Hotter Than Hell Marathon for RaceMD

Have you ever wanted to complete an overnight marathon in the middle of the summer in New Orleans?  This is your opportunity, whether an experienced runner or a 1st time Want A Bee, to participate in one of the most unique overnight marathon events in the country in support of Duchenne Muscular Dystropy (DMD) boys.  The HOTTER than HELL MARATHON for RaceMD is a self-timed overnight event/run of 26.2 miles completed in 13, two-mile loops. 

If the distance seems daunting to you, you have OPTIONS:  You can finish the distance by any other method (bike, skates), you can complete it as a relay team OR you can do a lesser distance (half, 10k, 5k).  It is YOUR race.... Support our efforts to raise funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy while celebrating motion and spending time with others.

The race was held at Audubon Park in New Orleans for the first 18 years and was held virtually during the Covid years (2020-2022).  Again, this year, for our 24th edition, the race/event will be held at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, LA  70003 for event date of Sunday, July 5, 2026. 

A Virtual Race option is available.  Complete your mileage between June 28 - July 5, 2026, to finish the virtual race. 

RaceMD® began with the mission to accelerate the search for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapy to save lives. Our mission has evolved from research to rescue as we fund real therapies for real patients NOW.  DMD affects 1 in 3,500 children in the US.

This is a donation-based race benefiting RaceMD, a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) non-profit.  All donations and shirt proceeds go directly to RaceMD.  All donations are tax deductible. Funds are then used to provide cell stem therapy to the boys who have DMD.  This stem cell therapy shows evidence of life extension for the patients.  

The Hotter than Hell Marathon was founded in 2001 by six runners training for a marathon one early morning in July at Audubon Park.  At mile 20, one of the runners, a wise guy commented, "Why not just complete the marathon now?".  Since then, this event has been commemorated on the Sunday nearest July 4th.  A few years later, the annual event became a fundraiser for RaceMD, a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Non-Profit, following the birth of one of the founding members' grandson who has DMD.  

Duchenne affects 1 in 3,500 boys, approximately 20,000 in the US.  RaceMD was founded with a mission of delivering intermediate therapies (medicine) to boys to reduce muscle cell loss and prolong their lives until more permanent solutions are found.  Affected boys are born with a genetic defect in the dystrophin gene, which results in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Without functioning dystrophin, muscles progressively fail.  Boys with Duchenne are in a wheelchair by age 12 and most live only into their 20's.  

Today, RaceMD is a co-sponsor of a current on-going trial on the clinical efficacy of Adipose Derived Autologous Expanded Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (ADMSC).  The significance of this trial to DMD families cannot be overstated.  ADMSC therapy can be delivered locally, and repeatedly, at a low cost.  Early treatment will extend lives. There is NO time to wait. We intend to make it publicly available as soon as possible. 

For more information, http://www.racemd.com

How Does It Work:  Complete the 26.2 marathon distance with friends, individually at Lafreniere Park or virtually any way you can (Run/Walk/Bike).

Park Hours: Lafreniere Park is closed to the general public from 10pm - 6am.   The entrance gate from Veterans Blvd will be accessible to race registrants. A park access pass will be emailed prior to the event to enter the park after hours.  Passes may also be picked up during our early packet pickup at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 1:00 - 6:30pm.

What is the Fee? There is no entry fee for this race.  It is a fund raiser for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and donations are GREATLY appreciated.  You will receive a bib and a finisher's medal.  You may purchase a shirt during the registration process to guarantee your preferred shirt size.  Additional shirts may be available during the event but are not guaranteed. 

Night of Packet Pickup:  You may pick up your race packet and start setting up beginning at 11:30pm on Saturday, July 5, 2025.  There is no need to come at midnight to pick up your packet. We will be available throughout the event to hand out them out. 

Event Start/Finish Time:  Officially you will have from 12:01am - 7:00am on Sunday, July 6, 2025, to complete the 26.2 miles.  We will remain until 9am for anyone who would like to finish and/or continue to support other runners.  Virtual participants have from June 28 until July 5, 2026, to complete the miles. 

You may begin your race at midnight if you are a slower runner or walker.  Keep in mind, the end goal is to finish your race by daybreak so if you are a faster runner, or plan to do any portion of it on the bicycle, you may not have to start at midnight.  

What is the Course?  There will be a mapped 2-mile loop for you to complete your run.  

Will I have a finish time?  This is not a timed event, and you will be tasked to keep track of your two-mile loops on a white board provided at the start/finish area on an honor system.

Does Registration Close?  No, you can register up to the event date.

Will there be any food/hydration available?  This is a self-supported event.  We will provide water at the start/finish area, but any additional hydration or nutritional needs will have to be brought in by the participants.  There will be plenty of space available to set up your own mini station. 

Why should I participate?  This is an unusually fun event that is also a fundraiser for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Every $ donated to RaceMD is tax deductible.  Our athletic supporters, like you, help to rescue the weakest BOYS raising research/treatment $$$ for all DMD boys who race 24/7 for life.  You inspire them. 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic defect in the dystrophin gene present at birth which affects only boys. RaceMD, a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Non-Profit has a mission to deliver intermediate therapies medicine and treatment to reduce muscle loss and prolong lives until permanent solutions are found. Every dollar collected in registrations, donations or sponsorship goes directly to RaceMD. With your support, we will continue the Hotter than Hell Marathon for RaceMD for our 23nd year in 2025. Please see below for our sponsorship levels. 
 
The Hotter Than Hell Marathon for RaceMD is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charity. Taxpayer ID #26-3759201. As a charitable organization, your sponsorship is tax deductible.
 
If you have any questions regarding sponsorship, in-kind donations, or co-marketed product giveaways, please contact Francis Braud, (504) 228-3345.

Sponsorship Levels:

Tech Shirt & Printing - $5,000

Tech Shirt - $2,500

Location - $1,500

Patron Sponsor - $1,000

Platinum Sponsor - $750

Gold Sponsor - $500

Supporting Sponsor - $250

Payment options: 

Sponsors can mail checks, made payable to RaceMD to 17 Platt St., Kenner, LA 70065

Deadline Notification:

**In order to assure your name and logo will be included on event race day items, please send payment prior to June 15th.

The 2025 Suggested Bike Course will below:

If you are planning to complete the 26.2 marathon distance on a bike in whole or in part, please use the suggested bike courses below. Bikers, please follow the rules of the road and ride in the right-hand lanes only in a clockwise direction.

The bike course is 1.5 miles along Scenic Drive.  To complete the 26.2 distance, you will have to do approximately 17.5 laps, go for 18+. The park will be closed to traffic.

There is one small section along where you may meet up with the runners/walkers off the path, please be mindful.

The street will be lit but a bike light is recommended. 

Please note that if you are planning to do only some miles on the bike, there will be a bike parking area, however it will be unsupervised, and you may bring a bike lock.

2025 Hotter Than Hell "Suggested" Run course is below. 

This is not a timed event as long as you finish within the event hours.

13 loops = Marathon Distance

Course description:

• Start / Finish at the Copeland Stage.
• Follow paved run/walk path all the way around.
• NOTE:  There will be one small section, where you will be on Scenic Drive.  The park will be closed so there will be on vehicles.
• Return to the Copeland Stage to mark the white board with your laps. 

Early Packet Pickup will be held at:

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, 615 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

1:00 - 6:30pm

Race Day Packet PickUp will begin at 11:30pm, July 4, 2026