Join us for this unique opportunity to honor the WWII generation. The Crescent City Classic in partnership with The National WWII Museum explores the history and stories of World War II from four courses: Liberty Road, the Pacific Theater, the Race to Messina, and the North African Campaign. 
 
How it works:
Step 1: Register as an individual or start a team in honor of the WWII generation.
Step 2: Track your progress by logging your daily mileage and activity (walk/run/bike/treadmill/swim). You have until 2/15/25 to complete the challenge!
Step 3:  Receive your WWII Challenge gear and National WWII Museum perks. All participants will receive:

• WWII Challenge T-shirt
• WWII Challenge Finishers Medal
• Commemorative WWII Challenge Race bib
• Virtual Bib which can be printed by the participant
• 25% discount off your admission ticket into The National WW II Museum

LIBERTY ROAD CHALLENGE

The Liberty Road Challenge virtual course follows in the footsteps of Allied troops who liberated France and Belgium in 1944 along the Liberty Road (French La Voie de la Liberté) a 1,147 kilometer march beginning on Utah Beach in Normandy on June 6, across Northern France to Metz, and then northwards to Bastogne, Belgium which was liberated on September 10,1944 and held strong during the Battle of the Bulge.

Liberty Road Challenges:

• The 712-mile Course: Individuals or teams virtually complete the 712 miles from Normandy to Bastogne, Belgium. As you complete the course, you will virtually visit 8 sites traveled by the Allied troops' journey to victory along Liberty Road.
• The 100-mile Course: Individuals or teams visit each site along the course from Normandy to Bastogne in smaller mile segments. This challenge course is designed for those that want a shorter challenge.

PACIFIC THEATER CHALLENGE

From 1941-1945, American service members crossed the vast Pacific Ocean in a feat that seemed impossible. Island after island, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines distinguished themselves against a backdrop of unfamiliar terrain, diverse local populations, and a tenacious enemy. This challenge is inspired by and pays tribute to the 717-mile length of the Burma Road, the chief supply route for China’s stand against Imperial Japan.

Pacific Theater Challenges:

• The 717-mile Course: Individuals or teams virtually complete the 717 miles of Burma Road. As you complete the course, you will virtually visit 9 sites the American service members journeyed to defeat Imperial Japan.
• The 72-mile Course: Individuals or teams visit each site along the course in smaller mile segments. This challenge course is designed for those that want a shorter challenge.
   

RACE TO MESSINA CHALLENGE

Operation Race to Messina covers 250 miles as a symbolic route from Patton’s landings in Gela, moving west to Agrigento, north to Palermo, and east to Messina.

On July 10, 1943, the Allied armada set sail for Sicily. By July 13, more than 3,000 ships landed over 150,000 ground troops, aided by more than 4,000 aircraft. The Americans landed to the south with the goal to sweep west and then advance east. The British landed in the east and would move to the north. The goal for both armies was the northeastern city of Messina.
Lieutenant General George S. Patton landed with the US Seventh Army at Gela, while the General Bernard Montgomery, led the British Eighth Army in the east. The rivalry spilled into the Race to Messina. Patton would eventually beat Montgomery to Messina, arriving on August 17, 1943.

NORTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE

In the first week of November 1942, American ground troops joined the battle against Germany for the first time when US Army forces landed at several sites in French North Africa as part of Operation Torch. Follow the route of the 1st Armored Division during their campaign in Northwest Africa. This challenge covers 805 miles from the city of Oran, Algeria to the city of Bizerte, Tunisia.

North Africa Campaign Challenges:

• 805-Mile Course: Individuals or teams virtually complete the 805 miles from Oran, Algeria to Bizerte, Tunisia. As you complete the course, you will virtually visit 7 sites along the US Army’s Operation Torch campaign.
• 105-Mile Course: Individuals or teams visit each site along the course from Oran to Bizerte in smaller mile segments. This challenge course is designed for those that want a shorter challenge.

HOW TO GET YOUR GEAR AND A TEAM DISCOUNT!

OPTIONS TO RECEIVE YOUR WWII CHALLENGE GEAR:

• During registration, choose to have your packet shipped to you for a cost of $18 (inside the US).
• OR ...Pick up your packet locally in December 2024. Details with specific dates, times and location for Packet Pick-Up will be sent to you by email.
  
  

TEAM DISCOUNT:

ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO JOIN YOUR WWII CHALLENGE TEAM! Teams of 10+ will receive $5/participant registration discount.

HOW IT WORKS: The first 9 team members will pay the regular registration price. When the 10th member joins the team, he/she will receive a $5 discount. As soon as that 10th registration is completed, the first 9 team members will automatically receive a $5 refund to their original form of payment. As additional team members register, they will automatically receive the $5 discount.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

You have until 2/15/25 to complete your challenge. You will enter your completed miles each day into RunSignUp results. For instructions on how to enter miles CLICK HERE.

LEARN AS YOU GO! As you virtually reach each point of the course, you will receive a milestone badge and email with WWII information and facts about your current location. Keep going to learn more about the places and hurdles braved by our service members who overcame overwhelming obstacles during WWII. Teams will work together to complete their chosen course. Each team member's completed miles will go towards the team's total. 

Keep their Legacy Alive

This event benefits The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission. The National WWII Museum is an independent nonprofit and therefore largely relies on admissions sales, memberships, and other donations to support its operations.

Your support allows future generations to better appreciate the real stories of our heroes, their struggle and sacrifice. Help us honor the legacy of the WWII generation.