The 504th: Bridging the Gaps in New Orleans, One Run at a Time
In the unique bayou city of New Orleans, a running crew was founded in June 2017, with a mission that goes beyond merely logging miles. The 504th Run Crew seeks to unite the city's diverse communities, bridging the gap between different cultures through the power of movement. They are a young, energetic group that has become a strong force for unity and exploration in a city unlike any other in the world.
The philosophy of The 504th centers on family and unity. As co-captain Trey explains, "this crew represents family—like a gang. Some gangs fight, but we’re fortunate enough that my gang just runs." Their motto is "Never run alone and always go out." This spirit is evident during their runs, and as co-captain Marquest "Quest" mentions, even in neighborhoods unfamiliar with run crews, people catch their positive energy: "they see our togetherness, and you don’t need to translate that."
The community of The 504th is deeply dedicated to giving back, especially to the next generation. A key part of their mission is supporting **Youth Run NOLA**, a program in 30 schools across the city that encourages kids to log miles. The connection is personal, as 504th co-captain Denali Lander also serves as the organization's executive director. This commitment to uplifting the city's youth truly reflects their community spirit.
### Exploring the Bayou City
The culture of The 504th is rooted in adventure and exploration. Their main weekly event is the **Tuesday night BTG NOLA run**, which follows a simple but powerful rule: they never repeat the same route. This encourages members to bring a sense of adventure and be prepared to see a different side of New Orleans. To tackle the city's famously flat terrain, the crew cleverly uses ramps in multi-story parking garages for elevation training.
The 504th warmly invites any runner in New Orleans who has a sense of adventure. Their runs offer a great chance to explore the city's many diverse neighborhoods and become part of a friendly, supportive community. If you're ready to get out and explore, they encourage you to connect with them through their official social media channels.
### The New Orleans Running Scene
As the city's BTG chapter, The 504th is a key part of the running community in New Orleans. The city also hosts other running clubs and social groups that help sustain a lively and enduring running culture, even in the hot and humid climate.
The city of New Orleans is unlike anywhere else. From my current location in Cape Town, the idea of its unique culture is captivating. It's a city that celebrates constantly, famous for being the birthplace of jazz and for its incredible cuisine. For runners, the city is hot, flat, and humid, which fosters a particular kind of toughness. The crew's exploratory runs take them all over, from the touristy **French Quarter** to historic neighborhoods like the **Lower Ninth Ward** and **Hollygrove**. The main racing event in the city is the **Crescent City Classic**, an incredibly fun and fast 10K that is the highlight of the Youth Run NOLA program.