35th Annual Tunnel Run

by Veronica Cisneros and Mary Downer

For the past 35 years, Houma has been the home to the Over and Under Tunnel Run, one of the oldest races in Louisiana. The 5K Tunnel Run benefits the American Heart Association and is a unique experience, says founder Dr. Dickey Haydel, mainly because it is the only race that goes over and under the same body of water, the Intracoastal Waterway.

Houma’s signature Tunnel Run has evolved in many ways over the years to what it is today. The “over” aspect of the race hasn’t always been a part of the route. Dr. Haydel says participants solely ran under the tunnel for years until the twin span bridges were built.

“We wanted to jump on that race before anybody else did,” he says. “When the twin spans went up, it just seemed like a perfect situation for the race to go over and under the same body of water.”

Runners from across the state and outside its borders have come to participate in Houma’s Over and Under Tunnel Run, generating between $50-60,000 for the A.H.A., according to Catherine Straatmann, a regional director for the association.

“In over 30 years, that’s quite a lot of money,” Dr. Haydel says. “We are kind of proud of it starting from just a few runners to what it is today and that we are able to raise the money the American Heart Association asks for.”

Dr. Haydel initially founded the run because someone asked him to start an event to raise money for the A.H.A. The run has raised funds for various local charities throughout the years, but the main charitable organization currently benefited remains the A.H.A. The organization fights heart disease and stroke in the community through special events, public and professional education, and is funding life-saving research.

“These efforts are touching the lives of numerous people in the community,” Catherine says. “The American Heart Association is working in our community, building healthier hearts and lives through events like the Tunnel Run.”

This year, the race will take place on March 13. Registration begins at noon. Pre-registered participants can pick up their t-shirts on Friday, March 12 between noon and 1:00 p.m. at the Houma Municipal Auditorium.

The Over and Under Tunnel Run begins with the 1-mile Children’s Fun Run at 1:00 p.m. for ages 12 and under. The first 100 kids crossing the finish line will receive a commemorative medal.

The 5K run, which also welcomes walkers, follows at approximately 2:00 p.m.

The race begins at the Houma Municipal Auditorium on Division Street. From there, it takes a right onto Point Street, right onto Gabasse Street, and a right onto Main Street to go over the bridge. Once on the east side, the route takes a right onto Grand Caillou Road and a right into the Tunnel. When exiting the Tunnel, runners make another right turn onto Division Street and cross the finish line in the park.

A party with food and refreshments served at no cost to participants concludes the event. Non-participants may purchase ticket as well. Everyone will enjoy live musical entertainment by “Souled Out” while children will enjoy face painting, bounce houses and more.