Indianapolis’ Working Man’s Track Club wins the inaugural North American Distance Project Teams Competition; Brett Morley (Taylors, S.C.) and Carly Forte (Golden, Colo.) takes top spots in the marathon; Panuel Mkungo (Kenya) and Amy Cragg (Portland, Ore.) win the half marathon
NEW ORLEANS, La. (Feb. 9, 2020) – Approximately 13,000 registered runners from age 12 to 84 took to the streets of New Orleans this weekend to participate in the 11th running of the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon. Known for Bringing the Fun to the Run™ the event saw runners of all athletic levels enjoy the sights and sounds of the Crescent City, bringing together the party atmosphere with music and running.
The best-in-class running event kicked off on Saturday with the 5K presented by Brooks that took participants on a tour of the French Quarter, giving runners the opportunity to run the streets of some of New Orleans’ most historic districts and vibrant scenery. Representing all 50 states and 35 countries, it was the 10K, marathon and half marathoners turn on Sunday, which took off from Lafayette Square to St. Charles and through the French Quarter before finishing in City Park.
In the new North American Elite Distance Project, the Indianapolis-based Working Man’s Track Club prevailed in the debut of the team competition in New Orleans. A first of its kind, the new competition format saw eight running teams, four male and four female, compete for a prize purse in the half marathon.
In the marathon, Brett Morley (Taylors, S.C.) took the first-place crown clocking a time of 2:27:46. Benjamin Kopecky (Brentwood, Mo.) placed second with a time of 2:34:49. Jacob Plocher (Hattiesburg, Miss.) followed in third place finishing in 2:40:14. Carly Forte (Golden, Colo.) was the women’s champion with a final time of 3:07:13. Finishing second was Jennifer Caddick (Oak Forest, Ill.) placing a time of 3:11:56 with Kristin Johnson (San Antonio, Texas) rounding out the podium in 3:14:25.
In the half marathon, Panuel Mkungo (Kenya) won the race with his first-place effort clocking a time of 1:02:05. Emmanuel Rotich (New Orleans, La.) was second with a time of 1:02:58, followed by Chris Derrick (Portland, Ore.) in third place finishing in 1:04:09. Amy Cragg (Portland, Ore.) was the women’s champion with a final time of 1:16:53, with Kir Selert Faraud (New Orleans, La.) next behind her at 1:17:55. Andrea Condie (Corona, Calif.) rounded out the podium in 1:18:35.
Elite runners and fast times aside, Sunday’s races were all about the party atmosphere. Several local bands, including the Cameron Dupuy and The Cajun Troubadours, Colin Davis and The Night People, Jon Roniger & The Good For Nothin’ Band, The Big Dixie Swingers plus many others performed live on band stages along the route interspersed with cheerleaders and themed water stations. Participants moved along to more music on course while taking in the unique New Orleans scenery and city streets packed with spectator support.
The musically themed road race celebrated the day’s accomplishments with DJ Fresh, Band Camp & Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen providing the Encore Entertainment at the finish line festival at City Park.
Live coverage of today’s event was made available exclusively on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Facebook page. The race broadcast included a pre-race show, as well as live coverage of the half marathon. Visit here for a replay of the event.
For complete results or for information on the 2021 event, visit www.runrocknroll.com/NewOrleans/
