Mardi Gras Madness
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Mardi Gras Madness 5K
Mardi Gras Madness 5K is scheduled for February 7, 2027, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The race starts and finishes at the Police Jury Parking Lot at the corner of West Pujo Street and Pithon Street and covers a distance of 3.1 miles.
The course is an out and back that follows the Children’s Mardi Gras parade route. The route goes south on Pithon Street, turns onto Kirby Street, continues on Ryan Street along the parade route to a turnaround near 17th Street, and then returns to the start.
Organizers capped the field at 150 participants and reported that registration reached full capacity. The event used a tiered registration fee schedule in late 2026 and early 2027, and there was an age-based discount for registrants 65 and older; shirts were not included with the discounted fee unless purchased separately. T-shirt availability was tied to January 2027 registration deadlines.
Packet pick-up took place the Friday before the race at House of Sole on Ryan Street and on race day at the Police Jury Parking Lot; registered participants needed photo identification, and proxy pickup was allowed for immediate family members with ID. Awards included a king cake presentation for overall male and female winners and age-group awards for top finishers. Finish-line food included boudin, king cakes, and beverages. The race could be canceled if the parade route or city authorities determined the route was unsafe. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
