest Airlines offers up to 10% off most fares for air travel to and from the event, with the convenience of ticketless travel! To qualify call Southwest Airlines Group and Meetings Reservations at 800-433-5368 and reference I.D. Code C0319.
Reservation agents are available 7:00AM-8:00PM, Monday-Friday and 8:30AM-3:30PM, Saturday-Sunday (CST).
Amtrak-Getting there really is half the fun! For ticket reservations, call 1-800-USA-RAIL. For available packages call Corrigan Travel at 1-800-874-7199.
The New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel is the official host to the Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon. For accommodations please call 800-445-8667 and ask for code: Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon.
For other choices, see Where to Stay.
The 39th Annual Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K and Kids 1 Mile Races are produced by the New Orleans Track Club. The NOTC welcomes runners and walkers from all over to enjoy the charm of historic New Orleans! For information about the NOTC visit our website at www.runNOTC.org.
All races start on Sugar Bowl Drive in front of the Louisiana Superdome and finish inside the Superdome.
No hills! New Orleans is below sea level and except for one small overpass at miles 6 and 9 the course is flat and fast. The scenic route takes you through many of New Orleans most historic neighborhoods including the French Quarter, Bayou St. John, City Park, Mid-City, Garden District, Uptown, and Audubon Park and is topped off with the exciting finish inside the Louisiana Superdome!
The Half-Marathon has a 4 hour time limit. Should a participant choose to continue after 11:00AM, they do so at their own risk and must use the sidewalk.
The Marathon has a 7 hour time limit. Should a participant choose to continue after 2:00PM, they do so at their own risk and must use the sidewalk.
All marathon participants must be past the marathon/half-marathon split (13 mile point) on Girod Street at the Superdome entrance by 11:00AM. The remainder of the marathon course will be closed to further access after that time.
Over 16 aid and fluid stations will be located throughout the marathon course. Kentwood Spring Water and 10K Thirst Quencher will be available at each station. Each station will have portable toilets. Race times will be called at each mile and mile markers will be posted at each mile.
Chip Timing and results: The Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon and Half-Marathon will be using Chip timing to score the race. Timing chips are received at packet pickup. Please remember to place the timing chip on your ankle above your shoes with the Velcro strap prior to the start of the race. No chip-no results!
Entrants with lost or non-returned chips will be charged a fee of $20.00. Additional instructions for use and return information will be in your chip packet. Complete race results will be posted on the official Nokia Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Marathon website.
Custom medallions will be given to all official marathon finishers at the finish line. Award divisions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall, 1st masters, 1st grandmasters, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in age groups 19-under through 75-over (5 year increments).
Custom medallions will be given to all official half-marathon finishers at the finish line. Award divisions include 1st overall, 1st masters, 1st grandmasters and age groups (same age group breakdown as marathon).
Custom medallions will be given to the top 1000 finishers.
Competitive race walker division only. Check box on entry form, check in at competitive race walker table at packet pick-up. Judges will be on the course. Marathon: Top 3 male and female overall. Half-Marathon: Top 5 male and female overall.
Refreshments for race entrants include Kentwood Springs Water and 10K Thirst Quencher, Michelob Ultra Beer, Blue Runner Red Beans and Rice, Subway sandwiches, Smoothie King, Pepsi Cola/Diet Pepsi, Elmer's Chee-Wees, fresh fruit, and Mardi Gras King Cake courtesy of Randazzo's Bakery.
Postrace entertainment will be provided by the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. Comprised of accordion, fiddle and a tight rhythm section, the band mixes traditional Louisiana French music with original Cajun and Zydeco material. Both New Orleans natives and tourists alike catch Bruce and his band at the legendary Tipitina's for the Sunday evening fais do do.
In addition to playing statewide festivals in his native Louisiana, Bruce has appeared throughout the country, from New York's Lincoln Center to the Los Angeles Cajun and Zydeco Festival.
Bruce, who describes his style of music as "new traditional Cajun," is an international favorite who has toured Canada, Europe, and Central and South America. His album Stir up the Roux topped the critic's poll of Germany's Tip Berlin Magazin, while Coeur des Cajuns landed a Top Ten spot among Craponne, France country radio listeners placing him with the likes of Garth Brooks, Wynnona and Tanya Tucker.
As a song writer, Bruce is recognized as an innovator. He has been honored time and again by the Cajun French Music Association for his song writing as well as his professionalism as a musician.
Entertainment sponsored by "Cajun In Your Pocket".
Official race merchandise will be available at the expo.
Crossing The Line(tm) offers a family of personalized commemorative items that
have been developed specifically for The Mardi Gras Marathon. Based on
original event artwork, these products recognize your individual achievement
and the spirit of long distance running. See and order from their full line of
products by going to
Crossing The Line.
East Jefferson General Hospital is our medical sponsor.