The New Orleans Saints and Easy Day Sports announced today that online registration for the 2014 SAINTS KICKOFF RUN Presented by Chevron is now open at Saints5k.com. The 5k (3.1 mile) race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, the day before the Saints season opener at the Atlanta Falcons. The course begins in Champions Square and ends with fans running through the Saints team tunnel onto the playing field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, sprinting to a finish on the 50-yard line. There will also be an NFL 'PLAY 60' Fun Run for Kids. Proceeds will benefit NORDC (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission) and the Louisiana Children's Museum.
!"As our team starts Training Camp, we are extremely excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity we have for success on the field," said Saints Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc. "Our fans have always played a major role in the outcome of our games with the passion and intensity they bring to each and every game. We invite everyone to show that same Saints spirit by participating in the SAINTS KICKOFF RUN Presented by Chevron. In addition to having a great time with fellow Saints fans, this is a great way to support two organizations that are committed to the greatest resource we have, our children. We can't think of a better way to kick off another great season of Saints football than to join together and do what we do best; celebrate football, our fans and taking care of our community".
The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN Presented by Chevron, now in its third year, has quickly evolved into a citywide tradition as fans welcome the start of the Saints season. Runners take to the streets of New Orleans to celebrate football and engage in a healthy and positive charitable activity. Starting at Champions Square, fans run through the French Quarter before experiencing the thrill of finishing on the 50-yard line at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Gumbo and Sir Saint, the club's mascots, along with the Saintsations, will be in attendance to cheer on participants. A post-race party with live entertainment and a Bud Light Beer Garden will take place after the race in Champions Square, and all participants will receive a collectible official race shirt and a commemorative medal.
!The half-mile long NFL 'PLAY 60' Fun Run for Kids, also finishes on the Saints playing field on the 50-yard line. This untimed fun run welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy a day of celebration and football while also making a positive choice to get moving and promote living an active lifestyle.
"Chevron is excited for this opportunity to bring the fun of the Saints season opener to fans of all ages here in New Orleans," said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Michael Illanne. "The SAINTS KICKOFF RUN Presented by Chevron will give us a chance to promote healthy initiatives for our community while celebrating the great Saints spirit for which our city is known. Chevron is proud to participate in kicking off another great season of football with this event benefitting NORDC and the Louisiana Children's Museum."
New in 2014 is the awarding of the Saints Corporate Cup, to be given to the local business which shows its "Black and Gold" by bringing the largest team of runners. The Corporate Cup Champions will pose for a team-building photo at the 50-yard line recognizing their contribution to the city, NORDC and the Louisiana Children's Museum. Also new this year will be a pre-race costume contest where the winner will receive a pair of tickets to a Saints game.
"Without a doubt our Saints Kickoff Run is a marquee event for fans and runners who love the Saints," said Jamie Monroe of Easy Day Sports, the event's producer. "There is no better way to kick off the 2014 season than with thousands of Saints fans celebrating the return of football New Orleans' style in Champions Square. It's just a great running event and a great party."
The Saints KICKOFF RUN begins at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K, and the 'PLAY 60' Fun Run for Kids (ages 4-12) follows immediately.
About The New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were established in 1967. In addition to posting one of the top records in the NFL since 2006 and winning Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints have emphasized being a leader off the field in the Gulf Coast community. Community service and participation in making positive, lasting impacts on the community are core beliefs and expectations of the organization.
About Chevron
Based in Covington, LA, Chevron's Gulf of Mexico business unit works with over 2,100 employees and approximately 900 contractors daily. Chevron is one of the largest producers and second largest leaseholder on the Gulf of Mexico shelf; and one of the top leaseholders in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
About Easy Day Sports
Headquartered in Coronado, California, Easy Day Sports is a boutique event production agency whose emphasis is creating memorable life experiences through premier, professionally managed endurance sports events. The company's name is deeply inspired by the Navy SEAL motto "The only easy day was yesterday." This is embodied through superior event production and a tireless commitment to excellence. Contact information for Easy Day Sports can be found at easydaysports.com
