The New Orleans Saints and Easy Day Sports announced today that online registration for the 2018 SAINTS KICKOFF RUN 5K presented by Chevron is now open. Register here. The seventh annual 5K (3.1 miles) race will take place on Saturday, September 8th, the day before the Saints open the regular season on Sunday in New Orleans against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN is an extremely popular event, with over 5,000 people annually participating in the event. The beneficiary of the Saints Kickoff Run presented by Chevron will be Bastion, a local nonprofit organization building intentionally designed neighborhoods for returning veterans and their families.

The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN 5K begins at 7:30 am, with a half mile Kids Fun Run sponsored by Raising Cane's following at 9:15 am. Gumbo and Sir Saint, the club's mascots 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, where runners will be able to view themselves on the giant video boards above each end zone. Following the race, participants can enjoy live entertainment, products provided by Coca-Cola and Gatorade, a beer garden, and jambalaya in Champions Square. All participants will receive an official race shirt presented by Entergy and a finisher's medal.

"With the kickoff of the Saints season-opener just around the corner, we are thrilled to share the excitement of the start of the 2018 season with the best fans in the NFL at the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN," said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. "The annual Saints Kickoff Run presented by Chevron is a marquee event that provides our fans and the community the opportunity to come together prior to the start of the season."

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 the Bastion Community. Team members are encouraged to make an additional donation when they register to continue the giving tradition of the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN.

"We are extremely humbled and grateful to the New Orleans Saints for selecting Bastion as the beneficiary for this event," said Dylan Tête founder and Executive Director of Bastion Community of Resilience. "Support from the Saints 5K will help us to expand our efforts of providing returning warriors, their families and the entire New Orleans veteran community with the services and resources needed to thrive."

"Thank you to the Saints for providing this opportunity for increased visibility and awareness for Bastion." said Lauren Bowman Development Director for Bastion Community of Resilience. "It is important that we continue to build awareness of Bastion and our mission to improve the continuum of care for military veterans and their families."

Additionally, all race participants will have the chance to compete in the pre-race costume contest. The winner will receive two tickets to a mutually agreed upon Saints home game.

"Not only is the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN a fun event, it's also a great way to honor and continue Mr. Benson's legacy of philanthropy in the Crescent City," said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mark Hatfield. "By sponsoring the 5K run, Chevron is supporting Bastion". We're also promoting healthy lifestyles among football fans of all ages. Chevron encourages everyone to join us for the run and an exciting 2018 New Orleans Saints season."

The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN presented by Chevron, now in its seventh 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. Each participant will receive a Raising Cane's Jr. Achievement award and will be greeted by Jr. Gumbo at the finish line!

"This year, the seventh annual Saints Kickoff Run happens just one day before the Saints take on the Buccaneers at home! The event has always brought fans from far and wide together to finish on the 50-yard line," said Easy Day Sports Race Director Jamie Monroe. "We expect attendance to be even greater in 2018 as many fans will be in town participating in Saints activities and attending the game the following day to begin this year's NFL Season!"

Click here to register for the 2018 SAINTS KICKOFF RUN or for more information visit saints5k.com.

About Easy Day Sports
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.