The annual Mardi Pardi run will once again bring athletes of all levels out for exercise, scenery, food and fun times on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. The race, which can be completed as a 5K or 10K, unfurls through the Bay St. Louis downtown district and along the beach. New Orleans music and Gulf Coast fare have parts to play in the Mardi Pardi weekend event, both during the pre-race orientation and the post-race party, and participants should wear their Mardi Gras “racing best” for the costume contest on the day of the race. mardipardiadventure.org for full details and registration.