Health

Fitness Calendar

by Wynce Nolley

Your guide to fun activities that will keep you fit throughout 2013.

Your guide to fun activities that will keep you fit throughout 2013.

Cajun Cyclists Group Ride
Saturdays - Lafayette
Rides leave from Pack & Paddle every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Most routes are 35-40 miles, but a beginners' route is available. Open to all levels and ages. Visit cajuncyclists.bicycleracing.com for more info.

Cajun Roadrunners
Group Run

Wednesdays - Lafayette
Runners meet at 6 p.m. at Fresh Market in River Ranch and run a 4-6 mile loop. Visit cajunroadrunners.com for more info.

Critical Mass
Second Fridays - Lafayette
Starting at Parc Sans Souci downtown at 5:30 p.m., this group bike ride welcomes all riders for a ride around town. A party is usually held after. Visit www.facebook.com/LafayetteCriticialMass for more info.
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Geaux Run Group Run**
Sundays - Lafayette
Every Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m., this group meets at Corner Bar for a 3-6 mile run. Visit www.geauxrun.com for more info.

Krewe de Velo Biking
Club Ride

Sundays - Washington
This recreational biking club rides every Sunday, departing at 7:30 a.m. from the corner of Dejean and Mayer streets. Beginners, intermediate and advanced riders are welcome. E-mail [email protected] for more info.

Precision Bikes' Ride
Saturdays - Lafayette
Rides leave from Red Lerille's at 6:30 a.m., weather permitting. Check www.precisionbikes.com for confirmation.

Pub Running Club
Tuesdays - Lafayette
Runners meet at Jefferson Street Pub at 6:30 p.m. and run a 2-4 mile course through downtown. Drink specials and food are provided by Tri-Running after the run.

Inaugural Wild Azalea
Trail Challenge

Jan. 6, 8 a.m. - Kisatchie National Park
Woodworth
A 25 mile trail run or ride with point to point mountain bike, relay runners and solo runners.
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The Louisiana Marathon**
Jan. 20 - Baton Rouge
A 26.2-mile course along the lakes, river, through downtown, the university and historic neighborhoods, with half-marathon, 5K and kids marathons also available. Registration is $110 for the marathon, $100 for the half, $35 for the 5K and $15 for kids. Visit www.thelouisianamarathon.com for more info.
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Beignet Boogie 5K**
Jan. 27 - Abbeville
A 5K and 1-mile run/walk through the streets of Abbeville to benefit Mount Carmel Elementary. Beignets are free for all participants, and an "Anything Over Rice/Pasta" cookoff follows. Registration is $20 before Jan. 11.

Acadiana Runner's Ball
Feb. 2 - Opelousas
The second-annual 10K, 5K and 1-mile walk/run features live entertainment on stage at the finish line at Evangeline Downs. Register at active.com; cost ranges from $30-$40.

Rouge-Orleans
Ultramarathon

Feb. 8-10 - Baton Rouge & New Orleans
A 100-plus mile ultramarathon and team relay that starts in Baton Rouge and finishes in Audubon Park in New Orleans, this race travels down the Mississippi River levee and ends with a party in the Big Easy for Mardi Gras weekend. Registration ranges from $140 for individuals up to $660 for a six-person team. Visit www.therougeorleans.com for more info.

Carencro Mardi Gras
Parade Run

Feb. 9 - Carencro
A 4-mile run along the Carencro Mardi Gras Parade route. Visit www.LAtrail.org for more info.
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Lundi Gras Bar-A-Thon**
Feb. 11 - Lafayette
A 5K group fun run with five stops and drinks along the way to benefit T.R.A.I.L. Visit www.LAtrail.org for more info.

King Cake 5K
Feb. 16 - Lafayette
Race takes place in River Ranch Town Square and is open to men and women of all ages. Funds go to Acadiana Youth, with all-you-can-eat king cake available afterward. Visit www.acadianayouthinc.org/ for more info and to register.

Mardi Gras Mambo 10K
Feb. 16 - Baton Rouge
Registration starts at 7 a.m. at the Belle of Baton Rouge atrium. One-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K at 9 a.m. Food and drinks will be provided. Visit www.brasf.com/mardigrasmambo.cfm for more info.

Rock n' Roll Mardi Gras
Marathon

Feb. 24 - New Orleans
Benefiting the American Cancer Society, this annual full and half marathon starts at 7 a.m. at Poydras and Camp streets, and registration ranges from $115-155. Entertainment is provided along the course, with a concert in City Park following the race. Cash prizes will be given for first, second and third place. Visit runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans for more info.

Louisiana Hiking Club
Campfest 2013

March 1 - Ville Platte
The club holds its annual event at Chicot State Park with seminars, hiking, paddling, gear demos, food and more. Visit  www.hikelouisiana.org for more info.

Bunny Run
March 9 - Youngsville
Benefiting the ECGC Women's Business Center, this 5K will run through Sugar Mill Pond from 8-9 a.m. Visit www.ecgcwbc.com/ for more info and to register.

Komen Acadiana Race
for the Cure

March 16 - Lafayette
Acadiana's 14th annual Race for the Cure kicks off at 7 a.m. in Girard Park as part of the fight against breast cancer. A survivor ceremony will be held at 8 a.m., with a 1-mile fun run/walk at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. Early registration is $25 for individuals and $20 for kids. Visit komenacadiana.org for more info.

5K Foam Fest
March 23 - Denham Springs
This 3.1-mile adventure run with foam and obstacles will be held at Tiki Tubing and starts at 9 a.m. Visit www.trifind.com for more info.
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Girl Power Triathlon**
March 23 - New Orleans
Open to women only, this 300-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 2-mile run will take place at UNO Lakefront Arena Aquatic Center at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $40 on active.com.

Ride for Rox
March 23 - Lafayette
Memorial ride for Roxanne Richard starts at 8 a.m. at Acadiana Park. Visit www.bikelafayette.org for more info.

Crescent City Classic
March 30 - New Orleans
A nationally recognized 10K road race, the Crescent City Classic begins at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Loyola and Poydras streets and finishes in City Park with a post-race party. Registration is $30 by March 1 and $35 after. Visit www.ccc10k.com for more info.

Cycle Zydeco
April 3-7 - Acadiana
Ride through Cajun Country includes a stop at Bayou Teche Brewery. Visit www.LAtrail.org for more info.
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FestiVÉLO de Lafayette**
April 7 - Lafayette
More details on this bike festival downtown at Parc Sans Souci will be available closer to the event. Visit www.bikelafayette.com for more info.

Courir du Festival 5K
April 27 - Lafayette
Festival International de Louisiane's annual 5K run includes a course through downtown, plus live music, food and drinks. Registration opens at 7 a.m. with the race at 8 a.m., and cost is $20 in advance and $25 on race day. Visit festivalinternational.com for more info.

New Orleans Triathlon
May 26 - New Orleans
This 1,500-meter swim, 24.9-mile bike and 6.2-mile run will be held at South Shore Harbor Marina at 7 a.m. Registration is $75 on active.com.
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New Orleans
Red Dress Run**
Aug. 10 - New Orleans
One of the largest Red Dress runs in the country, New Orleans' event is hosted by Hash House Carriers and contributes to several charities. Runners along the 3- to 4-mile course must wear a red dress to participate, and stops along the way provide food and drinks. Visit www.reddressruns.org for more info.
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CajunMan Triathlon**
September date TBA - Lafayette
Lafayette's annual Cajun Man includes a 800-meter swim, 20-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run, beginning at Airport Lake. Applicants must be USA Triathlon members, and online registration in advance is $65 for individuals and $130 for relay teams. Visit www.lafayettefitness.org/cajunmantri for more info.

Cajun Cup
November date TBA - Lafayette
The Cajun Cup's 10K course starts and finishes in downtown Lafayette; a 1-mile fun run/walk is also available. Registration ranges from $25-$40. Visit www.cajuncup10k.com for more info.