The Crescent City Classic is a 10K road race held annually in New Orleans on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. It begins downtown at the Caesars Superdome and attracts over 20,000 participants, ranging from international elite runners aiming for fast times to walkers who view the event as a moving costume party. The race has been held since 1979, when 902 people participated, and is now one of the oldest 10K races in the United States.
The course crosses the French Quarter and Esplanade Avenue before concluding in New Orleans City Park. It is produced by the not-for-profit Crescent City Classic Foundation, which uses its events to promote health and fitness in the New Orleans area. The weekend also features a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo. The post-race atmosphere reflects New Orleans culture with live music, Creole cuisine, cocktails, costumes, and a party reputation significant enough that the race has been recognized as the originator of the party race.