Junior League combines fitness and Mardi Gras magic

Special To 318Forum

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier will present the fourth annual 2020 King Cake Classic 5K, 10K and one-mile Kids’ Fun Run on Feb. 8. This event has been incredibly successful and fun each year and captures the local enthusiasm for Mardi Gras. The race routes will begin and end at Red River Brewing Company and will take runners through historic downtown Shreveport. King Cake Classic is one of the only fitness and familyfocused events of the Mardi Gras season in the area. The event encourages healthy physical activity for children and families.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will allow the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier to continue furthering its mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

The League is behind outstanding programs such as MAGIC (Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change), Health Literacy Initiative, Red Apron Pantry, Safe Sitter and Super Safety Saturday. Funds raised through the King Cake Classic will have a direct impact on the League’s ability to deliver these programs.

Simultaneously, the King Cake Classic will showcase businesses to both race participants and over 600 members of the Junior League, who are active and involved professionals, mothers and volunteers throughout the area. The membership is asked and encouraged to support the businesses that support the League’s programs and events.

This year’s race day experience will include: Lowder Baking Company’s delicious King Cake, Red River Brewing Company’s craft beer, Mardi Gras bead medallions for race finishers sponsored by Southern Roots Dental, a children’s activity area (including a Mardi Gras mask station) sponsored by Pediatric Dental Partners, commemorative Bella Canvas soft unisex ring-spun cotton race T-shirt in a swag bag sponsored by Lang Orthodontics, and much more. Jennifer Bradford Photography will also be there to capture race day photos.

The League continues its partnership with the 2nd Annual “Sweet + Lucky Race Series,” comprised of King Cake Classic (Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier), The Pie Run, Feb. 29 (Southfield School), and Shamrock Shuffle, March 2 (Barksdale Officers Spouses Club). The Sweet + Lucky Series is sponsored by RunWild. Participants who register for all three races will receive a commemorative pint glass at the final race. This crossmarketing campaign has expanded the reach to area runners, and greater participation and growth is anticipated.

The 2020 King Cake Classic committee has been hard at work securing sponsorships and planning event details ahead of the Mardi Gras season. For potential sponsors and partnerships, please contact Kelly Moeller at Kalicia08@gmail.com.

Registration is now available for 5K, 10K, Fun Run and Sleep-in Supporter. Register by visiting: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Shreveport/KingCakeClassic5k10k