Running in New Orleans

[dragitoff]

I'm headed to New Orleans next week for business and I'd like to get some running in while there. I'm staying across from the convention center. I'd have to do my running in early morning and I'm not as familiar with that part of town as the French Quarter section (which isn't far). Does anyone know of any good places to run in that area? I'd need to log about 8 miles or so on my longest run.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

When I am in the area, I try to stay in Metairie because I like the runs on the levee around Lake Pontchartrain. If you have a car, consider a drive over to the levee.

 

[dragitoff]

When I am in the area, I try to stay in Metairie because I like the runs on the levee around Lake Pontchartrain. If you have a car, consider a drive over to the levee.

I'll have my car, but I have a convention at the convention center and wouldn't have time to run prior to my convention starting. I'm manning our company's booth so I'll have to be there the entire day. I know that area you're talking about though and I'm sure there's some great spots there!

 

[cewait]

I have stayed in that area and ran back and forth to the FQ as well as along the river. Note that the early morning FQ run is really a hit of miss thing. Literally. If you are out before the wash trucks, its the puddles, after the clean puddles during the spray.

I seem to have erased my mapmyrun files for the city.

 

[dragitoff]

I have stayed in that area and ran back and forth to the FQ as well as along the river. Note that the early morning FQ run is really a hit of miss thing. Literally. If you are out before the wash trucks, its the puddles, after the clean puddles during the spray.

I seem to have erased my mapmyrun files for the city.

I've never stayed in the area I'm staying at this time as we've normally stayed on Canal or an adjacent street in the FQ area, but I remember the Riverwalk area being pretty open. I know NO isn't the safest place to be before daylight and at night in certain parts, but I wasn't even sure of a good route.

I can ask the concierge, but like to have an idea going in beforehand if possible.

 

[kim3339]

I was there last month and just ran straight down St. Charles. I was staying in the Quarter and from my hotel straight down St. Charles to the edge of Audubon Park/Loyal Marymount/Tulane it was a little over 4 1/2 miles, so 9 out and back. I got on the road around 6:30 or so and it was Monday so a people were out going to work and a lot of runners too. I felt really safe, it was mostly businesses until you got to the edge of the Garden District and then it was houses w/ the occasional Street Car. Even though there were lights, maybe it was timing but the only time I had to stop was at 1 under the freeway, but it was really short.

And don't forget to watch the road and sidewalks too! The sidewalks are a little uneven b/c of the oaks and the streets have a lot of potholes so make sure you don't get caught up.

 

[dragitoff]

I was there last month and just ran straight down St. Charles. I was staying in the Quarter and from my hotel straight down St. Charles to the edge of Audubon Park/Loyal Marymount/Tulane it was a little over 4 1/2 miles, so 9 out and back. I got on the road around 6:30 or so and it was Monday so a people were out going to work and a lot of runners too. I felt really safe, it was mostly businesses until you got to the edge of the Garden District and then it was houses w/ the occasional Street Car. Even though there were lights, maybe it was timing but the only time I had to stop was at 1 under the freeway, but it was really short.

And don't forget to watch the road and sidewalks too! The sidewalks are a little uneven b/c of the oaks and the streets have a lot of potholes so make sure you don't get caught up.

Thanks for that! Great info!

 

[geaux_half]

I work in New Orleans CBD and run in the CBD/French Quarter/Marigny areas at lunchtime weekdays. As mentioned, running on the neutral ground on St Charles to Audubon Park is a popular option. There will be some traffic to deal with but should be other runners around.

Another option is running along the Riverwalk to Esplanade avenue and taking Esplanade to City Park. Traffic will be less of an issue with this route.

A third option is taking the Riverwalk to Espanade and then taking a right on Chartres in the Marigny up to Poland. Lots of French Quarter restaurant/bar employees live in this area so its an interesting off the beaten path run.

Sidewalks are really bad in most areas (the French Quarter sidewalks for just redone for this year's Superbowl so they are in great shape) and potholes are common in streets so just watch your step.

 

[Desiree]

Yea, I was just going to suggest City Park but if you do run around the quarter in that area, watch out for potholes and sidewalks buckling!

Have fun in Nola!

 

[wiigirl]

Yea, I was just going to suggest City Park but if you do run around the quarter in that area, watch out for potholes and sidewalks buckling!

Have fun in Nola!

 

[RussTKD]

I work in New Orleans CBD and run in the CBD/French Quarter/Marigny areas at lunchtime weekdays. As mentioned, running on the neutral ground on St Charles to Audubon Park is a popular option. There will be some traffic to deal with but should be other runners around.

Another option is running along the Riverwalk to Esplanade avenue and taking Esplanade to City Park. Traffic will be less of an issue with this route.

A third option is taking the Riverwalk to Espanade and then taking a right on Chartres in the Marigny up to Poland. Lots of French Quarter restaurant/bar employees live in this area so its an interesting off the beaten path run.

Sidewalks are really bad in most areas (the French Quarter sidewalks for just redone for this year's Superbowl so they are in great shape) and potholes are common in streets so just watch your step.

I run in the evening, and a route I like is Poydras from the Dome, turn right on Convention Center Blvd, run to the end of the Convention Center, turn around and run to the casino, then cross over the streetcar tracks and go up on the Moonwalk by the river, run that to where it ends, then either come back the way I came or go through the Quarter to Royal St. and take that back to Poydras to get back to the Dome. That's good for 6ish miles.

 

[dragitoff]

I run in the evening, and a route I like is Poydras from the Dome, turn right on Convention Center Blvd, run to the end of the Convention Center, turn around and run to the casino, then cross over the streetcar tracks and go up on the Moonwalk by the river, run that to where it ends, then either come back the way I came or go through the Quarter to Royal St. and take that back to Poydras to get back to the Dome. That's good for 6ish miles.

How would that run be in the morning? Do you know? I know New Orleans fairly well from business travels; however I don't know which areas are safe and at what times. I've had police officers tell me certain places were good during daylight areas but to stay far away when it's dark.