Races

The Down Syndrome Association of SWLA invites you and your family to participate the  Run your Socks off 5k +, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day!  Our run will not be the traditional 5K (3.1 mile) but will be a 3.21-mile walk/run.  The 3.21 represents that individuals with Down syndrome carry 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.  So, our route will include that “little something extra”.   We have also had a small group of individuals with Down syndrome who have been training  to run or walk  this event , so this will be their moment to shine and show our community their “capABILITIES” We couldn’t think of a better day to host our run but actually on World Down Syndrome Day.  We invite all runners or walkers with varying Abilities to join us.   Race Day Schedule:        6:30-7:45am:  Onsite registration and packet Pick up    Onsite/Day of registration increases to $45 per runner    8:00: Race Begins    9:15-9:30 appx:  Awards                                                     Route

Howdy everyone! Thank you for helping me celebrate my birthday. As you know, I'm turning 29- not 30 yet so I thought it would be fun to do a 2.9k run/walk. This little celebration will take place at Prien Lake Park on Saturday, March 28th starting at 8:30AM. According to the park's website, the park loop is .7 of a mile so our course will be that loop 4 times. Every registrant will receive a bib and a medal for completing their run/walk and are welcome to join for matcha and coffee at Stellar Beans. The theme is green (and some pink) since you know I'm not that matcha older. So please wear green (and pink)! You know I love every opportunity to dress up. Of course, run or walk the course at your own party pace. Any and everyone are welcomed to register (it's free!) Thanks again for celebrating my birthday with me.  To clarify, yes- my birthday is March 27th but we're celebrating the next day on the 28th.   RACE DAY SCHEDULE: 7:45AM - Packet pickup opens 8:25AM - Pack

It is time to pave a path and run or walk the Dolly Run in Lake Charles, Louisiana on April 18,2026. The 3.1-mile adventure travels through the stunning downtown of Lake Charles! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a fun morning walk, this race is perfect for everyone.    🎀 Costume Awards: Express your inner Dolly! Dress as Dolly Parton for the event.  📕📘 Book Donation Station: We need your help! Consider donating new/used children's books at the Book Donation Station at the event! These books will be given to area teachers to help build their classroom libraries. 🎸🥁 DJ & Karaoke: Take the stage and sing your favorite Dolly tunes. 🏅 Historic Race Route: Enjoy a professionally measured course that offers the perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment. 👟 Join the Community: Your support will assist the United Way Southwest Louisiana to impact our community by benefitting 3,480 children monthly to prom

9th Annual Holden's Hope Forever 5K & 1 Mile Race Join us for the 9th Annual Holden's Hope Forever Race, where every step you take contributes to a meaningful cause!  The Hope Forever 5K Race is a heartfelt gathering that honors the memory of precious lives while uniting our community in compassion and resilience. We invite you to get involved by sponsoring the event or forming a fundraising team with your friends, family, or colleagues. Together, we can create a day filled with love, remembrance, and support. Your participation as a sponsor or team member celebrates the lives of those we’ve lost and empowers families facing unimaginable challenges. Sign up today to be part of something truly special and make a lasting difference in our community! Dedicated areas and tributes are woven throughout the race, creating a poignant atmosphere that honors the memory of precious babies. As you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll encounter heartfelt displays that remind u

Join us for our sixth annual Run Pro Rege (for the King)! This family-friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will be fun for all ages. Our aim is to bring awareness of classical Christian education to our community and help raise funding for our capital and scholarship needs. All runners pre-registered on or before 4/13/26, will receive a t-shirt. Cost is $45 before race day and $50 on race day.

Lake Area Runners presents the 50th Contraband 5 Miler!!!     Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Lake Area Runners Contraband 5 Miler with us! The Contraband 5 Miler is pirate themed event.    Race Date and Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:00am Location: Lake Charles City Court parking lot118 West Mill StreetLake Charles, LA 70601   Route Description: The course is flat and fast. Route begins and ends at 118 West Mill Street near Lake Charles City Court. Route runs along the scenic Lakeshore Drive with beautiful views of the lake and its lake houses and large estates.   Registration Fees: $45 = January 20 , 2026 - April 15, 2026 $55 = April 16, 2026 - May 1, 2026 $60 = May 2, 2026 (online registration only)   *Age based pricing of registration fees: Registrants 5 - 9 years old = $5 registration fee (shirt not included). Shirts may be purchased $20.Registrants 65 years and older = free registration (shirt not included). Shirts may be purchased $20.If you would like a shirt, pur

Presented by Lake Charles Event Center Event Overview This is more than just a 5K. Kick off your morning with a scenic race along the Lake Charles Lakefront, from the Event Center to North Beach and back, and finishing inside the Sudduth Coliseum. After the run, participants will be welcomed into an exciting post-run celebration featuring a live DJ, local vendors, giveaways, lifting competitions, high-energy movement classes, and everything health and fitness in between! Date and Time Saturday, May 9, 2026Race Start: 8:00 AM Location Lake Charles Event Center Amphitheatre900 Lakeshore DriveLake Charles, LA 70601 Registration Fees $35 — February 9, 2026 through May 1, 2026 Participant Perks • Short-sleeve performance race T-shirt• Access to post-run fitness sessions• Entry into the Wellness Expo T-Shirt Guarantee Shirts are guaranteed to participants who register by Friday, April 1, 2026. Packet Pickup Early Pickup Thursday, May 7 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMFriday, May 8 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM L

Get ready for an incredible day of fun, fitness, and community! This timed event will feature a fully paved running path, perfect for runners and walkers of all levels. Enjoy ample parking, delicious food and drinks, and the lively sounds of live music as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Plus, browse tables from local businesses showcasing their products and services. Whether you're racing for a PR or joining in for a great cause, this 5K promises an unforgettable experience for all! Be sure to join our Facebook group for up to date information and more details! This race is held at Graywood Golf & Racquet Club, 6150 Graywood Pkwy, Lake Charles, LA 70605   Registration Fees:$30 5K$20 5K for ages 3 years to 11 years Registration notes: This race does not charge a late fee. NO RACING FEE IS COLLECTED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE PUSHED IN STROLLERS   We have a No Refund policy so please consider your registration a donation. In inclement weather, we will hold back start times for raci

Lake Area Runners presents 4 for the Fourth! Lake Area Runner's hottest race of the year!! Come help us celebrate our nation's independence by running 4 miles for the 4th of July! This course is flat and fast, out and back race along the scenic Lakeshore Drive. This event is open to both walkers and runners!   When we say it is our hottest race, we mean it literally. Please hydrate well prior to event.    Date and time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00 am Location: Police Jury Parking Lot at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Gill Street, 1110 Pithon Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601   ***This is the final race of the Triple Crown Series! If you complete the Leprechaun 3 Miler, Contraband 5 Miler, and LAR's 4 for the Fourth you will receive a special prize! Prizes will be available for pickup after the 4 Miler. The overall male and female winners will receive free race entries for all of our 2027 races!  (This will be calculated using your times from all 3 races. You will be not

Join us for the 13th Annual Sunset 5K at Lake Charles Event Center/Arcade Amphitheater!

Welcome to a different kind of triathlon! Get to see the entirety of our beautiful Sam Houston Jones State Park as you run and bike the trails, then embark on a kayak paddle on the Calcasieu West Fork River. The race consists of approximately 4 miles of trail running, 8 miles of mountain biking, and a 1 mile paddle on the river.  Proceeds to benefit the trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park.

Join us in making a lasting impact by participating in Squeeze the Day 5K, a fun-filled event benefiting the Methodist Children's Home of Southwest Louisiana! Your support will help provide essential care, education, and love to children in need. At the Methodist Children's Home, we provide comprehensive, intensive residential services to children ages 12-17 with emotional and behavioral needs. Just as we turn lemons into lemonade, we believe that faith and community can transform challenges into hope and healing. Every day, we see children bravely embrace opportunities as we guide them towards a brighter future filled with God's love. Your partnership helps Louisiana's children Squeeze the Day! Lace-up your running shoes, and join us in the running toward a brighter future. Route Description: The course is flat. Route begins and ends at Sam Houston Jones State Park, running throughout the scenic park grounds.

Swamp Stomp Half Marathon & 1 Mile Fun Run The Lake Area Runners presents the Swamp Stomp 1/2 Marathon and the 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The race will start and finish at Graywood Park located at: 3861 Gray Market Dr., Lake Charles, LA  70605. This course through the streets of Graywood Plantation subdivision offers plenty of opportunities for your friends and family to cheer you on along the course! There will be multiple of water stops and port-a-potties along the course. Stay for the after party!  Free food provided by Bolton Ford, refreshments, fun/games, and music for all our runners and their families. The minimum age to register and participate in the Swamp Stomp Half Marathon is 14 years. Person must be 14 years old by December 12, 2026 to register. Route Description The Swamp Stomp 1/2 Marathon is a flat and fast course that winds through most neighborhoods of the beautiful Graywood Plantation community south of Lake Charles.  Get the kids active with