Photos of the New Orleans Saints Kickoff Run presented by Chevron on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. Photos by Annie Hills. New Orleans Saints photos.
The New Orleans Saints and Easy Day Sports announced today that online registration for the 2016 SAINTS KICKOFF RUN presented by Chevron is now open at saints5k.com. The 5th Annual 5K (3.1-miles) race will take place on Saturday, September 10th, the day before the Saints home opener, making it the ultimate fan experience.
The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN begins at 7:30 am, with a half mile Kids Fun Run following at 9:00 am. Gumbo and Sir Saint, the club's mascots, and members of the Saintsations, will be in attendance to cheer on runners. The course begins in Champions Square and ends with fans sprinting through the Saints team tunnel to the finish on the 50-yard line at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New to the race this year, runners will able to view themselves on the brand new giant video boards above each end zone. Following the race, participants can enjoy live entertainment, a Bud Light beer garden, and jambalaya in Champions Square. All participants will receive an official race shirt and a finisher's medal.
"With the start of the Saints 50th Season upon us, we are thrilled to share the excitement of the start of the 2016 season with our fans at the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN presented by Chevron," said Saints Owner/Chairman of the Board Tom Benson. "The annual SAINTS KICKOFF RUN provides our fans and the community the opportunity to come together prior to the start of what we feel will be an exciting and memorable season in 2016, all while benefiting a great community asset in the Louisiana Children's Museum."
Fans and local businesses will have the opportunity to compete for the event's Corporate Cup which will be awarded to a group of participants that registers as a team and best shows its "Black and Gold" spirit by bringing the largest number of runners. The Corporate Cup Champions will have the chance to take a team photo at the 50-yard line as they are recognized for their contribution to the city and Louisiana Children's Museum. Team members are encouraged to make an additional donation when they register to continue the giving tradition of the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN. The event has donated over $250,000 to local charities over the last four years.
Additionally, all race participants will have the chance to compete in the pre-race costume contest. The winner will receive a pair of tickets and pregame sideline passes to the Saints season opener against the Oakland Raiders on September 11th, 2016.
"The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN is one of the NFL's most popular fan events and is one part of Chevron's commitment to investing in the local community," said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mike Illanne. "By sponsoring the 5K run, we're promoting healthy lifestyles among football fans of all ages, as well as supporting the Louisiana Children's Museum. We're looking forward to the run and an exciting 2016 New Orleans Saints season."
The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN presented by Chevron, now in its fifth year, has quickly evolved into a city-wide tradition as fans welcome the start of the Saints' season. Runners take to the streets of New Orleans to celebrate football and engage in a healthy and positive charitable activity.
The half mile Kids Fun Run also finishes on the 50-yard line of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This untimed fun run welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy a day of celebration and football while also making a positive choice to get moving and promote living an active lifestyle.
"Without a doubt our SAINTS KICKOFF RUN is a marquee event for fans and runners who love the Saints," Jamie Monroe, race director from Easy Day Sports. "There is no better way to kick off the 2016 season than with thousands of Saints fans celebrating in Champions Square. It's just a great running event and a great party."
The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN has also partnered with area hotels to offer exclusive rates to runners during the weekend of the race. The official host hotel of the 2016 Saints 5K is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. In addition, The Whitney Hotel will have a runner courtesy block reserved. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Louisiana Children's Museum.
To register for the 2016 SAINTS KICKOFF RUN or for more information visit saints5k.com.
About the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were established in 1967. In addition to posting one of the top records in the NFL since 2006 and winning Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints have emphasized being a leader off the field in the Gulf Coast community. Community service and participation in making positive, lasting impacts on the community are core beliefs and expectations of the organization.
About Easy Day Sports
Headquartered in Coronado, California, Easy Day Sports is a boutique event production agency whose emphasis is creating memorable life experiences through premier, professionally managed endurance sports events. The company's name is deeply inspired by the Navy SEAL motto "The only easy day was yesterday." This is embodied through superior event production and a tireless commitment to excellence. Contact information for Easy Day Sports can be found at easydaysports.com.
