The WWII Challenge
The WWII Challenge is back for 2023! Join us for this unique opportunity to honor the WWII generation by participating in an individual or team challenge. This virtual series from Crescent City Classic in partnership with The National WWII Museum explores the history and stories of World War II from three separate courses: D-Day to Liberation, Pacific Theater, and the Race to Messina.
This year’s challenge will coincide with the grand opening of the highly anticipated Liberation Pavilion, the Museum’s final permanent exhibit hall, in November 2023.
100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission. So mark your calendars for August to enlist as soon as registration opens!
PACIFIC THEATER CHALLENGE
717 Mile 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. The course will take participants from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay (717 miles/ 1154 km).
72 Mile Challenge: American service members traversed a course of miles to defeat a determined enemy entrenched throughout Asia and the Western Pacific. Operation Pacific Theater pays tribute to the service members who braved overwhelming obstacles. The 72-mile course takes participants from Pearl Harbor to Midway Island.
Both above challenges can be completed by Individuals or teams. You can walk, jog, run, bike, or use a treadmill to log your miles between 9/15/23-1/15/24.
D-DAY TO LIBERATION CHALLENGE*
*Formally known as Operation Liberty Road, the D-Day to Liberation challenge celebrates the grand opening of the highly anticipated Liberation Pavilion, the Museum’s final permanent exhibit hall, in November 2023.
712 Mile Challenge: Honor D-Day and the 712 mile route our Allied forces marched to achieve the Liberation of France in the summer of 1944. Participants will travel virtually from Sainte-Mere-Eglise in the Normandy region of France to Bastogne, Belgium.
100 Mile Challenge: Join this unique opportunity to honor D-Day and our Allied forces who liberated France in the summer of 1944. Participants will travel virtually from Saint Mere Eglise to St. Malo in the Brittany region of France.
Both above challenges can be completed by individuals or teams. You can walk, jog, run, bike, or use a treadmill to log your miles between 9/15/23-1/15/24.
RACE TO MESSINA CHALLENGE
Messina: 250 Mile Challenge: 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. Operation Race to Messina Challenge covers 250 miles as a symbolic route from Patton’s landings in Gela, moving west to Agrigento, north to Palermo, and east to Messina.
This challenge can be completed by individuals or teams. You can walk, jog, run, bike, or use a treadmill to log your miles between 9/15/23 – 1/15/24
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). Please note that official tracking starts 9/15/2023.
Step 3: Complete the challenge and receive your finisher’s medallion, a commemorative t-shirt, and 25% off admission to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
We are proud to be partnering with The National WWII Museum to produce this unique fitness challenge in honor of the WWII generation!
This event benefits The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. 100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission.
Your support allows future generations to better appreciate the real stories of WWII veterans, their struggles and sacrifice. Help us honor their legacy!
ALL ENTRANTS RECEIVE:
• Commemorative virtual bib (printable .pdf), t-shirt, and finishers medal
• 25% discounted admission for the National WWII Museum
RACE PACKETS:
• LOCAL PACKET PICK-UP:Local Participants can choose to pick up their packet. Details with times and location will be in your confirmation email.
• US SHIPPING: During registration, choose to have your packet shipped to you for a cost of $18.00.
• Commemorative virtual bib (printable .pdf), t-shirt, and finishers medal
• 25% discounted admission for the National WWII Museum
RACE PACKETS:
• LOCAL PACKET PICK-UP:Local Participants can choose to pick up their packet. Details with times and location will be in your confirmation email.
• US SHIPPING: During registration, choose to have your packet shipped to you for a cost of $18.00.
Pacific Theater
D-Day To Liberation
Race to Messina
D-Day To Liberation
Race to Messina
Don't do this alone! Invite family and friends to join you for the individual challenge or to join your team and receive the following rewards:
FAQ's
Who benefits from this event?
This event benefits The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. 100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission.What is a virtual challenge?
A virtual challenge is a unique fitness movement to keep people active! Individuals or team members can walk, jog, run, bike, or use a treadmill to complete the challenges.
How many people can I have on my team?
Teams can be made up of as many participants as you like!
Can my challenge packet be mailed?
US SHIPPING: You can have your packet shipped to you. Shipping and handling costs are $18.00/person. Packets will be shipped early December.
There is also an option for local pick up.
What do I get with my registration fee?
All participants receive an exclusive virtual bib (printable .pdf), t-shirt, finishers medallion, and 25% discount admission to the National WWII Museum.
When can I start logging my miles?
Official tracking will begin September 15th, 2023.
