NEW ORLEANS (March 9, 2015) – The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic is now gearing up for its 37^th race, held this year on Saturday, April 4.

After completely overhauling the race two years ago, including introducing a new course, race organizers are now focusing efforts on expanding the Classic into a full event and festival celebration.

“Week-long celebrations are what New Orleans does best, and the Classic knows that. We’re the original ‘party race’ and we’re determined not to lose that title, so from Thursday morning through the race and Michelob Ultra RaceFest on Saturday afternoon, the Classic is just one continual family-friendly party,” said Laine Thomas, Classic Event Coordinator.

The Classic weekend kicks off with the Health and Fitness Expo, which takes place on April 2 and 3 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown New Orleans. The expo is free and open to the public10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days, and will feature free food and beverages, including New Orleans’ iconic red beans and rice, entertainment and a number of demonstrations from local fitness clubs. Race registration will be available at the expo, and registered runners can pick up their race packet and bib number.

The race starts at 8:00 a.m. on April 4. The course begins in front of Champions Square and the Superdome, runs through Jackson Square into the French Quarter and then heads up Esplanade Avenue into City Park.

Immediately following the race is the Michelob Ultra RaceFest, an experience unique to the Classic.  The fest will feature live entertainment by Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and The Dana Abbott Band, with free food and beer to all paid race participants.  Non-race participants can enter the fest for $10.

Registration over the past three years has continued to grow, and is expected to top 27,000 this year. The Classic has always been a popular tradition for New Orleans locals, but the race has experienced recent growth from outside the city, as participants see it as a fun and unique way to plan a trip to New Orleans during Easter weekend.

“The Classic is such an amazing New Orleans event, and we’re excited to be the catalyst for people coming to experience not only our event, but the city as a whole,” said Classic Race Director Eric Stuart.

To help their visitors make the most out of this fun-filled weekend, the Classic has partnered with various New Orleans hotels to offer participants discounted room rates. The full list of hotels can be found at http://www.ccc10k.com/hotel-accomidations.

To learn more about the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic, and the entire race series, please visit www.ccc10k.com.