Mardi Gras Madness
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Mardi Gras Madness 5K : Lake Charles, LA
The Mardi Gras Madness is a 5K road race held in Lake Charles on February 15, 2026. The course is an out-and-back route that starts and ends at the corner of West Pujo Street and Pithon Street. Runners travel south on Pithon Street, turn left onto Kirby Street, proceed east, then turn right onto Ryan Street and run south along the Children's Mardi Gras parade route. The turnaround is at 17th Street near Casa Manana; runners return to the start via Ryan, East Kirby, and Pithon.
The event is open to ages 1 through 100. Registration fees increase by date: $30 for January 6–31, $35 for February 1–11, and $40 for race day registration. Online registration closes February 11 at 11:59 PM. Registrants aged 65 or older receive discounted pricing; t-shirts are not included for that category unless purchased as an add-on. T-shirts are guaranteed for registrations completed by January 31.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Friday, February 13 (TBD) and on race day at the Police Jury Parking Lot, 110 West Kirby Street; participants must present photo identification and proxy pickup is allowed for immediate family members with ID. Awards include a king cake and king and queen presentation for overall male and female, plus 1st and 2nd place male and female in multiple age groups. Post-race food includes boudin, king cakes, and beverages. Parking is available at the Lake Charles Event Center; limited parking is available in the Police Jury lot. If the city or parade organizers cancel the parade route, the race will be canceled. Entry fees are non-refundable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
