The National WWII Museum and Crescent City Classic Launch Seventh Annual WWII Challenge Following the Historic Journey of Easy Company

Written By Alicia Vial

The National WWII Museum and Crescent City Classic Launch Seventh Annual WWII Challenge Following the Historic Journey of Easy Company

New Orleans, LA (Sept. 9, 2026) – To honor the legacy of those who fought to secure the freedom we enjoy today, The National WWII Museum and Crescent City Classic (CCC) have launched the return of the popular WWII Challenge for its seventh straight year. Registration is now open for the virtual fitness challenge, with participants able to begin logging miles Oct. 1.

Since its launch in 2020, the WWII Challenge has attracted thousands of participants from across the United States and around the world, combining fitness with an opportunity to learn more about the people, places and events that shaped World War II. Over the first six years, 8,586 participants from all 50 states and 12 countries have logged more than 3 million miles and raised more than $223,000 in direct support of The National WWII Museum.

This year, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of HBO’s iconic WWII miniseries “Band of Brothers,” participants will retrace portions of the historic journey of “Easy” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from its beginnings in the United States through its deployment overseas and participation in some of the most consequential campaigns of World War II. Based on the best-selling book by Museum Founder Stephen Ambrose, the series continues to inspire audiences worldwide with the stories of the men of Easy Company.

The WWII Challenge: Easy Company virtual course — with 103- and 730-mile options — begins at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, where members of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment trained before deploying overseas. Participants will virtually follow the unit’s journey to England and across Europe, including Normandy, where Easy Company parachuted into France as part of the D-Day invasion; the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden; Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge; Haguenau, France; and ultimately the Bavarian Alps, where Easy Company saw the end of the war in Europe. Participants can run, walk or bike to track their miles as they virtually progress along the route.

“Each year, the WWII Challenge gives us an opportunity to make staying active about something bigger than simply logging miles,” said WWII Challenge Director Eric Stuart. “This year’s route allows participants to follow an incredible journey that began with training here in the United States and continued across Europe. We’re excited to give people around the country and the world another meaningful way to challenge themselves while honoring the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation.”

Participants who complete the WWII Challenge course will receive an exclusive branded T-shirt, finisher’s medallion, virtual bib and 25 percent off general admission to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. A portion of participants’ entry fees and 100 percent of donations to the challenge will go directly to the Museum and its educational mission, helping ensure future generations understand the price of freedom.  

“Easy Company’s journey represents the courage, perseverance and shared sense of purpose demonstrated by millions of Americans who answered the call to serve during World War II,” said Adam Coste, WWII Historian for Digital Content at the Museum's Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. “By tracing their path from training camp to the front lines, participants can engage with this history in a personal way while honoring the men of Easy Company and the WWII generation at large. We are grateful to the Crescent City Classic for continuing to help us preserve and share these important stories.”

Registration for the 2026 WWII Challenge is open at www.ccc10k.com. Registration is $50, and individual and team registrations are available. Participants can begin logging miles Oct. 1 and have until Feb. 14, 2027, to complete their miles by running, walking, jogging or biking. Questions about the virtual race can be emailed to customer.service@ccc10k.com.

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About Crescent City Classic

The Crescent City Classic has been a part of the New Orleans running community since 1979, promoting health, fitness and fun through races and community events throughout the year. Best known for its iconic Crescent City Classic 10K held annually on Easter weekend, the organization produces events for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, from competitive athletes to casual participants and families. Through its races and the Run For It charity program, the Crescent City Classic brings people together through fitness while supporting nonprofit organizations and the Greater New Orleans community. All Crescent City Classic events are produced by the Crescent City Classic Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health, fitness and active lifestyles.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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