New Orleans is showing her prowess and ability to compete amongst any city in the world on all levels (yet, again) with tomorrow’s Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.

As the Times-Picayune reported:

On Sunday morning, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & Half-Marathon will draw more than 15,000 entrants from all 50 states and 18 countries…New Orleans-area athletes comprised about 16 percent of the field. Seventy-two percent, officials said, will arrive from outside Louisiana.

Live music will accompany the field. Twenty-four stages will be constructed that will host 35 bands playing throughout the event’s duration. A festival starting at 6 p.m. at City Park will mark the day’s close.

And here is something that no other ½ Marathons have been honored with from Running-Advice.com

New Orleans, LA -– This Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will showcase perhaps the most dynamic half-marathon duel ever staged on American soil. 2008 Olympic Marathon gold medalist and half marathon world record holder Sammy Wanjiru will battle head-to-head against fellow Kenyan and three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel.

New Orleans attracts world class athletes to compete in her streets and battle it out.   This is the kind of news and information to talk about when you talk about New Orleans to other people.  This is very positive PR for our city.