Running around the Red Stick

It's a well know fact that Louisiana is the "Sportsman's Paradise."  And Baton Rouge is something of an urban oasis.  With great parks, trails and a runner-friendly attitude, we invite you to join us for fun running activities year-round in Louisiana's capital city!

Baton Rouge is home to Varsity Sports where you can find great deals on running gear or if you're in town on business, drop in for a group run.  Check out their website and running calendar here.

Or if "run, drink and be happy" is more your speed, check out the fine folks over at Happy's Running Club.  With Brooks Running as a partner, they host the RunNightLife series of races, plus a 5k group run every Tuesday in downtown Baton Rouge!

If cycling is where your heart is, check out the Capital City Cyclist Bike Club. The group rides every Monday and Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. They leave from the Hilton Capitol Center.  There is a designated 2.2 mile, 7.3 mile and 9.5 mile bike path. Bikes can be stored at The Hilton with proper locks and registration, and helmets are required.

Trail runners should check out Forge Racing for the latest on their trail racing series. Forge Racing is also the host of the Rouge-Orleans Ultra-Marathon -- a 126.2 mile levee run from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on the first weekend of Mardi Gras.  You'll enjoy this challenge whether you're a solo runner or part of a 6-man relay team.

If you'd like to get a better feel for our running community as a whole, check out Baton Rouge based online magazine Claim Your Journey.  Their team provides great running coverage from the area, including a brand new section featuring local area bloggers!

Water sport enthusiasts can now rent paddleboats at BREC's City Park Lake at May Street beach.  Boat rentals are available at the lake every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays through the end of September from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Fridays and 12:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.  The fee is $10 per half hour.  Renters must be 18 or older; however, a parent can sign for a child who is 12 or older. 

Here are a few upcoming events that we're looking forward to:

Amedisys Mardi Gras Mambo 10k and One mile Fun Run

Mambo your way through Baton Rouge! This event will begin at the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium on Feb. 25. The race course will wind through the oak-shaded boulevards of South Baton Rouge, pass through LSU and continue back downtown! Post-race food and drinks will be available from Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, Mockler Beverage/Budweiser, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, PJ's Coffee, Capital City Produce, Brew Ha Ha and Jason's Deli! Register HERE.

Fat Boy 5k

Enjoy chocolate milk, doughnuts, Budweiser, Manda Sausage po-boys, and Coca-Cola products after this race on April 14!  Race begins at Highland School, and chip timing will be available. There will be awards for 5 age groups. Register HERE.

Happy's 5000

Come to the new North Boulevard Town Square on April 28 for this social sporting event! Details coming soon! Check out www.runNIGHTLIFE.com for updates. Register HERE!