Cycling & running events in Alexandria, 2026

Alexandria Training Notes

Running: Alexandria runners keep things simple around the Red River, England Airpark, and the old Versailles corridor. The Versailles corridor still works for base miles, and locals can peel off into a number of neighbors for added distance. The AEX Loop gives runners 9 miles from the community center through England Airpark. The AEX Loop is 45 km and gains 105 m when you want steady work. Locals also use Buhlow Recreational Park and Bringhurst Field for easy laps. LSUA 5K, Freedom Run 5K & Fun Run, LV5K & 1 Mile Walk/Run, Ruck to Remember, and Loup Garou Trail Run give the calendar its anchor races.

Cycling: Alexandria riders get plenty of flat Z2, with 28 tracked routes and 1,305 km of mapped riding around town. The AEX Loop works for quick spins, jog-bike days, and easy intervals without overthinking it. The AEX Loop is 8 km and gains 131 m. One route covers 1 km with 122 m of ascent. One route is 3 km and 412 m of gain when legs need pressure. Kisatchie National Forest is where the hills, valleys, and bends live. Le Tour de Bayou - 2026 is the road anchor.

Season: Spring gives Alexandria runners and riders the cleanest training window, though locals keep one eye on the sky because thunder days are part of life here. Summer brings consistent heat and humidity, so runners start early, cyclists stack bottles, and most serious work becomes short intervals or patient Z2. Winter stays mild enough for base miles, long rides, and steady marathon work. Cold snaps still show up, and the first freeze usually lands in early to mid November while the last freeze usually clears in early to mid March. Snowfall stays rare, so the season rarely shuts down training.