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. Participants choose which challenge journey they want to complete. See below for details for each event.
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/treadmill/swim). You have from 9/15/23 until 1/15/24 to complete the challenge!
Step 3: Receive your WWII Challenge gear and National WWII Museum perks.
WWII CHALLENGE SHIRTS
Formally known as Operation Liberty Road, the D-Day to Liberation challenge celebrates the grand opening of the Liberation Pavilion - the Museum’s final permanent exhibit hall, in November 2023. The D-Day to Liberation virtual course follows in the footsteps of Allied troops who liberated France and Belgium in 1944 along the Liberty Road (French La Voie de la Liberté) a 1,147 kilometer march beginning on Utah Beach in Normandy on June 6, across Northern France to Metz, and then northwards to Bastogne, Belgium which was liberated on September 10,1944 and held strong during the Battle of the Bulge.
D-Day to Liberation Challenge courses:
D-Day to Liberation Challenge Map
Participants have from 9/15/23 until 1/15/24 to complete their challenge as an individual or on a team. Participants can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the Challenge!
The cost for the both the INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM Challenges is $50/person. There is no limit on the number of participants that can join a team.
All participants will receive:
You Can Do It!
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.
Pacific Theater Challenge courses:
Pacific Theater Challenge Map
Participants have from 9/15/23 until 1/15/24 to complete their challenge as an individual or on a team. Participants can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the Challenge!
The cost for the both the INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM Challenges is $50/person. There is no limit on the number of participants that can join a team.
All participants will receive:
Operation Race to Messina covers 250 miles as a symbolic route from Patton’s landings in Gela, moving west to Agrigento, north to Palermo, and east to Messina.
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.
Race To Messina Challenge Map
Participants have from 9/15/23 until 1/15/24 to complete this challenge as an individual or on a team. You can walk, jog, run, bike or use a treadmill to complete the course!
The cost for the both the INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM Challenges is $50/person. There is no limit on the number of participants that can join a team.
All participants will receive:
You Can Do It!
OPTIONS TO RECEIVE YOUR WWII CHALLENGE GEAR:
REFERRAL REWARDS PROGRAM:
Earn more WWII Swag and CASH BACK! Invite family and friends to join you individually or on your team and receive the following rewards. All you need to do is share your unique referral link (found in your confirmation email)! Share the link via email, social media, or text. Remind them to use your link to score all the rewards!
National WWII Museum Bucket Hat
Challenge dates are 9/15/23 - 1/15/24. You will enter your completed miles each day into RunSignUp results. Instructions on how to enter miles will be sent to you in an email before the event begins.
LEARN AS YOU GO! As you virtually reach each point of the course, you will receive a milestone badge and email with WWII information and facts about your current location. Keep going to learn more about the places and hurdles braved by our service members who overcame overwhelming obstacles during WWII. Teams will work together to complete their chosen course. Each team member's completed miles will go towards the team's total.
How To Submit Virtual Results
This event benefits The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
100% of donations and part of registration proceeds will go to support the Museum and its mission. The National WWII Museum is an independent nonprofit and therefore largely relies on admissions sales, memberships, and other donations to support its operations.
Your support allows future generations to better appreciate the real stories of our heroes, their struggle and sacrifice. Help us honor the legacy of the WWII generation.
Support the Troops!
