Champion of Louisiana Story

FRESHJUNKIE Racing: Running Towards a Healthier Louisiana

Created by athletes for athletes, FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) hosts world-class road racing events and triathlons right here in Louisiana, welcoming crowds from across the globe to experience this place we call home.

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Loyal to Louisiana culture.

Embracing the unique aspects that make Louisiana special, FJR infuses local culture into their events in a healthy way.

Loyal to generational health.

Helping combat the health and obesity epidemics plaguing Louisiana, FJR looks to get people of all ages moving.

Loyal to runners.

FJR’s events cater to every runner, from those just starting out to those looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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GET TO KNOW

FRESHJUNKIE Racing

FRESHJUNKIE Racing is dedicated to celebrating the rich culture of Louisiana while sparking new traditions driven by an active, healthier lifestyle. This group of racing enthusiasts has taken a love of running and built a business providing citizens across the state a way to get moving and stay moving.

Visit FRESHJUNKIE Racing's Website

Showcasing Home State Culture

Culture runs deep throughout Louisiana and makes our home state one of most distinct in the country. Everywhere you turn, there is something new to eat, a festival to celebrate, music to keep your toes tapping, and beautiful architecture to take in. FRESHJUNKIE Racing  capitalized on this love and showcases it by way of unique racecourses that traverse the state’s lush landscapes and historic neighborhoods, culminating in finish lines that feature good food, live music, and a celebration like no other.

FJR produces 18 endurance events each year, 14 located in Louisiana and four along the Gulf Coast. Their approach is to create unmatched experiences for participants, accomplished through exhaustive preparation and comprehensive execution, making sure that no detail is overlooked. From initial planning and permitting to overall event operations, the FJR team works to ensure that their events are truly one-of-a-kind.

World Class Race Events

FJR’s biggest event is the Louisiana Marathon, a USAT&F Certified course (LA16002TY) and official Boston Qualifier route. Now in its second decade, the marathon pulls in up to 7,000 thousand runners annually from over 44 states, and as far away as Denmark. This two-day event provides an engagement opportunity for individuals of varying athletic abilities with a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), a quarter marathon (6.55 miles), a 5K (3.1 miles), and kids fun run (1 mile). The weekend-long festival provides participants an opportunity to experience Louisiana and the ways we celebrate success.

Getting Louisiana Moving

FJR events seek to include everyone, no matter if you’re an avid runner or just starting out. Their goal is to get people moving and on track to a more active lifestyle. Research has shown that exercise, even a small amount, at any age, is beneficial to overall health. Consistent exercise and active movement can help boost cardiovascular and mental health, respiratory function, immune response, and metabolism.

And improved wellbeing doesn’t mean giving up your favorite things. Rather, it simply means making smarter choices so that they can be enjoyed even longer. By making healthier choices and leading an active lifestyle, individuals can improve energy levels and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. According to a recent report by the Louisiana Department of Health, the state ranks 47th in percentage of obese adults, marking 1 in 4 adults as overweight or obese. This health concern is directly linked to the elevated number of citizens battling heart disease and diabetes.

The answer to Louisiana’s health crisis? The FJR team says the answer is simple – get moving!

A lasting impact on Louisiana

Many Louisiana traditions, passed down from generation to generation, call for celebration. The richness of these traditions is increasingly recognized as valuable to the economic and cultural future of the state. FRESHJUNKIE Racing is determined to grow and share that culture, but with a healthier spin. By hosting racing events, the team provides opportunities for citizens and visitors alike to partake in our vibrant culture while engaging in an active lifestyle. “By creating these experiences that are more than just a running event, we feel like we are breaking some of those barriers to making sure everyone feels welcomed and a part of this,” says Patrick O'Brien, Race Director.

18 Events

FJR hosts 18 events each year in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast.

$5.2 Million

The economic impact of the Louisiana Marathon is roughly $5.2 million.

17,500+ Participants

Since 2021, FJR has welcomed over 17,500 participants to their events.

“By creating these experiences that are more than just a running event, we feel like we are breaking some of those barriers to making sure everyone feels welcomed and part of this.”

Patrick O'Brien

Race Director, FRESHJUNKIE Racing

“By creating these experiences that are more than just a running event, we feel like we are breaking some of those barriers to making sure everyone feels welcomed and part of this.”

Patrick O'Brien

Race Director, FRESHJUNKIE Racing

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