KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Corporate Classic 5K returns to New Orleans City Park on Oct. 24. Proceeds support the YMCA of Greater New Orleans’ free Adult Literacy Program. The event has raised $4.6 million for adult literacy since it began. Corporate teams can compete for awards, while qualifying ru nners can earn seeded placement in the 2027 Crescent City Classic 10K.   The Crescent City Classic and YMCA of Greater New Orleans will bring the Corporate Classic back to New Orleans City Park next month, with proceeds from the 5K supporting free adult literacy classes. The 3.1-mile race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Oct. 24 near the Louisiana Children’s Museum. The event is open to individual runners and walkers as well as corporate and community teams. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Greater New Orleans’ Adult Literacy Program, which serves about 40 adults and provides free classes focused on reading, writing and other foundational skills. The Corporate Classic has raised $4.6 million for the program since the event began, organizers said. “What makes the Corporate Classic special is the way it connects health, the workplace and our community,” Crescent City Classic Race Director Eric Stuart said. “You don’t have to be a competitive runner to participate. Companies can bring their employees together, families can make a morning of it and everyone who crosses the finish line is helping support the YMCA’s work to expand adult literacy in Greater New Orleans.” Corporate teams will compete in divisions based on company size, with awards for the fastest and largest teams. Individual participants can compete for overall, masters and age-group awards. The course begins on Palm Drive and travels through City Park, passing the Festival Grounds and New Orleans Museum of Art before finishing on the City Park Practice Track. The race also provides an opportunity to earn a seeded starting position in the 49th annual Crescent City Classic 10K, scheduled for March 27, 2027. Participants who finish the Corporate Classic in 27 minutes or less will qualify for seeded placement. “Literacy has an impact far beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Amy Leggette, director of YMCA Educational Services. “It can affect a person’s ability to find employment, help their children with homework and confidently navigate everyday life. The support generated through the Corporate Classic helps us continue providing those opportunities to adults in our community.” Children 5 and younger can participate for free. The YMCA will also provide complimentary childcare in a Kids Zone for registered children 10 and younger. A post-race event will feature food and beverages, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. Organizers also plan appearances by mascots and spirit teams. Early registration is $45 per participant, with fees increasing as the Oct. 24 race approaches. The Crescent City Classic has organized running events in New Orleans since 1979 and is best known for its annual 10K. Its events are produced by the nonprofit Crescent City Classic Foundation. The YMCA of Greater New Orleans, founded in 1852, provides youth development, health and community programs across Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and Plaquemines parishes. ...read more read less