NOAC Turkey Day Race

Founded in 1907, the 119th New Orleans Athletic Club's Turkey Day Race stands as the 5th oldest continuous race in the United States. The race begins and ends at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans City Park, featuring a 5-Mile and a Kids' Half-Mile run/walk. It has become a cherished holiday tradition for families from across the nation, with several generations returning annually to participate. Proceeds from the event are donated to Spina Bifida of Louisiana.

Race Day Schedule: 

• 6:30 AM - Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Opens
• 8:00 AM - Kids Half Mile Race
• 8:05 AM - Registration Closes
• 8:30 AM - 5 Mile Run / Walk
• 10:00 AM - Award Ceremony (subject to change)

T-Shirt availability and sizes aren't guaranteed for anyone registering after Wednesday November 26th, 2025.

The NOAC Turkey Day Race is produced by the New Orleans Track Club, its members, and volunteers.  

114th Annual NOAC Turkey Day Race 5Mile & 1/2Mile

November 25th, 2021 - City Park, NOLA

********** 5 MILE FEMALE OVERALL RESULTS ***********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1674 Stefanie Slekis      33   27:18  4:53 
    2  1633 Kir Selert Faraud    34   28:15  5:03 
    3  1298 Emma Newton          26   30:54  5:31 
 
********** 5 MILE MALE OVERALL RESULTS ***********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1198 Mark Mendrek-laske   32   25:34  4:34 
    2   206 Richard Bouckaert    37   25:54  4:38 
    3   988 Conner Killian       23   26:03  4:39 
                                            
********** 5 MILE FEMALE YOUTH OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1841 Leah Varisco         13   36:25  5:52 
                                            
**********  5 MILE MALE YOUTH OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  2968 Drake Breland        15   29:47  4:48 
                                            
**********  5 MILE FEMALE MASTERS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1   228 Michele Bravo        50   33:10  5:56 
                                            
**********  5 MILE MALE MASTERS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1767 Paul Thiels          58   30:49  5:31 
                                            
**********  5 MILE FEMALE GRANDMASTERS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1    79 Kate Baldwin         55   35:51  6:24 
                                            
**********  5 MILE MALE GRANDMASTERS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1097 Tom Luongo           57   32:16  5:46 
                                            
**********  5 MILE FEMALE SENIORS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1222 Meredith Mills       64   39:37  7:05 
                                            
**********  5 MILE MALE SENIORS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1  1199 Van Merceron         60   33:59  6:05 
                                            
**********  5 MILE FEMALE LEGENDS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1   339 Ellen Catarella      70   49:46  8:54 
                                            
**********  5 MILE MALE LEGENDS OVERALL RESULTS **********
PLACE   BIB NAME                 AG FINISH  PACE  
=====  ==== ==================== == ======= ===== 
    1   239 Frank Bright         78   40:46  7:17 

 ********** Overall Female Half Mile Finishers  ********** 
    1 Lucia Clement         9 F    2:50 
    2 Levi Clement          9 F    2:57 
    3 Avery Springgate     12 F    2:58 
    4 Liliana Gonzalez     12 F    3:00 
    5 Lucia Gonzalez       10 F    3:08 
 
 ********** Overall Male Half Mile Finishers  ********** 
    1 Nathan Braud         10 M    2:26 
    2 Leo Niemoller        12 M    2:35 
    3 Luka Murina          11 M    2:35 
    4 Kaden Rossi          12 M    2:45 
    5 Brennan Chaix        12 M    2:48 

USATF Certified Course Map

Click on map to zoom

Each year, participants in the NOAC Turkey Day Race compete in the informal Alumni Classic. It's a team style, Cross Country scored competition where alumni from high schools across the region go head-to-head to earn a rotating trophy and bragging rights for the coming year. Participation is completely optional, but race registration is required to be scored.

When pre-registering for the NOAC Turkey Day Race, participants may join the team of the high school from which they graduated. Most local high schools are provided on a drop-down menu or HERE on the Teams page, but additional teams may be added. Please email info@nolatrackclub.org with any Alumni Classic questions.

Pictured, members of the Brother Martin team who won the rotating trophy at the 2016 Alumni Classic.

Awards will be distributed shortly after the race. Except for the first overall NOAC members, there is no duplication of awards.

• 5 Mile Awards

  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall Male and Female

  • 1st Youth Male and Female (15 and under)

  • 1st Master Male and Female (40 and over)

  • 1st Grandmaster Male and Female (50 and over)

  • 1st Senior Male and Female (60 and over)

  • 1st Legend Male and Female (70 and over)

  • 1st Racewalker Male and Female

  • 1st Overall Male and Female NOAC Member

• Kids' Half Mile Awards

  • 1st-5th Overall Male and Female (12-Under)

• NOAC Turkey Day Largest Team Competition

  • Winning team will receive an one-of-a-kind trophy

  • Group picture featured on social media accounts and front page of website until 2026

• Costume Contest

  • Winner receives a pair of Goodr Sunglasses and more! 

Timing and Scoring

Athletes who place in the award categories are responsible for noting any necessary corrections on race day. If an error is discovered after the race, we’ll be happy to correct your results and update the website accordingly. However, if you don’t inform us of this issue before the award ceremony, we won't be able to provide you with an award.

The races will be electronically timed and scored. You must wear your race bib and B-tag properly to be scored. Your race bib must be worn on the front of your torso and be visible at the finish line.

Preliminary results will be posted at the race site at the conclusion of the race. Full results will be published on the race website after the event.

Official race results and awards are scored by gun time. Net (or chip) times are published for informational purposes only.

The NOAC Turkey Day race benefits Spina Bifida of Louisiana, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization for the expressed purpose of providing support to individuals with spina bifida, and their families in Louisiana, and to increase awareness about spina bifida and its prevention. Learn more about this organization and their mission at www.sblouisiana.org.

Refunds
See Refund Policy here.

Headphones
The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, the New Orleans Track Club encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of this race.

Bathrooms
Single-occupancy (unisex) facilities; or use of multiple-occupant, restroom facilities with lockable single occupant stalls.

Strollers
Strollers and baby joggers are allowed but must start in the back of the runners and walkers regardless of your finish time. (Corral E)

Dogs
Dogs should not be brought to this event for the safety of all participants and volunteers.

Can a friend or family member pick up my packet pre-race?
Yes. Make sure they have your correct info upon arrival.

What time does the race start?
Kids 1/2-Mile Run - 8:00 AM
5-Mile Run/Walk - 8:30 AM

Where and When is packet pickup?

1. Tuesday, Nov 25

   1. New Orleans Athletic Club (222 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112)

   2. 12pm – 6pm

2. Wednesday, Nov 26

   1. Tad Gormley Stadium (5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124)

   2. 2pm – 6pm

3. Thursday Nov 27 (Race Day)

   1. Tad Gormley Stadium (5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124)

   2. 6:30am - 8:00am

Can I defer my entry to next year?
Yes, you may defer your entry to the next event year for a fee until 7 days prior to race day.  After that date deferrals are not allowed.  You will find the option to defer your entry by going to your RunSignUp account: Profile -> My Registered Races -> Manage Registration -> Defer Registration. For more info: How to Defer/Claim Deferrals. If you need further assistance, please contact us at info@nolatrackclub.org.

Can I transfer my race entry to another runner?
Yes, you can transfer your race entry to someone else, but you must do it through our official registration site, RunSignUp, at least 7 days before the race and a transfer fee may be included or contact us at info@nolatrackclub.org. It is essential to use our system for transfers. This is for your safety and to meet our event's insurance requirements. In case of an emergency during the race, we need accurate runner information to provide proper medical assistance.

Transferring outside of our system puts runners at risk because we won't have their correct emergency contact details. This could lead to delays in treatment and potentially worsen injuries. For more info, please visit: How to Transfer to Another Runner

How to Resend Confirmation Email

How to Register for a Race

How to purchase additional race shirts/add-on management?

How to Update T-Shirt (Giveaways) for Existing Registrations?

How to Update Your Corral Selection?

How to claim event insurance you purchased prior to checkout?

How to edit shirt size for NOTC Family?

How to Update Your Estimated Finish Time?

Being a member has its perks! Members of the both the New Orleans Track Club and the New Orleans Athletic Club receive $5 off the NOAC Turkey Day Race when signing up during the online pre-registration period. Here's how to get your discount:

• New Orleans Athletic Club Members
  • Sign up with your NOAC email when registering to apply the $5 discount off pre-registration prices.

• New Orleans Track Club Members
  • First claim your NOTC membership with RunSignUp HERE, and then register while logged into your RunSignUp account. The $5 race discount will automatically be applied during checkout for each NOTC member signing up.
  • To register for the NOTC Family registration option, claim your family membership HERE and then choose the "Family" event option when registering for the NOAC Turkey Day Race. NOTC Family registrations include two adults and all youth under 20 (same household) that are on the NOTC membership account. 

If you have questions about member discounts for the NOAC Turkey Day Race, please email NOTC@runNOTC.org.  

Locations & Times:

• Tuesday, Nov 25
  
  • New Orleans Athletic Club (222 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112)
  • 12pm – 6pm
• Wednesday, Nov 26
  
  • Tad Gormley Stadium (5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124)
  • 12pm – 4:30pm
• Thursday Nov 27 (Race Day)
  
  • Tad Gormley Stadium (5400 Stadium Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124)
  • 6:30am - 8:15am

Early packet pickup is strongly encouraged for 118th NOAC Turkey Day Race. This opportunity is to secure your race bib, participant shirt, poster art (if purchased), a bag of Mahatma Jasmine Rice, and other giveaway items. Those participants who register on race day are not guaranteed a race shirt.

View the map below for FREE parking options at NOAC, available during early packet pickup in lots marked with yellow stars.

NOAC Turkey Day Race – 119 Years of Tradition & a Chance to Earn a $15 Refund!

Be part of history at the 119th Annual NOAC Turkey Day Race, a beloved Thanksgiving tradition! We're excited to offer a special perk through the RunSignup Referral Program.

After you register, you’ll receive a unique referral link—refer 4 friends or family members, and you’ll earn a $15 refund on your registration fee. It’s our way of saying thanks for spreading the word.

You can find your referral link in your confirmation email or anytime by logging into your RunSignup profile and selecting on My Referrals.

Celebrate the holiday with fitness, fun, and friends—run, refer, and save! 🦃👟