Running

We have some updates for you as Louisiana moves into phase 3 and as the start of our Virtual Race Season approaches rapidly.

Group Runs
Sunday: Corner Bar-Lafayette 6pm. Until further notice, no free beer after the run.
Monday: Smoothie King – Youngsville 6:30pm. $1 off small smoothies and $2 off medium/large smoothies
Tuesday: Red’s back parking lot, near the Horse Farm 5:30pm (track-type workout)
Wednesday: The Tap Room currently remains on hold, when we have the ok from management we will be back running!
Thursday: Bendel Gardens 5:30pm

Virtual Races
As our races approach we want to let those who are registered know the last day to defer or ask for a refund is September 30. After this date the option to defer/refund will be closed for ALL races and the Triple Crown Challenge. We know that going virtual was not ideal, but it was the best decision when keeping the health and safety of our community in mind. We appreciate your continued support.

If you have not registered and you wish to do so, registration remains open for all races and the Triple Crown Challenge! Pete’s 8k begins October 1 – October 4! We are beyond excited to kick off this race season and embrace all the changes that come with it.

Pete’s Packet Pickup
Geaux Run by Fleet Feet
906 Harding Street, Lafayette, LA
Thursday, October 1: 3pm-5:30pm
Friday, October 2: 12pm-5:30pm
***If you are in town we ask that you try to make packet pickup. We have two days and will be outside to help decrease the crowd size, we will be enforcing social distancing***

Each registration and club membership supports our club and races, and especially during this time will help us come back stronger next year. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate the continued support from our wonderful community of runners.

Happy Running,
Cajun Road Runners Club

Race Registration
Triple Crown Challenge (1st race Pete’s 8k)
Pete’s 8k (October 1-4)
Cajun Cup 10k (November 12-15)
Al Comeaux LA10 (January 21-24, 2021)

As we continue to abide by our mission statement and with the health and safety of our community being of utmost priority, we regret to inform you that we, as a board, have made the decision to go virtual for this year’s upcoming races. While the current situation involving COVID-19 remains fluid, we cannot in good faith plan and host a large group gathering that may expose our community to this health risk. Please know the decision was not easy, but we plan to do the best with the situation handed to us.

What does this mean for you?
If you have already registered for our events (Triple Crown Challenge, Big Pete’s 8k, Cajun Cup 10k, Al Comeaux LA10) you will be automatically transferred to the virtual race.
Given these extenuating circumstances, we are allowing you the option to defer your registration to next year’s race OR receive a refund, if you wish.

How the race will work:
You will be allotted a four day window to run the race. Races will remain on the same weekend as previously scheduled. The ability to submit times will be available from Thursday – Sunday. We will be recognizing the top three male and female finishers with awards. With your registration you will receive great SWAG as usual! Further details on the race will be sent to all participants at a later date.

We understand this is not the news you were hoping for, but we promise to do our best given this year’s challenges. Over the next several days, we will transition all of our platforms to reflect this information. Please be patient with us as we make this transition.

Please do reach out if you have any questions in regards to the new race format.

Happy Running,
Cajun Road Runners Club

July COVID-19 Updates

Just like you, we were hoping things would continue going in the right direction with COVID-19 and the restrictions that come along with it. Unfortunately, with the Governor’s most recent update, we must once again discontinue our group runs held at Corner Bar (Sunday) and The Tap Room (Wednesday). As of right now, Monday’s run from Smoothie King – Youngsville is still a go. When we can open these group runs up again, we will.

Below is a link with the updated restrictions from the Governor’s Office.
https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2591

Many of you are having concerns regarding what is to come of this year’s race season, we do too. But as of right now we plan to move forward with the races as the start is still three months out. As things change and decisions are made, we will update you.

July’s Sneaux Cone Run has a registrant cap of 50. We have reached this number and are unfortunately not allowing any more registrations at this time. If that changes, we will absolutely let you know! To be on the safe side August is also restricted to 50 runners, so don’t miss out on your spot – they are going fast, fast.

We will still be hosting our General Member Meeting this Thursday, JULY 16. If you are interested or plan to attend, please respond to our Facebook Event – CRRC General Member Meeting – or shoot us an email – secretary@cajunroadrunners.com – to let us know. The meeting will be held at LITE (Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise) at 6:30pm.

As you know, this whole year has been very fluid and changing at the drop of a hat. We are doing our best to meet requirements and keep you all updated in the process. We appreciate your patience with us as we continue to follow restrictions, but look for ways to keep everyone healthy and active.

Happy Running,
Cajun Road Runners Club

Staying Visible While Running

Running is one of the healthiest forms of exercise. According to the American College of Cardiology, running for just 10 minutes every day can extend your life by several years. While it’s often more peaceful to run on a designated jogging trail or park, it’s common for most of us to run where motorists travel. Here are some top tips & techniques you should keep in mind on your next run to ensure others on the road see you.

Dress for the Time of Day

What you wear makes a big difference when it comes to visibility. Choose your outfit according to the time of day you intend to run:

Daytime runners should wear at least one piece of florescent clothing. Think bright yellows, oranges, and greens here. While running at night, try wearing something that’s reflective. It’s hard to see anything at night, but reflective clothing is easily seen with a car’s headlights.

Carry a Light

Speaking of running at night, always have a flashlight on hand. Flashlights are useful for two reasons—a bouncing light is often easier for motorists to see, and it’ll help you see uneven pavement or potential hazards on the sidewalk. Tripping or falling on uneven sidewalks was the #1 cause of pedestrian injuries in 2012, accounting for 24% of cases.

Run in Groups!

Two runners are easier to see than one. Three runners is a downright crowd! If you want to make sure motorists give you space, run in a group. Just try not to run more than two abreast to not be a sidewalk hog.

Stick to the Sidewalk

Sidewalks are usually safer bets when running. You’ll have almost no chance of getting hit by a car when running on sidewalks. Just keep in mind that you should be vocal when overtaking pedestrians. Don’t expect anyone to stay aware of their surroundings—a simple “on your left” will do wonders for making sure pedestrians don’t step in front of you last-minute. If you’re running in an area with no sidewalk….

Run Against Traffic

There is no federal law stating which side of the road you should run on, so the choice is yours. If you don’t already make it a habit to run against traffic, you should start. Running against traffic isn’t necessarily about giving motorists more time to see you, but it’s so you have time to dive out of the way if a car approaches quickly.

Follow Traffic Lights at Intersections

While it might be tempting to just run through most intersections, keep in mind that cars travel much faster than you, and you’re a lot harder to see than another vehicle. Follow all traffic lights as you would if you were driving a car. When running through intersections, it’s also a good idea to ensure a motorist sees you. Waiting for him to make eye contact and wave, or waving to the motorist yourself are good ways to ensure the path is clear at intersections.

These are just a few tips you can incorporate into your next run—what are some of your favorite ways to stay seen by motorists?

 

This article was created by Personal Injury Help (www.personalinjury-law.com,) an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your running ordinances to ensure you run safe and legally.

The Crowley Town Club 5KolorRun will take place in Crowley, Louisiana on October 8th, 2016.  The event is a 5K Run/Walk.  This is our second KolorRun event and we are very excited about it.  A portion of your entry fee is going for a great cause!!!  OncoLogics is a local cancer treatment facility in Crowley.  The Louisiana Foundation for Cancer Care, LLC helps needy patients pay for their treatments.

You do not need to be an experienced runner for this event.  This is a not a timed event.  Please do not feel the need to keep up with experienced runners.  You can run the whole event, run/walk, or just plain walk.  We invite all to come to have a good time, enjoy competing if you like and if not, just enjoy the comradery of participating for a good cause.

Colored powder will be thrown at each “K” that the participants reach.  Cancer patients, their families and friends will be throwing the various colors.  All color powder is certified non-toxic and heavy metal free. The colors are made from cornstarch and dye.  You will of course want to keep it out of your eyes, nose and mouth.  Our color throwers will make sure to aim low as you pass by.  Runners are highly encouraged to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths.  A white T-Shirt is included with the event (and will be in your packet pick up) for you to wear during the run.

Yes, the color may stain your clothing.  We cannot guarantee that this will not happen.  It is recommended that you use a towel for your car after the race or even change your clothing.  Some runners cover their hair with a hat or bandanna.  Others just pull long hair back in a ponytail so that the majority of the surface is not visible.  We have even heard of runners putting Coconut Oil or Conditioner in their visible hair so that they can wash the color out quicker.  We will have an air blown cleaning station at the event in case you would like to clean yourself up.  It is recommended that you cover your phone or camera with plastic wrap if you are near any color being thrown.

Children are welcome, but, understand that you are responsible for eye protection.    We are not liable if your child inhales the color or if the color gets in their eyes.  Children six and olderwill need to register and wear a race bib.  We love pets, but they are not allowed at or in the event nor are they allowed to participate.  If you are pregnant, asthmatic, have a heart condition, cancer, or any health issue you should clear your participation with your doctor first.

There will be no refunds for the run.  With the incredible expense to put on the run we cannot issue refunds.  In the unfortunate event that the race cannot take place on the date set, we will have the race on an alternate date.  If rain is spotty on the day of the race, we will race after the weather clears.

Packet Pick UP will begin at 7:45am until ten minutes before race time.  Race time is at 9am. Please arrive timely so that this process runs smoothly.  Parking will be on side streets, The Crowley Town Club parking lot, OncoLogics Parking Lot, etc.  Please do not block any driveways in residential areas.  You will need to make sure to have a valid ID and your waiver signed.