6 running, fun run, swimming, and other events in West Monroe, Louisiana

The best run of the year and we are making it even better! Run the West Monroe Mardi Gras Parade Route and Downtown West Monroe on a double loop route to celebrate with the colors of Mardi Gras! Powder Mardi Gras Colors are thrown throughout the run/walk in celebration!

Finisher specialty beads for everyone!

$30.00 entry fee includes Silicone Mardi Gras Cup and Flying Heart Drink Token

This color celebration 5K is not timed. Each loop is one mile so you can go once, twice or three times around for triple the fun and color! You Grab your support team and come downtown after the run stay for the Paws Pet Parade! Mardi Gras Activities begin at 10am and continue all day! The 5K begins at 9am.. We will gather at the corner of Wood and Commerce Streets. You can pick up your packet on Friday at Alley Park from 3-6pm or get it on Saturday morning at 8am.

Packet Pick up on Friday February 6th at Alley park from 3-6pm or or on Saturday morning at 1:00 pm at the corner of Wood and Commerce Streets.

Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and be prepared to have a blast on the best 5K run in the Twin Cities!

4 Prizes for the

Best Child Costume

Best Female Costume

Best Male Costume

Sponsors:

Building Futures

Flying Heart Brewery and Pub, West Monroe

Color sponsors:

Building Futures

Hamilton House

Spice and Tea Exchange

Shoppes on the Alley

Vanguard Realty

This will be our 6th annual Autism Acceptance Festival and Fun Run on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Northeast Baptist School in West Monroe, Louisiana. This family-friendly event celebrates acceptance, inclusion, and community for individuals of all ages.

Fun Run Details

Distance: 1-mile Fun Run

Children Pricing: $15 (ages 4–12)

Water will be provided throughout the course. Snacks and additional water will be available at the finish line.

Registration and T-Shirts

Register by March 15, 2026, to receive a free event T-shirt.

Teams

Participants may create or join a team during registration.

If you have several people signing up together, one person can create a team name. Others can search for that team name during registration and join the team.

Awards and Timing

Timing will be available for participants who are interested.

Awards will be given to the top male and top female finishers in each age division for the 1-mile Fun Run.

Age Divisions

9 and under, 10–15, 16–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, & 60+

Event Schedule

8:00 AM: Packet Pickup

9:00 AM: Fun Run begins

Approximately 10:00 AM: Fun Run awards

Questions

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

The Wellness Center presents 318 YOUTH TRIATHLON, a SWIMBIKERUN to be held on Saturday April 25th @ The Wellness Center 3215 Cypress Street, West Monroe LA 71291 for the following age groups, with male and female divisions:

• 7-8yr 100m swim, 35 calorie row, 1/2 mile run

• 9-10yr 100m swim, 35 calorie row, 1/2 mile run

• 11-12yr 100m swim, 35 calorie row, 1/2 mile run

• 13-14yr 200m swim, 35 calorie bike, 1 mile run

Swimming will take place in The Wellness Center indoor heated pool. The 35-calorie row/bike will take place on our stationary Assault Rower Elite and Assault Bike. The run will be completed on our outdoor community track. (4 laps = 1 mile) Clock starts at the beginning of swim and does not stop until participant completes the last lap around the track, i.e. a running clock.

Tennis shoes are required following swim. Race attire is determined by the participant, whether to add shorts, shirt, etc. following swim. Participants must dress themselves AND have additional clothes (optional) next to their rower/bike. Parents are NOT ALLOWED in the Tri Performance Zone.

Swim lanes, bikes/rowers will be numbered. Each participant will use the same number for lane and bike/rower. Heat time and lane assignment will be available at the 7:30am parent meeting.

SWIM: Each youth must complete the allotted meters before the next participant begins.

· 100 meters = 4 laps (2 x down & back)

· 200 meters = 8 laps (4 x down & back)

Each athlete will begin in the water with their hand on the wall. Goggles are allowed but not provided by The Wellness Center.

BIKE/ROW: Each participant must complete 35 calories. Rowers are set at the same competitive level ahead of time. DO NOT CHANGE. Only adjustments will be foot placement which will be overseen by judges.

RUN: Each participant must complete their run, (1/2 mile = 2 laps, 1mile = 4 laps)

RACE DAY: Waivers & payments MUST be completed at the 7:30am parent meeting. You may arrive as early as 6:45am to warm up, figure out your bike height, assess layout, etc. The race begins promptly @ 8:00am. You will receive your heat & start time at the 7:30am parent meeting.

Each athlete will have their own judge throughout the event encouraging and cheering them on, tracking all meters, calories, & miles completed. Parents are NOT ALLOWED in the TRI Race zone.

$30 entry fee per participant and registration forms MUST BE completed at least a week prior to the event.

First, second, and third place finishers, male & female, awarded in each age category. Prizes & medals will be awarded along with T-shirts and swag bags. Winners will be announced after all heats are completed.

Once you register, you can train @ The Wellness Center anytime on the rower and bike, and at the designated times listed below for the pool.

TRAINING TIMES IN THE POOL MUST BE RESERVED 24 HOURS BEFOREHAND TO ENSURE A SWIM LANE. Training days and times are as follows: Fridays 4-8:00pm, Saturdays 1-3:00pm, and Sundays 1-5pm all in 30-minute increments. Athletes may swim without a reservation; they are just not guaranteed a lane. Only Group Swim lane is available allowing 2 trainees per 30-minute increments.

Members & non-members welcome.

For additional questions, please contact us at The Wellness Center at 318.329.9100.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: CENTRIC CREDIT UNION, GREENQUBE, ACHIEVER'S HOME IMPROVEMENT, HUCKABEE PLUMBING, PINNACLE FAMILY HEALTH, TROY BOSTICK DDS, SERVICE MASTER, and Fleet Feet.

Join us for the Ouachita Riverfest 5K — a timed race from Downtown West Monroe to beautiful lazare Park and back, on April 25th at 8:00 AM! Registration is $40 and includes race timing, age-group medals, and swag: a hat, a koozie, and your medal. The 5K takes place during Riverfest — recently named Louisiana’s Best Festival for 2026 — so enjoy great food, live music, and family-friendly festival fun before and after the run.

Event details

What: Riverfest 5K (timed)

When: April 25 — 8:00 AM start

Cost: $40 (includes hat, koozie, and medal)

Awards: Medals for age groups

Where: West Monroe (Riverfest Festival)

Fun extras

Post-race festival party with live music on the Riverfest stage

Food trucks and local vendors offering festival bites and drinks

Costume contest — wear your most creative duck inspired outfit and win a prize

Family zone with kids’ activities and rides.

Photo wall/finish-line photo ops — grab an action shot and a festival backdrop

Register now and be part of the best festival in Louisiana — bring family and friends for a fast course, great prizes, and a full day of Riverfest fun.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Vanguard Realty

TP Outdoors

Shell Chiropractic

Water Sponsor:

Jeff Babcock Landscaping