The Red Dress Run is a unique event that brings together people from different walks of life to run for a good cause. But what exactly is the charity for which the Red Dress Run is organized? Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting charity event.
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What Is the New Orleans Red Dress Run?
The New Orleans Red Dress Run is a charity event organized by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, a local group known as a “drinking club with a running problem.”
Participants wear red dresses and run a two-mile course through the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods of New Orleans. The event doubles as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to charity.
What Is the History?
As legend has it, the Red Dress Run originated in 1987 when a woman wearing a red dress was visiting a high school friend in Southern California. She unexpectedly found herself meeting her friend’s running group, the Hash House Harriers and decided to join in on their run.
The event was so much fun that the Hash House Harriers decided to make it an annual event. Today, Red Dress Runs are held worldwide, with the New Orleans Red Dress Run being one of the most popular and well-known events.
The event has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes over the years and continues to be a fun and unique way to give back to the community.
When Is It?
The New Orleans Red Dress Run takes place every year on the second Saturday in August. The running begins at 11:30 a.m. (rain or shine), but the beer starts flowing at 9:30 a.m.
What Are the Rules?
Wearing a red dress is a must, and running in the same dress two years in a row is considered bad form. Participants who make return appearances can take part in a red dress swap.
You must be 21 to participate – no exceptions. Underage bystanders are also prohibited.
How Do You Register?
Participants can sign up online on the official website. Registration usually includes donations to local charities, special live music, and beers for the run.
Early bird pricing is available. Participants also have the option to give a tax-deductible donation when registering.
What Can You Expect?
Expect a sea of red throughout the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods of New Orleans. Even if running isn’t your thing, head down in red to get in on the fun.
Participants run with drinks in hand and continue their route through the French Quarter. The rest of the day is spent celebrating with outlandish costumes, live music, and a whole lot of alcohol.
With thousands of people turning out in their best red dresses each year, the annual Red Dress Run is an exciting event you do not want to miss!
FAQs
What is the mission of the Hash House Harriers?
The Hash House Harriers is an international group of non-competitive social running clubs. The mission of the group is to promote physical fitness, camaraderie, and a sense of adventure through non-competitive running and socializing.
The group organizes events known as Hashes or Runs, where a hare sets a trail and is followed by the pack. While the parameters that each chapter sets may differ, the events are generally designed to be fun and inclusive for all levels of fitness.
What are some of the charitable causes that the Red Dress Run supports?
The Red Dress Run supports various charitable causes, including but not limited to health and wellness, education, and community development.
In its 10-year history, the Red Dress Run in New Orleans alone has raised about $2 million for charities in the area, such as Bridge House/Grace House, Hospice Foundation of the South, and UNITY of Greater New Orleans. All proceeds from the run also go to charity.
The event is not only a fun day out but also a way to give back to the community.
How can I participate in the Red Dress Run?
To participate in the Red Dress Run, you must be 21 or older and wear a red dress.
You can sign up online on the official website, and registration usually includes donations to local charities, special live music, and beers for the run.
Do I have to be a member of the Hash House Harriers to participate in the Red Dress Run?
No, you don’t have to be a member of the Hash House Harriers to participate in the Red Dress Run. Anyone who is 21 years of age or older and willing to wear a red dress can participate.
What is the significance of the red dress?
The red dress is a symbolic element of the Red Dress Run. It is a unique way to promote awareness and support for charitable causes. The color red is also a powerful symbol of love, confidence, and sex appeal in contemporary fashion.
However, in the context of the Red Dress Run, the color red is chosen because it is eye-catching and helps to create a sense of unity among participants, who all wear the same color dress.
How much money does the Red Dress Run raise?
According to an article on nola.com, the annual Red Dress Run can raise as much as $200,000 or even a little more, which is distributed to various charitable causes. All proceeds from the run go to charity, making it not only a fun day out but also a way to give back to the community.
Where does the money raised by the Red Dress Run go?
In its 10-year history, the Red Dress Run in New Orleans alone has raised about $2 million for charities in the area, such as Bridge House/Grace House, Hospice Foundation of the South, and UNITY of Greater New Orleans.
What is the impact of the Red Dress Run?
The Red Dress Run has a significant impact on the local community in New Orleans and beyond. The event raises money for various charitable causes, promoting awareness and support for health and wellness, education, and community development.
In addition to the charitable impact, the event also has a positive economic impact on the local community, as it attracts thousands of participants from all over the world, who spend money on food, lodging, and other local businesses.
The event also promotes a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, who come together to celebrate and have fun while supporting a good cause.
What are some other events organized by the Hash House Harriers?
The Hash House Harriers organize various events, including but not limited to:
- Hashes or Runs: These are non-competitive running events where a hare sets a trail and is followed by the pack. The events are designed to be fun and inclusive for all levels of fitness.
- Red Dress Runs: These are charity events where participants wear red dresses and run a course to raise money for various charitable causes.
- Beer Hunts: These are scavenger hunts where participants search for hidden beer and other prizes.
- Pub Crawls: These are social events where participants visit multiple pubs or bars in a single night.
- Full Moon Runs: These are night runs that take place during a full moon.
- Interhash: This is an international event that brings together Hash House Harriers from all over the world for a week of running, socializing, and cultural exchange.
These events are organized by local chapters of the Hash House Harriers, and the parameters may differ depending on the location and the chapter.
Pros
The Red Dress Run is a fun and unique way to support charitable causes.
Tips
If you are participating in the Red Dress Run, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Summary
The Red Dress Run is a charity event organized by the Hash House Harriers to support various charitable causes. Participants wear a red dress to show unity and support for the cause. The event is a celebration of life and community, and it has a positive impact on the world.