On Saturday afternoon, as thousands of locals and tourists walked the streets of Paris in purple, a sea of red flooded the area. The New Orleans Hash House Harriers, a unit of the international organization that refers to themselves as a “Drinking Club with a Running Problem,” hosted the event for the 30th anniversary of the event.
At 10: 30 am, the “racers” took their scars on the corner of North Peters Street and Esplanade Avenue before jogging, walking, or dancing a two-mile ring through the center of the French Quarter.
More a festival than a contest, Saturday’s charity work has grown into a popular occasion over the years thanks to social media and shows like NCIS: New Orleans, attracting members from around the country.
Juan Ochoa, 44, traveled from Dallas for the work after hearing about the event from friends. He claims that it attracted him because of its “energy and feeling.”
“I’ll get a little two-mile run in, and feel good about myself before I get into the whole debauchery of the evening”, he said, sporting a red fishnet tank top and sparkling tutu.
A crimson-colored troopers posed with a man in a sequins dress with kites tucked into his bust. Another gentleman sang the national anthem while holding his hand over his heart while sporting fishing shades and purple plaid clothing. “It’s fantastic people watching”, said one third-year member, “Every year it really gets better.”
Two people in their early 20s jumped out ahead of the pack as the race began, despite the majority of respondents moving at a leisurely pace. People chanted for the participants from balconies and street corners despite the oppressive afternoon heat.
The excitement and equitable environment contrasted with the run-up to the 30th celebration, which was shrouded in discussion. Red Dress Run faced criticism last week for posting an anti-trans social image on their Instagram page. The Red Dress Run Board of Directors immediately removed the explanation, announcing that the former board member had “inadvertently posted a private information” and apologizing for the incident.
The New Orleans Hash House Harriers ‘ representative, Brooke O’Bryant, stated,” We hope that we were able to overcome some of the negativity and fear this trip that we are genuinely sorry and have taken measures privately to ensure it does not happen again.”
Despite some calling for a protest, attendance for a race popular for men in dresses remained great within the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
” It’s for everyone, but the gay community comes out and supports it on a large scale”, said Keith Williams, a first-year participant.
None of the three members of the group who had heard about the recent Twitter post were from Chicago when they arrived in Williams ‘ party.
“It’s a charity event we want to be a part of”, said Williams,” Just getting drunk and having a good time”.
This year, over 3,400 riders signed up for the race, and the $75 registration fee grants them access to an validator with free local food and beverages. However, thousands more people showed up without competition keywords.
When asked whether the non-registrants were a positive or negative feature of the celebration, O’Bryant responded, “We are thankful for everyone in a dark dress.” “Of course, we’d love for those who are in the Quarter to register and come and join us — because our mission is to help those local charities, so the more we raise, the more we can give away”.
Drinking was scan QR codes from a few restaurants, including Rawhide Lounge, to raise money for the reason during the day.
Since its inception, the Red Dress Run has raised more than $2 million for local nonprofits. Organizations that submit an application and go through a review process receive offers in the form of offers.
“The more folks that sign up, the more we can enable”, said Diane Gerarei, a New Orleans East native and second-year student. She praised the “fascinating people” and their garments as her favorite aspect of the occasion. “I’ve never seen anything like it”, she added.