Check out photos from the Sixth Annual New Orleans Saints Kickoff Run presented by Chevron at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2017.
More than 5,000 people gathered in Champions Square on Saturday, Sept. 9 for the sixth annual Saints 5K Kickoff Run presented by Chevron. Sunny skies and 70-degree weather welcomed New Orleans Saints fans as they gathered together two days before the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Chevron, a partner of the Saints, helps put on the 5K to bring the community together, but to also benefit local organizations.
"This is a great example of the collaboration that our two organizations have," Chevron public affairs manager Leah Brown said. "The organizations that are being impacted by the race are the Children's Museum and the Friends of City Park, two very worthy causes. We're just happy to be able to support and participate."
The race was preceded by a costume contest at the starting line for all participants and fans as well as a group warm up. Runners took off at 7:30 a.m. through Champions Square and down Poydras Street, running through the French Quarter, and finally finishing on the 50-yard line of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Ian Carr won the 5K Kickoff Run for the fifth time.
"There's not any other race that lets you go to the Superdome and finish on the 50-yard line," Carr said. "It's one of those races I want to keep trying to win back to back as long as I can."
Former LSU Tiger runner Megan Gohres won the women's group in her third year participating in the race. Gohres is an active participant in many New Orleans races but enjoys the route and support of the Saints 5k,
"There's a lot more regular people, and not serious runner people," Gohres said. "A lot more fans so a lot more cheering on the course which is fun."
Participants were welcomed to the Superdome finish line with a large inflatable tunnel and medal of achievement from the Saints as well as an opportunity to see themselves on the giant video boards.
Fans and runners returned to Champions Square for live entertainment, food, and fun. Kids were able to participate in the festivities too with a half-mile Kids Fun Run ending on the 50-yeard line of the Superdome.
