Nation’s Largest Cemetery Race to Draw Several Hundred Participants to Historic Metairie Cemetery
NEW ORLEANS – 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, Apr. 19, 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 25th 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 Save Our Cemeteries, a department of the Preservation Resource Center, that preserves and protects New Orleans cemeteries through inclusive education, advocacy and restoration.
“The event has grown into something truly special over the past 25 years,” said Jerry Schoen, funeral director and director of community relations at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. “We look forward to welcoming families, friends and fitness enthusiasts to the beautiful grounds of Metairie Cemetery. This community event is a fun way to celebrate history and architecture, and it’s for a good cause.”
“Being part of events like the Run/Walk Through History is an exciting extension of our work to protect New Orleans’ historic places,” said Sara Lowenburg, director of Save Our Cemeteries. “We are incredibly grateful to Metairie Cemetery, NORSI and our sponsors for making this event possible. The funds raised help ensure that Save Our Cemeteries can continue restoring and safeguarding these sacred spaces for future generations.”
“There’s nothing quite like racing through a cemetery – only in New Orleans!” said Chuck George, race director for NORSI. “Metairie Cemetery provides a beautiful backdrop, and it’s inspiring to see the community come together for an event that promotes health, connection and preservation.”
Following the races, participants can enjoy festivities next to the funeral home with an awards ceremony, music, food and beverages. 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 $5 discount on a Save Our Cemeteries tour of Metairie Cemetery.
About Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is a proud Dignity Memorial® provider in New Orleans. The Dignity Memorial network of more than 2,000 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers is North America’s most trusted resource for funeral and memorialization services. Dignity Memorial providers offer an unmatched combination of products and locations serving families with care, integrity, respect and service excellence to celebrate each life like no other. For more information, visit www.DignityMemorial.com.
About Save Our Cemeteries
Save Our Cemeteries, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1974 to promote, preserve, protect and restore the historic cemeteries of New Orleans through restoration, education, and advocacy. Now a department of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, Save Our Cemeteries works to address the issues facing the cemeteries through a multi-layered approach that addresses both the immediate needs of the historic sites, as well as the systemic issues that contribute to their deterioration. For more information, visit www.prcno.org
About New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. (NORSI)
New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. specializes in the quality production of run/walk endurance events in the metro New Orleans area since 1982. A leader in run/walk event production, NORSI is a proud member of multiple national running associations and provides counseling and assistance to other race event directors. For more information, visit www.nolarunning.com.